HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE CHARCOAL SKINCARE

Are you a skincare enthusiast obsessed with charcoal and its numerous benefits for the skin? If so, read below to ascertain how often you should use any charcoal-infused facial product.

Since time immemorial, charcoal-infused products have been at the center of the hype due to their myriad benefits in achieving healthy skin. There are a ton of products that have charcoal as their main ingredient, from facial cleansers to masks to toothpaste. No research study backs up the benefits of charcoal in the body and on the face. However, thanks to countless testimonials, people are starting to use charcoal-infused products.

What Is Charcoal?

Charcoal is the by-product of burnt carbon materials like wood chips and sawdust. Often, skin care experts use the terms activated charcoal and charcoal interchangeably, which is wrong because the two products are different based on how they work on the skin. Chen (2020) explained that activated charcoal is formed when inorganic chemicals and gases are infused into charcoal; the gas and chemicals perforate the charcoal-like a microscopic sponge. In essence, it uses dispersion forces to penetrate the skin, which makes it the perfect detoxifier. In medical fields, charcoal is used to eliminate toxins that cause medical conditions like gastrointestinal tract infections, poisoning, and nausea. Activated charcoal is present in exfoliating sponges, facial soaps and cleansers, masks, scalp treatment shampoos, and deodorants. It is also available in powder form and tablets.

How Often Should You Use Charcoal Skin Care Products?

Currently, there is limited research on the risks and benefits of using charcoal products for skin care. However, users have always had good reviews, with most saying that they experienced reduced acne breakout. Ko et al. (2020) explained that charcoal products are safe for skin use because they do not have a ton of risks; the risk may come only from overuse. If it is your first time using any charcoal skin care product, you should perform a patch test to ascertain its safety. The product is skin-friendly if the patch test does not result in any burning sensation, redness, or rashes.

Charcoal, especially activated charcoal, thrives well when in direct contact with the skin. It works best when left to settle on the skin for a while because it will have ample time to get rid of the toxins on the skin's surface. However, this is only true for charcoal masks because charcoal cleansers cannot be left for too long on the skin. It is vital to note that due to less research on charcoal skin care products, there is limited information on how often you should use them. Therefore, your use should be based on the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

If you have sensitive skin, you should limit using a charcoal mask or cleanser to once in two weeks. However, you can use the mask once or twice a week if you have normal-dry skin. Normally, it would help if you allowed our mask to sit on your face for 15 minutes to give your skin enough time to reap the mask's benefits. Therefore, ensure that you follow up with a good hydrating moisturizer to ensure your skin's protective barrier is not tampered with. Datta et al. (2018) explained that most charcoal masks are in gel and liquid form and packaged in tubes or sachets. When applied to the face, they dry out, cleansing and rejuvenating the skin. Most people have boasted myriad benefits after incorporating charcoal into their skincare routine. However, it is vital to note that when overused, charcoal products have the potential to dry out the skin, especially for people with sensitive skin. Remember to rinse your face with lukewarm water after your charcoal mask routine because, like any other mask, there may be small pieces of the mask on your face. Also, avoid using a cleanser after peeling off the charcoal mask as it may completely dry out your skin, thus irritating.

How To Use A Charcoal Mask

It is not guaranteed that your charcoal skin care product will work on your skin. However, by following the tips below, there is a great possibility that your face will reap the numerous benefits of charcoal.

• Choose a charcoal product from trusted skincare brands and if you purchase an over-the-counter product, make sure you speak to a certified skin care expert first.
• If you are new to charcoal skin care products, perform a patch test to ascertain if the mask is skin-friendly before use.
• Before using the charcoal product, use an exfoliator to eliminate the debris on the skin's surface. An exfoliator will ensure that your skin soaks in the charcoal.
• If you are applying a mask, make sure that you use your fingertips or a brush to ensure that the mask is evenly spread on your face.
• After applying the mask to your face, allow it to settle on your face for 10-15 minutes and peel after it has completely dried off.
• Follow up with a good hydrating moisturizer to prevent rough patches from forming on your skin.
• Repeat this process religiously, be it once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Benefits Of Charcoal In Skin Care

Improves Acne

Ali (2022) explained that acne is caused when the pores on the skin's surface clogging up with dirt, bacteria, and excess sebum. However, charcoal's antibacterial ingredients may help unclog the pores, thus reducing acne and pimple breakouts.

Removes Impurities From Skin

Activated charcoal helps to remove toxins in the skin. Therefore, regular use may improve your skin's appearance.

Conclusion

Over the years, activated charcoal has been used in several skin care products to boost healthy skin. Even though there is not enough research backing up the fact that charcoal helps can help you achieve glowing skin, most people have attested that charcoal is a good acne soother. You must choose your charcoal skin care product based on your skin type. You should choose a charcoal product with soothing ingredients like honey if you have sensitive skin. Also, if you are on a tight budget, you can make your charcoal mask home using natural ingredients.

References

Ali, I. Z. (2022). Evaluation of steroid hormone levels in patients with acne vulgaris.

Chen, K. (2020). Surface and Structure Engineering for Next-Generation Lithium Metal Batteries. South Dakota State University.

Datta, P., Mohi, G. K., & Chander, J. (2018). Vacuum Squeeze Filter Press for Coal Flotation Tailings-dee. Cc. Journal of Laboratory Physicians, 10(1), 6.

Ko Ko, T., Dickson-Gomez, J., Yasmeen, G., Han, W. W., Quinn, K., Beyer, K., & Glasman, L. (2020). Informal workplaces and their comparative effects on the health of street vendors and home-based garment workers in Yangon, Myanmar: a qualitative study. BMC public health, 20(1), 1-14.