Black for beauty! Are charcoal skincare products worth the hype? Here’s the bare truth

Charcoal products are going off the shelf like hot cakes. But consumers needs to keep caution and here’s why

Those with acne-prone skin are probably familiar with the use of charcoal, though some people may not realize that it's also a legitimate skincare ingredient. It's not like you're holding onto something that's meant to manifest your future, though charcoal is a very legitimate ingredient.

You've probably seen charcoal labelled on various products, such as face masks, cleansers, and toners. The products' black color reflects the natural charcoal glow. Unless you're knowledgeable about its benefits, this can be a bit frightening.

What is charcoal

Charcoal is made from burning various components, such as wood, olive pits, and coconut shells. When hot air or acids break down the carbon in the materials, they form activated charcoal, which is very effective at absorbing various substances.

It can help remove dead skin cells and other harmful substances from our pores. It can also help keep the oil and other impurities from getting stuck in our skin.

Studies have shown that activated charcoal can help remove pollutants from the skin. This compound has become very popular in the skincare industry due to its ability to reduce the appearance of pores and improve acne.

If you're planning on using activated charcoal in your skincare routine, make sure that it's formulated with hydrating ingredients. This will prevent it from drying the skin.

What are the potential side effects of using charcoal skincare?

Since charcoal can absorb a lot of products, it's important to avoid using it too much. It can also cause dryness and irritation if it's used too frequently. To minimize this issue, she suggests only using charcoal face masks once a week.

One of the most important steps that you should take when it comes to introducing new active ingredients to your skincare routine is to perform a test patch. This will allow you to see if the product can trigger an allergic reaction.

Charcoal products to skip

Although activated charcoal products marketed as being able to detoxify your skin are often labelled as such, they can actually do more harm than good. Some of these products can cause vomiting, decreased nutrient absorption, and more.

Taking activated charcoal beverages directly into your body can also be very effective. Its ability to bind to certain medications can render both the nutrients and the juice unusable.

Both online and in pharmacies, activated charcoal capsules are also widely available. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals and constipation.

Charcoal toothpaste is also being promoted as a natural way to remove plaque and stains. Unfortunately, there's currently no evidence supporting the claims that it can effectively remove these harmful substances.