Benefits of charcoal: Why you need this ingredient in your skincare routine

Charcoal is one of the trendiest skincare ingredients out there, making it a must-have in masks, face washes and even toothpastes. It got this popular because of its adsorptive properties, which means that has an electrical attraction that draws out toxins and bacteria like a magnet. It is also absorbent, so it can sop up oil better than anything else (even up to 200x better). Here's how it works on your skin. 

What is charcoal and how does it get activated?

“Charcoal is made by burning wood, coal or coconut shells but activated charcoal is when the burning is done under intense heat and the temperature is raised even further,” explains Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. “The carbon atoms of the charcoal are shed and therefore there are pores which are left behind. These pores are able to absorb all the toxins.” It’s basically like a sponge for soaking up surface dirt, oil that can form clogged pores, plus it has wound healing abilities too. Activated charcoal is available in the form of loose powder and tablets and its also commonly found in soaps, masks, exfoliating scrubs and hair and scalp treatments.

“If you have oily, acne-prone skin or even combination skin than you can use activated charcoal on the T-zone because that is the oiliest area,” recommends Dr Sharad. “It helps to reduce the oil which is produced from the sebaceous glands and it’s also great at unclogging the pores.” She doesn’t recommend it for dry or sensitive skin though as it can dry it out further.

How can you use charcoal-based products in your skincare routine

Since charcoal is an adsorbent product, dermatologists suggest against using it after applying an active ingredient as it can bind to it and render it inactive. But when the formula of a mask or scrub contains a chemical exfoliant like an AHA along with charcoal, the exfoliation and mattifying properties can be doubled. 

You can use it in cleansers and masks to remove impurities and leave your skin smoother and clearer. Dr Sharad recommends using it as a mask for best results, “Add a little bit of water or rose water to a charcoal mask or loose powder and very gently scrub your face before leaving it on for five minutes. Allow it to soak into the skin and absorb the oil and unclog your pores. Then, use lukewarm water to rinse it away. After this, wash your face with water again and apply a gel or water based moisturiser. This allows the charcoal to deep cleanse, reduce oiliness and help the skin look fresh and non-greasy.”

Also read:

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Can you really shrink your pores? We asked a skincare expert to answer all your questions

Why exfoliation could be the breakthrough step your skincare routine needs