With more people leaning towards incorporating natural products into their skin care and hair care routine, the search for new and beneficial ingredients is always on. One such ingredient that has gained immense popularity in the last few years is activated charcoal products. Activated charcoal soaps, face washes and shampoos are substituting synthetic products slowly but surely. Here is everything that you need to know about activated charcoal soaps and its benefits.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is simply charcoal that has been tweaked for medicinal applications. Regular charcoal is heated to high temperatures using a gas. This makes the molecular structure of charcoal expand, creating a porous surface. The porous surface absorbs toxins and impurities roughly thousand times its weight.
The use of activated charcoal goes back as far as during the World War I. It was said to be used as a lining on gas masks by soldiers in order to prevent the exposure to any dangerous gases. In the early 20th century, activated charcoal was used to remove toxins and impurities present in water used for human consumption.
How Activated Charcoal Works?
Since activated charcoal is extremely porous, the pores can contain a large number of molecules, atoms and ions. The pores end up absorbing all the toxins that are in the form of these molecules. The super absorbency property is thus the mechanism of working of activated charcoal.
Skin & Hair Benefits of Charcoal Soap
1. Prevents oily skin
Oily skin is a common issue during the summer. For those who suffer from oily skin, charcoal soaps are your best bet. Charcoal not only absorbs the excess sebum production but also extracts toxins that clog the pores. This gives the skin a non-greasy appearance, making it look healthy and youthful.
2. Removes dead skin cells
Since charcoal acts as a deep cleanser, using a charcoal soap on a regular basis helps clean out all the dead skin cells that may be building up in the pores. It is also said to be a gentle exfoliator which also contributes to removing dead skin cell accumulation. This will give you squeaky and clean, flawless skin.
3. Fights acne
Activated charcoal soaps are also effective in treating acne and acne scars. If you are suffering from frequent acne breakouts, the charcoal will remove any bacteria and impurities that lead to formation of acne.
4. Shrinks visible pores
Given the current scenario of air pollution, going out in the smoke and dust significantly damages your skin quality and texture. Increased exposure to this kind of an environment will make your pores look more prominent and enlarged. Large pores also lead to the formation of cystic breakouts. Thus, another benefit of using a charcoal soap is that it not only cleanses the pores but also shrinks it in size.
5. Anti-aging properties
Charcoal soap can be used by those who want to fight the first signs of aging. Since loose skin is an indication of aging, activated charcoal helps with firming and tightening the skin at a pretty fast pace. Thus, it is a natural way of preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Premature aging, dullness of the skin and hyperpigmentation is also prevented.
6. Treatment of Psoriasis
Since activated charcoal is a great physical exfoliant, apart from removing dead skin, dirt and grime, it also treats skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Activated charcoal face soap will prevent the disease from recurring as well. Since it is all natural, chances of it causing further issues is very slight.
7. Treats dandruff
A natural charcoal soap is useful not just for the skin, but also the scalp. It can double up as a shampoo. If it is used as a shampoo, it will treat a dry and flaky scalp. This, in turn, prevents the formation of dandruff and itchiness.
8. Compatible with all skin types
An issue with some natural ingredients is that they may not work for all different skin types. For example, an ingredient that works perfectly fine on the dry skin type might end up making another person’s skin look oily and greasy. Activated charcoal soaps, on the other hand, can be used for every skin type. If you have oily skin, it helps to remove the excess moisture and if you have dry skin, it will moisturize and hydrate the skin from within. It also works great for those who have extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin.
9. Relives allergies
If you are suffering from any skin allergy, rashes, or even a bee sting and your skin are feeling extremely irritated, all you have to do is to use a charcoal soap on the affected area. This will immediately reduce the stinging and itching.
10. Whitens the teeth
Apart from being a miracle product for the hair and skin, activated charcoal can also be used to whiten your teeth. All you need to do is to add a dab of charcoal soap to the toothpaste that you use on a daily basis and brush your teeth with it. However, make sure that you do not swallow it.
Misconception About Charcoal Soap
- A major misconception when it comes to charcoal soaps is that it can treat very severe acne. Little to no research supports this claim.
- The amount of charcoal that is used in a soap product might actually be quite insignificant in order to completely cleanse and clear the skin.
- Ingesting activated charcoal will actually end up addressing your body’s toxicity via the digestive system. This gives the body toxins no chance to make it to your skin.
- Activated charcoal does not curb the sebum production in the skin which is a major reason of teenage acne.
