Q: Charcoal mask ... how to use and its benifits

We would be surprised if you have never heard about activated charcoal to date. The popularity of activated charcoal is increasing, and it is used in most beauty products these days. It is used in face wash, cleansers, and face masks. As new as the whole activated charcoal application may sound, there is no clear evidence of the first-ever use of it in society.

Did you know?

The use of activated charcoal for water purification dates back to 400 B.C. when Indians and Phoenicians charred barrels before filling water in them.

The recent development in many beauty products suggests that the use of activated charcoal has increased over a few years. From toothpaste to facewashes, it is practically used with every product.

But, not many people know the real difference between charcoal and activated charcoal. If you are using a charcoal mask, you should know its uses, benefits, and side-effects. And, the charcoal mask is the buzz word in the beauty industry these days, which makes this even more critical for you to know.

What is activated charcoal?

Though the word activated charcoal is being used for a while now, understanding why is it gaining so much popularity is something we should all know. Activated charcoal or activated carbon, is a black powder that is produced when common coal is exposed to high heat. This creates small or tiny internal spaces in the charcoal that makes it highly-absorbent and enables it to trap toxins and chemicals.

So, if you are confused if it is the same charcoal you used on that barbeque last week, you are entirely wrong.

Benefits of using Charcoal masks

Activated charcoal has its benefits, including its high absorbent property. This property is the center of most of the applications of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a very new thing, and the information is limited to the product. But, here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal can absorb bacteria and toxins from the body. Hence, some experts believe that a charcoal face mask can help you get the impurities out of your face. Even the most poisonous substances in your skin can be easily absorbed by activated charcoal. Once all the impurities are removed from the skin, your skin starts glowing and prevents premature aging. This can lead to improving your skin health and give you a clear complexion.

Your skin has cells like every other body part that helps your tissues and organs perform the functions effectively. Your skin, especially your face, requires constant care to make sure that it does not go through any wear and tear frequently. Dead skin cells are bound to accumulate over the skin and inside the pores more often, but the excess of it can lead to the problem of acne. Charcoal face mask eliminates the dead skin cells effectively and enhances your complexion and skin health.

Acne, blackheads, or whiteheads are the results of grime and dirt in your skin cells that accumulate throughout the day, along with bacteria and infections. The activated charcoal facemask draws out all the impurities, even the cystic acne, which is a pus-filled lesion. It absorbs the excess sebum, pus, and stale impurities from within. You can use the entire charcoal mask or even spot treatments works in these cases.

Sometimes your skin produces more oil than required, and it happens mostly in the teenage phase where teenagers are fighting against the hormonal changes. When you apply the activated charcoal mask on your skin, it makes sure of the excess oil and balances the sebum level.

  1. Impurity removal

  2. Exfoliate your skin

  3. Treat your acne

  4. Excess oil dilemma

Risks of the charcoal mask

Now, the charcoal masks have enough benefits on your face and skin. But, there are some risks or side effects associated with it too.

Activated charcoal masks are known to take care of excess sebum on your skin. But, what you don’t know is, extended use of such masks for balancing the sebum on your skin can lead to further complications. If you have dry skin or using a charcoal mask more frequently, we recommend you stop it. It might absorb all the natural oils from your skin and ruin the situation further.

Due to the loss of sebum, your body might overwork to produce excess oil, and this may clog your pores. Clogging of pores may lead to acne problems, and the breakout of acne will become a frequent thing for your face.

Frequent use of the face mask might lead to water loss, irritation, and dryness. If the charcoal absorbs the moisture and oils from your skin, it will lead to flaking and dry skin.

  1. Loss of natural oils

  2. Worsen acne issues

  3. Dry skin issue

How to use charcoal mask?

Following is the DIY charcoal mask you can try for smooth and glowing skin.

Charcoal mask with Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera will add the much-needed nourishment and soothing effect required by your skin. If you are wondering how to make this mask, here are some steps you need to follow.

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and water in a small dish. Mix it well till they don’t reach a consistent texture.
  2. Apply to clean, dry skin with a brush.
  3. Leave it there for about 20 minutes.
  4. Rinse it thoroughly or wipe it clean with a wet towel.

Bottom line

Activated charcoal masks are used for a while now, but it is still in its nascent phase of development. The research is ongoing, and some of the benefits can be very attractive. But, do take into consideration the side effects or the risks that are associated with using a charcoal mask.

@Nykaa Army @Nykaa Beauty  @Sudeshna Panja @Mawra iffath @Aiyushi Malhotra @Rimjhim Chaudhary @Darshana Deshmukh @sowmya mamilla 

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