The Benefits of Activated Charcoal Skincare Products

If you've been living under a rock the past few years, you may have missed the sudden surge in activated charcoal skincare products. From face scrubs, to bar soap, and pretty much everything in between; activated charcoal is taking over.

But what exactly is activated charcoal? And what makes it "activated"? 

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a fine, black, odorless powder made from heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, and coconut shells, to very high temperatures. During this process, the resulting charcoal is infused with oxygen, making it very porous. This high level of porosity is a much desired characteristic, and is where the moniker "activated" comes from. 

The history of activated charcoal

The first recorded use of activated charcoal dates back to 3750 B.C. when Egyptians used it for smelting ores to create bronze. It wasn't until 1500 B.C. that Egyptians began taking advantage of it's porous nature and started using it to absorb unpleasant odors. 

In 50 A.D. Hippocrates and Pliny pioneered the use of activated charcoal for medicinal purposes, using it to treat a wide range of ailments including: epilepsy, chlorosis, and vertigo.

What is activated charcoal used for today?

Activated charcoal offers a wide range of benefits in the modern world, including: beauty products, women and men's grooming products, gas masks, water filters, skincare products, and even underwear!

Due to its porous nature, it is also readily available in emergency rooms around the world to treat drug overdoses and poisonings. When taken orally, activated charcoal absorbs toxins and helps eliminate them from the body.

Activated charcoal skincare products

Activated charcoal gained popularity in skincare products due to it's porous nature, and ability to absorb built up toxins in the skin. It also offers a wide range of additional skincare benefits such as:

• Natural exfoliation - When used in bar soaps, and face scrubs, activated charcoal offers natural exfoliation against dry, dead skin, and helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown facial hairs.

• Absorbs excess oil - Activated charcoal's porous nature isn't limited to toxins. If you suffer from oily skin, using a activated charcoal face scrub or bar soap could solve the problem.

• Fights acne - Activated charcoal absorbs excess oil, exfoliates dead skin, and unclogs pores; effectively fighting 3 of the major causes of acne breakouts.

• Treats common skin conditions - If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, consider implementing a activated charcoal bar soap or body wash into your daily skincare routine.

• Treats dandruff - Dandruff sufferers rejoice! Activated charcoal shampoo is not only highly effective at eliminating this common skin condition, it's also very affordable.

Considering all the benefits activated charcoal offers, it's no wonder it's popularity in skincare benefits is on the rise.

How about you, have you used any activated charcoal products? What did you think? Likes? Dislikes? Let me know in the comment section.