Activated charcoal. It has quickly become one of the trendiest ingredients on skincare shelves, but how good is it for your skin? We did some research to find out if it’s holy grail or just hype.
What is is
Activated charcoal is a carbon that’s been treated to increase it’s absorbency. It has been used in modern medicine for decades to treat patients who have ingested poison. The activated charcoal attaches itself to toxins inside the body and absorbs them before the bloodstream can.
Why it’s good for your skin
The reasons why activated charcoal works brilliantly in a skincare routine is similar to to why it’s so useful for medical professionals. It attracts dirt, oil and impurities in the skin and draws them out. When the dirt and oil inside your pores come into contact with the activated charcoal, they bind to it and then are washed away when you rinse.
How to use it
Activated charcoal works great in cleansers, peels and masks that get deep into your pores and give them a good detox. Choose products like the NEW Detox Charcoal Enzyme Peel that contains fruit enzymes and antioxidants to gently exfoliate the skin and protect from environmental damage.