If you’re looking for a natural beauty product that packs a pretty punch then look no further than activated charcoal. Currently a heavyweight in the beauty bags of bloggers and beauticians, this little black gem boasts an array of skincare benefits. For a clear complexion that will be free from acne, blackheads and a shiny T-Zone, activated charcoal could be your new skincare saviour.

Introducing activated charcoal

It’s everywhere at the moment. From teeth-whitening, to celebrity endorsements, as well as trending on Instagram. Activated charcoal has made a big entrance and it’s here to stay. But what is it? Activated charcoal is an ingredient made from mixing materials like coconut, nutshells and bamboo with hot gases.

The result is something that works hard to absorb toxins and impurities. You’ll find it in exfoliators, cleansers, and face masks. The main thing to know is that it’s really effective in helping the skin look and feel its best. It’s also black, but that doesn’t take much getting used to. Our Beauty Team take you through which conditions it can help and why it’s time to follow the trend.

Beautiful cheerful couple laughing while putting on a mud masks to exfoliate their skin wearing white robes in the bathroom

Acne

Acne happens when the pores on your skin get blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. For a lot of us, it’s still common well into our twenties. An activated charcoal facial scrub or face mask should trap any bacteria and dirt that’s in your pores, removing it when washed away. Not only does activated charcoal absorb toxins already in your pores, it’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which means it can reduce acne and prevent new spots from forming.

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Oily skin

You probably already use a facial scrub and wash as part of your daily skincare routine. If you still have oily skin, it’s not really working. An activated charcoal exfoliator will remove excess oil, providing a deep clean while also removing dirt and bacteria.

If your skin is oily you probably don’t want to put cream on it. That’s understandable. More cream, suggests more oil. But it’s worth trying an activated charcoal face cream or mask. It will work with the exfoliator, absorbing any grime rather than adding to it.

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Young guy applying charcoal nose strip for deep nose pores cleaning. Male beauty and skincare concept

Blackheads

Blackheads are annoying and difficult to get rid of. We all have them, but there are ways to clear them. By regularly using an activated charcoal cleanser or wipe on your T-zone and chin you’ll find that they start to clear. The toxins, dirt and excess oil will all be absorbed - it’s one of the best ways to get rid of them. Cleansers and wipes are perfect for everyday use, but to really get on top of them use an activated charcoal face mask. This is what you’ll have seen on Instagram – they literally pull the toxins from your face.

Bites and stings

Bites and stings can be a nightmare. Not only do they itch, they don’t look great when you’ve got a bit of skin on show. Activated charcoal can help do the two things you need, reducing both the itching and swelling. Simply apply a paste to the area affected, and the charcoal will take the sting out of a bite as well as absorbing and drawing out any infection. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain. As it cleans deeply it will rid the wound of anything bad before encouraging new cells to grow and reduce any scarring.

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The final say

As an ingredient, there are loads of uses for activated charcoal. It’s definitely worthwhile upgrading your skincare regime with it front and centre. Share your activated charcoal beauty stories on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter with #MyHB and #ChangeToCharcoal.