What Is Charcoal?

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But before we begin, we should probably explain what charcoal is first. 

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We know that it’s dark, and chalky, but what exactly is it?

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Charcoal is obtained by heating substances containing carbon- such as wood, bamboo, or coconut shells- to a really high temperature in the absence of water. At these really high temperatures, charcoal becomes activated.

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Once activated, charcoal becomes an effective substance for filtration. This is because the substance has an affinity for toxins, meaning it attracts and binds them. 

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This is why charcoal is actually used in the hospital if someone has ingested a poison! It has also been used as a water filtration system since Ancient Phoenician times! WOW. 

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Charcoal Benefits for Skin

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Now that we know that charcoal actually benefits human beings on a larger scale, let’s see what sort of magic it can do for our skin.

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Eliminates Excess Oil

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We’ve mentioned that charcoal is really good at binding and soaking things up, right?

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Well, if you have oily skin- you’re in luck! Charcoal has been shown to absorb excess oil, leaving your skin grease free. 

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A great way to combat the excess oil is by using a cleanser that contains charcoal, once in the morning and once at night. The charcoal will ensure that all the excess oil is absorbed deep from within your pores, revealing a smooth and clean complexion. 

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Deeply Cleanses The Skin

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Because charcoal acts like a magnet, it binds to all impurities and dirt, causing them to wash away as soon as water is used. 

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If your skin is in need of a deep clean, try using a 3-in-1 gel cleanser that contains charcoal. This product acts as a cleanser, scrub, and mask all in one to ensure that your skin is cleansed from deep within your pores. 

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Fights Acne Away

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Because of charcoal’s ability to eliminate excess oil and impurities, it can also be great for fighting off acne. 

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By unclogging pores and binding to acne-causing irritants, this magnetic ingredient will ward off any acne that is caused by those culprits. 

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Reduces The Appearance of Blackheads

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It’s like a domino-effect! We mentioned that charcoal can unclog pores, so naturally that means it can also reduce the appearance of blackheads.

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Since, you know, blackheads are caused by clogged pores. 

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For the best results, use a peel-off mask that contains charcoal to reduce the appearance of blackheads. 

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Brightens Skin

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Some studies have highlighted charcoal’s potential benefit to brighten skin. 

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This will leave you with a glowing, radiant, eye-catching appearance. Thanks, charcoal! 

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Some Charcoal For Me, Please

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So all those celebs and influencers were onto something, and this charcoal trend is definitely not a fad! 

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From eliminating excess oil to fighting off acne, it almost seems like charcoal can do absolutely anything for the skin.

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Our only word of caution: if you have super dry skin, we would recommend you to avoid using charcoal. This is because it really does work like a magnet, and it may reduce the little oil and moisture that you have on your face. 

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If you’ve got oily skin, though, then charcoal is your new bestie. Use it in cleansers, face masks, or exfoliators, and you’ll find that your skin issues have been tamed. 

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