Activated Charcoal For the Skin:
The use of activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is becoming increasingly popular in the beauty and health industries. This naturally-derived substance is highly sought after for its potential skin benefits. But how can activated charcoal for the skin be beneficial? We’ll explore this shortly.
Currently, activated charcoal is a key ingredient in various personal care products, including toothpastes, bath and body scrubs, facial cleansers, shampoos, and a range of other cosmetic items.
In this post, we’re going to dive into what activated charcoal really is, as well as explore its various uses and benefits. This will help you determine whether it’s a product you might want to try out in specific applications.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated carbon, an odorless black powder, is recognized for its potent absorption properties, which are believed to be beneficial in skincare. Its most celebrated claim is the ability to draw oils and dirt from clogged pores in the skin. However, it’s important to note that much of the information surrounding activated carbon in skincare is based more on theories and personal testimonials rather than concrete facts.
You may have heard of activated charcoal as being used in emergency rooms to help treat overdoses, GI tract infections or nausea. In fact, it has the ability to remove toxins from the body.
Activated charcoal is derived by superheating natural sources that are rich in carbon, such as wood or sawdust. This process involves burning these materials until they turn into a fine black powder.
The production of activated charcoal results in an increased surface area, creating more pores in each molecule. This enhances its binding capabilities, making it somewhat of a “sticky-type” substance. This characteristic is a key reason for its popularity in facial masks.
Generally, activated charcoal appears to be safe for use, as there are not many documented cases of reactions or irritations. This safety profile is potentially another reason why many companies have started incorporating this ingredient into their new product lines.
How is Activated Charcoal Used Today?
Activated charcoal finds its way into a variety of uses. You might consider making an activated charcoal face mask, or using it as a natural component in homemade scrubs, soaps, and other cleansing products.
However, the real question is whether there are distinct advantages to using activated charcoal over other additives. The truth is, concrete and consistent data on its positive effects on the skin are somewhat scarce.
Despite this lack of extensive evidence, the popularity of activated charcoal has not diminished. Its presence in an overwhelming number of products, ranging from small business offerings and DIY projects to large-scale cosmetic company lines, is a testament to its ongoing allure in the beauty and skincare market.
Potential Benefits of Activated Charcoal For The Skin:
As previously mentioned, our search for concrete data on the various uses of activated carbon yielded limited results.
In theory, the applications of activated charcoal seem logical. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that much of the evidence supporting its benefits appears to be largely anecdotal.
Cleanse and Detox The Skin?
Activated charcoal does in fact have absorption properties. Hence, has become touted for it’s ability to attract dirt and other impurities that are burrowed deep in your skin.
In theory, after applicated to the skin, helps to cleanse, and purify, creating a detoxing-like affect. These effects may lead to a healthier looking complexion. Additionally, aiding to bettering overall skin health, which surely, is ultimate goal.
Wound Healing Properties:
Some evidence also indicates that certain wound dressings that contain activated charcoal with silver, may help to decrease bacteria. Possible effects of these dressing may also help with wound healing time.
Acne Control?
Theoretically, the absorption properties of activated charcoal could aid in lifting or removing bacteria from skin pores.
Acne is often caused by various factors, such as excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. In this context, activated charcoal might hypothetically help in controlling acne outbreaks. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that more comprehensive research and data are needed to substantiate these claims.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that many products containing activated charcoal for acne treatment also include other commonly used acne-fighting agents or ingredients. This is an important factor to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of activated charcoal in skincare.
Teeth Whitening:
Many different brands of toothpaste now have an activated charcoal line.
Some potential benefits being:
- Antiviral
- Antibacterial – (help with bad breath)
One research study in 2019 compared different toothpastes w/ whitening agents compared to a control toothpaste that did not have a whitening agent. All with a whitening agent (including activated charcoal) improved whitening of teeth after continued use.
* However, the one containing activated charcoal was second to other toothpastes with microbeads, hydrogen peroxide, and blue covarine. This also gives very little proof that it helps with whitening w/o an additional known tooth whitening agent.
Final Thoughts!
Activated charcoal has become a sizable market in cosmetics, and bath & beauty product lines, it seems. However, more research is needed to clarify it’s benefits for skin applications.
We found almost no recorded adverse reactions to the proper use of activated charcoal on the skin. However, it’s up to you as an individual to do your due diligence when deciding if it is right for you.
Please be sure to share any experiences you may have had with activated carbon.
References:
- https://spagoddess.com/blogs/spagoddess-wellness-blog/the-benefits-of-activated-charcoal-for-your-skin
- https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/beauty/detox-and-beautify-your-skin-and-hair-with-activated-charcoal/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322609#what-is-activated-charcoal
- https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcp.12793
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2013-08/activated-charcoal-bottom-line-monograph
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438662/
