How Does Activated Charcoal Improve Skin?

Activated charcoal has the power to rejuvenate skin, but how?

You might have heard of activated charcoal being included in beauty products like masks, supplements, and even teeth whiteners—but what exactly is it, and how does it improve your skin?

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Let’s start by defining what activated charcoal is. You’re already aware of charcoal, the lumpy black material you use for barbecuing. Activated charcoal, also called activated charcoal, is “activated” by the addition of oxygen, which makes the charcoal more porous, with more surface area—and notably, absorptive properties, almost like a sponge.

This capacity for absorption is what makes activated charcoal ideal for water purification and tank filtering systems, but what makes it good for your skin?

Activated Charcoal in Face Masks

One of the most popular modern uses for activated charcoal is as an ingredient in facial masks—like our Clay Mask, with detoxifying and nourishing effects.

So how does it work?

Our skin is full of tiny pores, and throughout our daily lives, those pores become clogged with dust, dirt, grime, and toxins from our environment. With clogged pores, your complexion suffers, your skin is more prone to breakouts, you’re more likely to sustain damage, and your face feels downright grimy.

The activated carbon in a face mask actively binds with these dirt particles and toxins, pulling them out of your pores like a magnet. Ultimately, this makes your pores smaller and less visible, reduces your chances of pimples and blackheads, and leaves your skin feeling healthier and fresh.

Additionally, activated charcoal is great for balancing your oily skin. Our skin naturally produces oil, and needs oil to be healthy—but too much oil can be a bad thing, resulting in acne and general discomfort. Activated charcoal, when used sparingly, can reduce the excess oil on your skin, leaving it feeling neither oily nor dry, but “just right.” Some people even use it as a form of spot treatment, focusing only on one part of your skin.

If you’re interested in using the power of activated charcoal for your own face and skin, try one of our Clay Masks today! With activated charcoal, lecithin, and multiple types of clay, it’s the perfect solution for oily skin and clogged pores.