Most people know the use of charcoal products for skin care, especially facial wash. The common types of questions arise; What exactly does charcoal do for the body? Is it safe or harmful? What are the pros and cons of using charcoal?
Charcoal has long been used as a natural remedy for various health problems. It is also known as activated carbon because it absorbs toxins from the air. Charcoal is often recommended for detoxification purposes.
It is important to note that charcoal should only be consumed under medical supervision. This is due to its ability to absorb certain chemicals from the digestive system. For example, charcoal can remove heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic from the body. However, if you have any existing conditions with your liver then this may not be good for you.
What is Charcoal Made Out Of?
The main ingredient in charcoal is carbon. Carbon is an element found in all living things. The human body contains about 60% carbon by weight. In addition to carbon, charcoal contains other elements like oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, bromine, iodine, manganese, aluminum, and silicon.
How Does Charcoal Work On The Body?
The process of absorbing toxins begins when they enter our bodies through the mouth, nose, or lungs. Once inside the body, these toxins will pass through the stomach into the small intestines where some of them will attach themselves to the lining walls (known as the intestinal wall).
From there, the gastrointestinal tract carries the toxins back to the large intestine by way of movement. This is why people get constipated when their intestines become blocked. If we don’t use natural methods, these toxins will eventually end up being excreted through urine, sweat, tears, mucus, saliva, perspiration, and feces. When these toxins leave the body via one of these fluids, they carry along with the toxins they were bonded to. These are called “toxins”.
If there is enough exposure to a toxin, it could lead to damage to the cells and organs within the body. This can cause diseases or illnesses which could shorten one’s life span.
Skin Benefits Of Charcoal
The skin protects us against external factors. From bacteria to viruses, the skin is our first line of defense against infections. According to researchers, the skin consists of two layers – the epidermis and dermis. The outer layer is composed of dead cells while the inner layer is comprised of blood vessels and connective tissue.
When we expose ourselves to harmful substances, the toxins might stick to dead cells and infiltrate deep into the dermal layer. Because of this, the dermis will swell causing redness in the affected area(s) of the skin. On top of that, the pores on the surface of the skin will widen allowing further entry of harmful materials. This is where charcoal comes in handy.
By absorbing the toxins from the body, charcoal helps prevent the toxins from entering the bloodstream. As a result, the skin will remain clear and healthy. The toxins absorbed by the charcoal particles will bind to it instead of attaching themselves to the skin. This will allow the toxins and those attached to it to travel deeper into the skin than before.
Is Charcoal Good For Skin Whitening?
Yes! Charcoal has been used since ancient times to treat many disorders including eczema, acne, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy, hives, and more. It also works wonders for whitening dark spots and blackheads.
In recent years, studies indicate that charcoal is effective in treating skin problems such as dermatitis and psoriasis.
What Kind Of Skin Is Charcoal Good For?
Charcoal is versatile because it comes in a variety of forms: powder, granules, tablets, and even liquid form. Since it absorbs toxins, most products containing it are designed for external use. However, if your situation calls for internal treatment, you can take charcoal pills or capsules.
It is recommended to use charcoal externally because it cannot penetrate the bloodstream. Using charcoal internally is not encouraged unless your doctor specifically prescribes it for you.
Can Charcoal Remove Pimples?
Yes! In fact, some experts recommend its use for removing dark spots. Those who are suffering from melasma may also benefit from using charcoal. Many brands of charcoal contain various skin bleaching agents to help eliminate discoloration on the face caused due to environmental factors like sunspots, aging, etc.
Using Charcoal Face Mask
For those who want an easy way to get rid of unwanted facial marks, charcoal masks are an excellent option.
I am happy to share my experience with you as to how charcoal masks work on my skin. With regular usage, some blackheads were reduced within only 3 months. Other blackheads were lighter in color but not gone, which means they still needed further treatments. In any case, the results were good enough to make me look fresh all day long.
Popular Charcoal Mask
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask
Blackhead Peel Off Face Mask, SHVYOG 3-in-1
Nature Nation Blackhead Removal Mask
How To Use a Charcoal Face Mask
First off, cleanse your skin thoroughly. Then apply the mask evenly over your entire face without rubbing. Leave it undisturbed until the mask dries completely. When it’s dry, carefully peel it off with your fingers. If your skin looks irritated after using a charcoal face mask, contact your dermatologist or physician immediately to avoid any complications
Cleansing With Activated Charcoal
If you have sensitive skin, you should know about the cleansing properties of charcoal. Some people find the process messy and uncomfortable when using such products. But I believe there is no better alternative to removing dirt from the pores than charcoal. The truth is it does not cause irritation or swelling at all. Instead, it acts as a gentle scrubbing agent for your face.
Activated charcoal is available in liquid, lotion, and powder form. It is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin. For those who suffer from whiteheads (and especially those who love their makeup), try mixing 2-3 drops of charcoal lotion with their usual moisturizer. You’ll be amazed at how effective it works.
If you really want to see dramatic changes in your complexion, ask your dermatologist for advice first. They will give you specific instructions on how to use charcoal effectively so as to achieve your desired result.
