The concept of facial masks might seem new to most people, but in reality, facial masks have been around for centuries. In recent years, however, facial masks, especially charcoal face masks, have become synonymous with high end skin care. The newfound popularity of the activated charcoal face mask has made it a must-have in most fashion influencers’ skin care routines.
Known to be a great detoxifying agent, activated charcoal is commonly used in soaps, shampoos, face washes, and toothpaste, among other products.
Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is made by heating charcoal in the presence of oxygen. This treatment changes the structure of the charcoal by making it porous while also increasing its surface area. The resulting material is porous enough to absorb and trap harmful chemicals and toxins.
Activated charcoal has been used as an emergency poison treatment as it can absorb and trap harmful chemicals. It has also been used to aid diarrhea, tooth whitening, and skin care.
Although it's made from the same base materials as the charcoal we use for grills and other heating equipment, activated charcoal is different and is safe to be consumed by humans.
1) Cleanses Your Pores
Due to its incredible molecular structure, activated charcoal is excellent at drawing out toxins, microbes, dead skin, and other particulate matter from your skin, leaving behind clear and bright skin.
2) Helps Reduce Acne
Acne is caused by the excess buildup of dead skin cells, toxins, oil, and bacteria that get stuck inside your pores, over time, can lead to inflammation, lesions, and pimples.
By removing all manner of impurities, including acne-causing bacteria, from your skin, activated charcoal face masks can effectively help with reducing and eliminating acne.
3) Purifies Your Pores
When used as a fine powder in face washes, face packs, and face masks, activated charcoal can penetrate deep into your skin’s pores and absorb all the impurities that clog them.
4) Brightens Your Skin
Your skin is resilient, and it can tough out most environmental factors, but over time, damage starts to accrue and affect its overall health. And although face washes and cleansers are good to use daily, an effective whitening and brightening peel off face mask can be used to help remove blackheads, unclog pores, clear toxins, excess oil, and dead skin, keeping it clean and supple. The activated charcoal face mask is also enriched with the goodness of mulberry extracts, turmeric oil, and vitamin C.
5) Reduces Excess Oil
Activated charcoal balances and controls your sebum production, the oily substance that your skin secretes to keep it healthy. But excess sebum can cause breakouts and acne.
In most cases, activated charcoal seems to be safe to use, and any adverse side effects are considered extremely rare.
Having said that, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. Before you try out your new activated charcoal face mask, do a quick patch test. Apply a small amount of the face mask on the skin inside of your elbow. If you notice that there isn’t any itchiness or redness within a few hours, then it’s most likely safe to use on your face.
Remember to use the face-mask once or twice a week. If your skin is particularly sensitive, then use it once every two weeks to be safe as the mask tends to dry out your skin.
Pro-Tip: As you need to leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes on your face, it’s recommended to include this activity in the night time as it might be more convenient for you.
For a complete skin care routine, explore the range of face packs and face masks that purify, and nourish your skin online from VLCC.