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Charcoal selection

The pore cleansing benefits of charcoal face masks

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

You may be used to using charcoal for your summer BBQ, but did you know that its activated counterpart is earning a reputation as a natural skin purifier? Thanks to its ability to unclog oil and dirt from skin pores, the black stuff’s been used as a skincare ingredient for centuries. Recently, though, it’s hit the mainstream. Here, we tackle clogged pores with advice on how activated charcoal masks work to draw out impurities. Plus, we’ve selected some of our favourite charcoal face masks that promise beautifully clearer skin.

What happens when our pores get clogged?

Pores are integral in keeping our skin healthy. These tiny openings are home to hair follicles and also let sweat leave our bodies. Things like oil, dead skin cells and everyday dirt can build up in our pores which can make them look bigger. If the blockages aren’t cleared, our pores can become inflamed or infected which can result in different types of acne such as spots or blackheads.

How do activated charcoal masks work?

Unlike the charcoal briquettes under your grill, charcoal face masks are made from activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has a spongy structure which makes it more absorbent. It can soak up pore-clogging dirt and excess oil which is then rinsed away with the mask, leaving clearer, cleaner skin.

Our favourite activated charcoal face masks for you to try

If you want to find out for yourself, here are some of our favourite activated charcoal-based masks: Dr Organic Skin Clear Deep Pore Charcoal Mask Enriched with Willow Bark Extract and natural AHAs (fruit acids), Dr Organic Skin Clear Deep Pore Charcoal Mask 100ml has been dermatologically tested to offer an exfoliating and deep cleansing treatment. It also contains Salicylic Acid to provide blemish-fighting action that helps to clear and prevent skin problems like acne.
Bought this facemask as I have been using charcoal ones for a while and by far this is the best. I use twice a week and it has left my skin feeling cleansed and smooth. Love!” - lola247
Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Anti-Pollution Facial Masque The soothing properties of Bamboo Charcoal, rooibos tea and pomegranate come together in this Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Anti-Pollution Facial Masque. Created to refine and minimise pores, it also helps to reduce shininess and protect against the effects of pollution on the skin.
Easy to apply. This mask has really helped with my excess oil and my complexion. Definitely purchasing it again.” - xcmkx

Make your own DIY activated charcoal face masks

On the other hand, if you’d prefer you could make your own DIY charcoal face mask follow this easy step-by-step guide: Step 1: Mix 2 capsules of activated charcoal, 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay, 2 teaspoons of water and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a plastic or wooden spoon to make a smooth paste. Step 2: Cleanse your face and pat dry before applying the mask, avoiding the delicate area under your eyes. Step 3: Leave the mask to set dry on your skin for up to ten minutes. Step 4: Once dried, wash it all off and follow with your usual moisturiser. To give this naturally-derived ingredient a go in your beauty routine, shop our range of activated charcoal enriched products including Ecodenta Extra Black Whitening Toothpaste with Teavigo and Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser. Shop Natural Beauty
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