Is charcoal good for oily skin? Charcoal has long been revered for its ability to absorb impurities and heal the skin. Historically, people have used this versatile substance in a number of medicinal preparations to treat everything from burns and rashes to parasitic infections. Today, medical professionals still recognize the many therapeutic benefits of charcoal-based creams, gels, and ointments. Dermatologists are particularly quick to sing the praises of such products, touting their ability to clear up acne breakouts, relieve redness and inflammation, and soothe sunburned skin. Whether applied topically or taken internally as a supplement, charcoal truly is a powerful skincare solution that every person should consider adding to their beauty regimen. However, is charcoal good for oily skin?
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Does charcoal help oily skin?
Yes, it does. Because some types of charcoal can absorb up to 200 times their weight in impurities, they are a great tool for reducing excess oil on the face and body. By taking away surface oils, charcoal helps minimize breakouts and reduces the appearance of large pores.
Charcoal benefits for the skin
There are many benefits of activated charcoal:
Absorb excess oil
When it comes to taking care of one’s skin, there are few things more important than regulating oil production. Too much oil can lead to acne and other unsightly blemishes, while an excess of dryness can leave skin feeling tight and flaky. One simple way to help keep oil levels in check is by using activated charcoal. This special type of charcoal is able to absorb excess oil on the skin, leaving your complexion smooth and clear. Whether you have oily or combination skin, adding activated charcoal to your skincare routines can be a great way to improve your overall appearance and boost confidence in your reflection.
Reduce breakouts
Breakouts are caused by a variety of factors, including excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria. While there are many potential treatments out there, activated charcoal is an increasingly popular option. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of charcoal, it can be used to effectively treat acne breakouts. The activated charcoal mask will help to deeply cleanse your pores and remove any impurities that could be causing your breakouts.
Soothe sunburns
If you’ve been out in the sun for too long and are now dealing with the pain and discomfort of a sunburn, a charcoal mask can help. The activated carbon in the mask will reduce inflammation and irritation while simultaneously soothing your damaged skin. When used topically, activated charcoal can also help to regulate moisture levels in the skin, keeping it soft and supple even as new cells are being generated.
Cleanse the skin
It is recommended to use activated charcoal as part of a cleansing routine. When used on the skin, activated charcoal helps to draw out impurities and excess oil. It can also help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. In addition, activated charcoal has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin. All of these make charcoal an ideal ingredient in a facial cleanser.
More: What Ingredients to Avoid for Oily Skin?
Exfoliate the skin
If you’re looking for an effective way to exfoliate your skin, you may want to try activated charcoal. This natural ingredient has long been used in skin care products, and for good reason. Activated charcoal is able to bind to dirt and impurities, drawing them out of the skin. At the same time, it helps to unclog pores and improve circulation. As a result, your skin will feel softer and smoother after using a product containing activated charcoal. In addition, this natural ingredient is gentle enough for all skin types, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. If you’re looking for an effective way to achieve radiant skin, try incorporating activated charcoal into your skincare routine.
How to use charcoal for oily skin?
There are 2 ways to use charcoal for the skin
Buy store-bought products containing charcoal
This is the easiest yet most effective way to introduce charcoal into your skincare routine. Many beauty brands now offer cleansers, masks, and exfoliants that contain activated charcoal as a key ingredient. Simply look for products labeled as “charcoal-based” or formulated with this special ingredient.
Make your own charcoal mask at home
If you prefer to DIY your skincare products, you can easily make your own charcoal mask at home. All you need is:
- activated charcoal powder (see recommended brand)
- a base ingredient like aloe vera gel (see recommended brand) or jojoba oil (see recommended brand)
Mix the two ingredients together, stir the mixture well to form a paste, and apply them to the face. Leave on for about 15 minutes before rinsing with water. For best results, use this mask 1-2 times per week.
Final thought
Is charcoal good for oily skin? Yes! Basically, you can add the charcoal powder to any skincare product to help improve the appearance of your skin. Some of the ideas: cleansers, masks, moisturizers, night creams... You can also make your own charcoal mask or buy a product from the store that contains activated charcoal to help address your oily skin. Whichever way you choose to use charcoal for the skin, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions.
More: Are Foaming Cleansers Good for Oily Skin?
References: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.0c00342
