5 benefits of activated charcoal for beautiful, radiant skin

When we talk about skin care, activated charcoal is one of the most mentioned ingredients. However, many are unaware of the real benefit contained in this compound and the care needed when using it. Therefore, dermatologist Dr. Aline Tiemi Asahi Baptista (CRM 176607) spoke more about the subject and gave tips on how to use this component. Follow up!

What is activated carbon?

Very different from the charcoal used in barbecues, activated charcoal is produced from specific woods burned at a temperature ranging from 800 °C to 1000 °C and in an environment with low oxygen content. According to Dr. Aline Tiemi, activated charcoal “has the main action of removing impurities, because it absorbs them through its porosity. It is indicated to do a deeper cleaning, removing the oily and dirty aspect”.

Activated charcoal benefits

Nature is surprising and several ingredients extracted from it have numerous benefits. And of course, it would be no different with activated charcoal. It has amazing properties and the guest dermatologist explained the main ones. Check out:

• Helps Acne Skin: “Helps control oil and unclog pores, helping to reduce the amount of blackheads and pimples (when combined with a good skincare routine suitable for oily skin),” said Dr. Aline.
• Absorption of impurities: Dr. explained that activated carbon “absorbs impurities from pores, removing accumulated pollution, product residues and makeup”.
• Improves the appearance of the skin: activated charcoal can make the skin smoother and more uniform, in addition to being an ally in the fight against sagging and wrinkles.
• Skin care: “activated charcoal prepares your skin to receive and absorb other products, so its use enhances other treatments, allowing the actives to act more easily”, added the dermatologist.
• Stronger hair: the action that occurs on the skin, can also happen to the hair when using products that contain this component. Then, charcoal plays a detoxifying effect on the hair and scalp, removing oil, pollution and even chemical residues.

The properties present in activated charcoal bring many benefits to the skin when used correctly. However, Dr. Aline warns: “in no way replaces specific treatments for each skin type or brings great benefits if used alone”. Therefore, always consult your dermatologist for the correct indications for use.

5 ways to use activated charcoal and take advantage of all its properties

Being a powerful component, activated charcoal should be used responsibly and always with the advice of your dermatologist. In addition, “activated charcoal is drying, its use is mainly as an adjuvant to other treatments, and oily skin is the one that benefits the most from this type of active”, added Aline. So, below, check out the main ways to use this ingredient. Look that:

1. Soap

A good skin care routine starts with cleansing. Therefore, activated charcoal soap is excellent for eliminating oil and detoxifying the skin. It can be used once or twice a day.

Where to buy: It can be found in pharmacies, cosmetics stores and even supermarkets.

2. Exfoliating

The charcoal-based exfoliator offers a deep clean, as it combines the removal of dead cells with the absorption of impurities present in this ingredient. So, if you want to integrate this product into your skincare routine, only use it once a week.

Where to buy: physical and online cosmetics stores, pharmacies and large supermarket chains.

3. Face Mask

Face masks are an excellent way to treat the skin on your face, especially with the properties of charcoal. When used correctly, the mask can help minimize pores, promote oil control, and help improve the absorption of other products. You can find ready-to-use masks easily and use it once a week.

Where to buy: It can be found in online or physical cosmetics stores and pharmacies.

4. Serum

With a light texture and easy absorption, the serum can be adopted into the skincare routine and used daily. Therefore, depending on the rest of the composition, its use can vary between 1 to 2 times a day.

Where to buy: This product can be found in pharmacies.

5. Shampoo

Shampoo with charcoal properties helps to unclog the scalp, helping to eliminate dandruff and hair growth. The recommendation is to use this product only once a week, alternating with another shampoo of your choice.

Where to buy: you can find it in online stores, cosmetics stores and pharmacies.

“Homemade products based on activated charcoal are riskier to use, as it is a product with a high capacity to irritate more sensitive skins. The best thing is to buy products from trusted brands and strictly follow the manufacturer’s guidelines”, added Drª Aline Tiemi.

Cautions and Contraindications

A lot of care is needed when using any skincare product. According to dermatologist Aline, “care must be taken when including activated charcoal in the daily routine, so that it does not remove the skin’s natural protection. People with more sensitized or dry skin should not adhere to this product due to the risk of irritation”.

More information about activated carbon

When taking care of our skin, all information is welcome. So check out three videos with more extra tips to get the most out of activated charcoal. Follow:

Unraveling the properties of activated carbon

Biochemical pharmacist Angela Xavier tells in this video how activated charcoal works and all its features. In addition, she teaches a simple lesson on how this ingredient is formed. It is worth checking!

How to make an activated carbon mask

Because it is such a powerful ingredient, activated charcoal must be used correctly so that its effects do not harm the skin. Therefore, Dr. Rafael Freitas, teaches step by step how to make an activated charcoal mask at home.

Activated charcoal mask effect

Learn in detail what the effects of the activated carbon mask are. Watch the video by beautician and cosmetologist Glória Toledo to learn, with a detailed explanation, how to use this component and how it works on the skin.

Regardless of how you use the properties of activated charcoal, always remember to consult your dermatologist. In addition, follow the instructions for use indicated on the product packaging. Thus, your skin will be safe and radiant. And if you’re looking for more skincare tips, check out how to do a skincare routine for oily skin.