Acne-causing bacteria can trigger pimples and other inflammatory lesions, resulting in irritation, redness, and swelling. The antibacterial properties of activated charcoal, however, may help lift bacteria from the pores. This may help with reducing acne and improving overall skin complexion.
Charcoal effectively clears clogged pores of dirt and impurities, the build-up of which causes acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. You can make an acne mask using activated charcoal, clay powder, and apple cider vinegar.
1. Clearer skin, smaller pores, and less oil. Activated charcoal pulls out toxins and other impurities from your skin to leave it extra-clean. Use a face mask and cleanser with activated charcoal to reduce acne and create a clearer complexion.
Because research has shown that activated charcoal can absorb toxins in your body, some beauty experts believe that a charcoal face mask can help draw impurities and dirt from your skin. Reduces acne breakouts. An accumulation of sebum (skin oils) and bacteria can clog your pores, resulting in breakouts.
Treating acne scars and blemishes just got easier, ladies! All you need to do is use activated charcoal on your facial skin to get rid of the scars. Thanks to its slightly abrasive texture, charcoal helps slough away the dead skin on top of the acne scars, thereby revealing new skin beneath.
Activated charcoal can cleanse the pores of the skin and clear bacteria, dirt and oil clogging them. Activated charcoal is known to be excellent for clearing acne and blackheads, lightening blemishes, reducing oiliness and also for whitening teeth.
While it is advised to consult with your doctor around dietary guidance and curating the proper beauty regimen, our experts share that salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and topical retinoids like adapalene are the most effective ingredients to treat and prevent acne.
"Depending on the needs of your skin, it can be used anywhere from one to three times a week, as it will cleanse your pores and neutralize some environmental toxins," Dr. Shamban tells me via email. "Do not use daily as it can soak up the natural oils and moisture in your skin."
Charcoal Masks for Acne Scars
The slightly abrasive nature of charcoal masks can effectively exfoliate skin, and this quality may be beneficial in reducing the appearance of acne scars by improving texture over time.
“Charcoal can absorb dirt, chemicals, toxins, and some acne-causing bacteria from the skin,” Mokaya explains. “Charcoal also has anti-inflammatory properties and decreases the inflammation associated with acne.” To add charcoal, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to your skin care routine, she suggests this cleanser.
That's why charcoal masks can remove bacteria that may clog your pores and cause acne and blackheads. Oily skin can be acne-prone, so using a charcoal face mask every so often may help your skin stay clear. Because charcoal masks can be drying, using them frequently may irritate your skin.
If you have oily skin, look for a charcoal mask that contains clay. This ingredient may help absorb excess oil on your skin. It may also help clean out your pores and prevent acne breakouts. If you have dry skin, choose a charcoal mask with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, olive oil, or jojoba oil.
Mix up a detoxifying mask
Charcoal draws out impurities from your skin and leaves it feeling extra clean. Mix a teaspoon with water to form a paste, and add a squeeze of honey. Leave on for 5-10 minutes.
Toothpaste is a popular beauty hack for getting rid of blackheads. While toothpaste does contain some blackhead-fighting ingredients, it may also contain unwanted ingredients that can irritate skin. Using toothpaste to remove blackheads is considered an off-label treatment and is not recommended by dermatologists.
It can be very tempting — and satisfying — to squeeze out or pop blackheads. However, squeezing out blackheads can create several problems: You may not remove the entire blackhead. You may even push the blackhead further into your skin, which can cause painful irritation.
Cheeks. Share on Pinterest Friction or rubbing of the skin may cause acne on the cheeks. Breakouts on the cheeks can occur as a result of acne mechanica, which develops due to friction or rubbing of the skin.
The buildup of dust, dirt, oil and sebum that sits on your scalp can hamper your hair's quality and affect its growth. Charcoal helps cleanse these impurities, draws our sebum and clarifies oil buildup. This leaves the skin on the scalp free and lets your hair breathe at the root, thus promoting hair growth.
Activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings, reduce intestinal gas (flatulence), lower cholesterol levels, prevent hangover, and treat bile flow problems (cholestasis) during pregnancy.
Charcoal has a range of benefits for hair, in that it exfoliates and detoxifies, removing oil, grime and buildup. It can also be used on those with itchy scalps. Deep cleansing: Charcoal often shows up in "detoxifying" products or products meant to allow the hair a reset moment.
Mamaearth Charcoal Face Wash is enriched with natural ingredients and can be used twice a day on oily skin.