What Does Charcoal Do for your Skin?

When it comes to finding the best ingredients for your natural skin care routine, activated charcoal should be a top contender on your list.

For centuries, the rich, dark powder has been used for its purifying and detoxifying properties. While it can be taken orally and used for whitening teeth, we’re specifically going to focus on the benefits of activated charcoal on skin.

For more information about the internal benefits of charcoal, check out this article and speak with a healthcare professional.

What is Activated Charcoal?

In order for charcoal to absorb toxins (one of its main benefits), the surface area of the substance must be increased. To do this, it is activated.

What does it mean to be “activated”?

When charcoal is exposed to gas at a very high temperature, it becomes porous, which increases its surface area. This new porous structure has a negative charge to it… and as we know, negative ions have POSITIVE effects on the skin. When any toxic materials come in contact with the activated charcoal, it entraps them and prevents your body from absorbing these nasty toxins.

History of Activated Charcoal

The history of activated charcoal goes back over 5,000 years. The Egyptians first used charcoal for smelting ores and creating building materials. Their society also used it for its medicinal purposes (internal ailments) and for writing.

Later on, the Ancient Hindus and Mesopotamian societies discovered the antiseptic benefits of activated charcoal and used it to produce clean water sources. This practice continued on well into the exploration age as water was carried for months on ships during strenuous sea voyages.

Hippocrates and other enlightened thinkers in history knew of the many medicinal and practical benefits of activated charcoal; however, these uses didn’t become more mainstream until the 1700s and 1800s once science became more acceptable.

It wasn’t until the 1900s that we saw activated charcoal start to make its way into hygienic and beauty products.

What are the Skin Benefits of Activated Charcoal?

As mentioned before, activated charcoal is a wonderful ingredient to add to your natural skincare arsenal because of how versatile it is.

Activated charcoal is truly great for all skin types (who doesn’t need a good detox?); however, it will definitely make a more noticeable difference in oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.

1. Removes Toxins and Impurities

What’s the first word you think of when you hear “activated charcoal”? Detox.

Because of its negatively-charged porous structure, activated charcoal traps toxins that are deep down in your skin and helps pull them to the surface. This is extremely beneficial for anyone who is a daily makeup wearer. Even when we think we’re getting all the makeup off with a simple cleanse, some tiny particles may be missed. In order to avoid buildup, you’ll want to make sure any lingering makeup and dirt is removed completely.

We highly recommend incorporating a charcoal cleanser (for the face) and charcoal soap (for the body) into your routine a few times a week. (Note: There is a difference between our Charcoal Face Bar and Tea Tree Charcoal Botanical Soap. Our Charcoal Face Bar is formulated specifically for the delicate skin of the face. We do not recommend using the latter on the face.)

2. Combats Bacterial Acne

If you have acne-prone skin, activated charcoal is your new best friend. Acne can be frustrating, whether it’s a daily struggle or just a few pimples every now and then. Activated charcoal has antibacterial properties that (as it says) kill off acne-causing bacteria. The charcoal will help clear dirt and bacteria out of pores and calm down inflammation so that pimples either a) don’t form in the first place, or b) aren’t as noticeable and irritated.

3. Clears Pores & Blackheads

Even if you aren’t prone to blackheads, it’s important to make sure your pores are cleared of any dirt, excess oils, and toxins. When pores are clogged, the skin isn’t able to “breathe”. One of the purposes of pores is to produce sebum which keeps your skin moisturized and better protected from harmful environmentals and bacteria.

Blackheads are a clogged hair follicle. Too much dirt and sebum builds up and appears in the form of black “spot” inside the pore.

Not everything functions perfectly all the time, which is why our pores need the help of activated charcoal to purge the excess build up of sebum and dirt. Not only will the charcoal help to fight off the bacteria and give your pores a squeaky clean feeling, but it will also help work to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place.

4. Regulates Oil Production

Activated charcoal does wonders for oily skin. As we’ve mentioned before, its porous, negatively charged composition is great at absorbing excess oil due to the overproduction of sebum. One this excess oil is removed, you’ll be left with vibrant skin.

Even if your skin isn’t classified as “oil-prone”, sometimes we all need a deep cleanse. Make sure to not over do it and adjust usage accordingly. If you notice your skin is getting too dry, back off on charcoal skincare products for a few days.

5. Gently Exfoliates Skin

Activated charcoal does wonders for oily skin. As we’ve mentioned before, its porous, negatively charged composition is great at absorbing excess oil due to the overproduction of sebum. One this excess oil is removed, you’ll be left with vibrant skin.

Even if your skin isn’t classified as “oil-prone”, sometimes we all need a deep cleanse. Make sure to not over do it and adjust usage accordingly. If you notice your skin is getting too dry, back off on charcoal skincare products for a few days.

withSimplicity Activated Charcoal Face Bar

One of the best ways to incorporate activated charcoal into your natural skincare routine is with a charcoal face cleansing bar. Great for acne-prone and oily skin, each bar is handmade and cut by our team after weeks of formulation, mixing, and curing. While great for all skin types, charcoal is a natural, yet powerful, way to remove excess dirt and oil and to clear out pores.