What’s the first image that pops into your head when you think of charcoal? This unattractive, simple-looking substance has had innumerable uses since the ancient times, but it hardly inspires you to think “clean and pretty”, let alone miracle-working for your zits and other skin impurities. Yet this not-so-lovely ingredient has become the latest beauty magic trick for many enthusiasts out there.
It’s mighty potency to absorb toxins and other harmful micro-elements is the main reason behind its usage in skin exfoliators, toothpaste and soaps everywhere. If you’re already turning to Mother Nature for healthy recipes – look no further. Activated charcoal is a promising solution to many of your beauty issues.
Oily, dry, sensitive, combo? AC has you covered
You might think that it could be too harsh on your rosy complexion or that only oily skin can benefit from using such a powerful exfoliator, but the truth is quite simple. Any skin-type will benefit from an occasional deep cleanse, and that is precisely what charcoal does.
When used in a facial cleanser, activated charcoal collects and gently scrubs off dead skin cells, excess oil and other impurities. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can use cleansers with smaller quantities and finer charcoal powder to prevent over-drying your skin.
Get rid of those zits, acne and blackheads
Due to our modern lives, we spend most of our time in skin-demanding environments with harsh conditions, whether that’s heat, cold, dirt, makeup, you name it, our skin needs to cope with it every day. It’s no wonder that breakouts are such a common issue, not to mention the problems teens face thanks to their hormonal changes.
Activated charcoal is an all-natural solution for skin that is prone to those frequent breakouts, clogs and inflammation. When used properly, it can help purify and detox your skin, without harming your already damaged complexion, but reinforcing and repairing its natural oily barrier and elasticity.
Daily black magic
Even if you have a lovely complexion, and you want to keep it that way in these challenging conditions, a charcoal product or two won’t hurt, on the contrary. Whether it’s using a gentle soap based on this ingredient, or relying on an occasional whole-body scrub, make the most of natural charcoal skin care to prevent any future issues no matter your skin type.
It’s more than enough to introduce a weekly wash for your entire body, and you can include a gentle soap infused with charcoal to start and finish your daily face-cleaning routine. When you feel that your T-zone could use an extra hand, activated charcoal masks will do wonders for your pores.
Reclaim your locks
But this wonderful substance is not only a generous cleanser for your facial pores and your body. What about your scalp, especially if you use various styling products? Once again, nothing can compare to an all-natural cleanser such as charcoal, as its gritty texture will rid your hair of excess oil and buildup of dirt and toxins.
Using a shampoo or an all-purpose soap that is hair-friendly can help your scalp breathe again, improve your microcirculation so that new strands can grow with ease, and prevent dandruff, itching and other types of irritation. But don’t worry, it will not make your hair lose its shine, quite the opposite! Now that your scalp is revitalized, your hair will regain its natural bounce and volume.
So, what’s the verdict? This ruffian of a substance may seem harsh at first glance, but don’t let its appearance deceive you one bit! Thanks to its natural cleansing properties, you can ditch all those bottles and packs of different exfoliators and use this single ingredient to purify your skin from head to toe.
