Charcoal for Skin: Does It Really Work?
By Genevieve Cunningham
We’ve all heard of exotic ingredients that are supposed to make our skin glow like never before. We’ve heard of coconut oil and Vitamin C serum and all sorts of berry extracts. But the newest thing on the market may actually surprise you. For many people, clear and beautiful skin is coming from none other than … charcoal. If this thought makes you feel a little dirty, rest assured that we’re not talking about any old charcoal. We’re talking about a special kind that is activated and made specifically for the skin. But even with that knowledge, what gives? Does it work? Is it worth it? Take a look at these reasons to give charcoal for your skin a second glance.
It Helps With Toxins
Did you know that special kinds of charcoal are actually used in medicine as poison control? Crazy, huh! Charcoal has an ingredient that causes many kinds of chemicals to bind to it. This causes the chemical to cling to the charcoal, and ultimately leave your body. For your skin, the theory is the same. Rubbing this special charcoal on your skin may help remove dirt and grime and toxins on the surface of the skin. Just don’t reach for the charcoal at the bottom of the grill. You’ll definitely want to buy the kind made especially for skin in order to reap these benefits.
It Makes Pores Look Smaller
It’s the dirt and oil in your pores that causes them to appear large. When charcoal has time to work on your skin, it pulls that dirt and grime out, and your pores look smaller as a result. Don’t believe it? Just give it a try over a regular basis, and take some pictures as proof. You’ll likely notice that even though the pores might still be visible, their general appearance will be much smaller and smoother.
It is an Exfoliator
We already know that exfoliation is good for the skin. With charcoal, you can cleanse, exfoliate, and bring all of these extra bonuses to your skin in one step. Charcoal is gentle as an exfoliator, but it still gets the job done. Apply lightly, let it dry, and then wash it off with a damp rag in small circular motions.
If you haven’t jumped on this new craze, it might actually be worth giving a try. Be diligent in the kind of charcoal that you buy so that you have the best available for your skin. But once you find it, follow the directions and watch the magic happen on your fresh new skin.