Can charcoal remove blackheads?

The simple answer is yes. You can expect activated charcoal to remove blackheads. Activated Charcoal is a very absorbent substance which is why it's useful at pulling out bacteria, dirt, and oil build-up in skin pores to the surface. However, its antiseptic properties mean you have to utilize it responsibly and in moderation or you could irritate or dry out your skin. This natural substance is extremely porous, meaning it’s great at absorbing blackhead-causing filth like dirt, oil, and bacteria from your skin. It’s different from the charcoal you use in barbeques or at the fireplace.

What is activated charcoal?

Using activated charcoal on your blackheads

Charcoal is made up of carbon which is formed when wood is burned at high temperatures in an area lacking oxygen. Activated charcoal, AC is charcoal that has been mixed with oxygen to increase the many tiny pores between the carbon atoms to increase its overall surface area. This is important because these pores let liquids or gases pass through the charcoal structure to interact with the exposed carbon. The carbon then soaks up impurities and contaminants.

Activated charcoal is not the traditional charcoal we all know. It’s a kind of charcoal that is processed to have very tiny ‘pores’ that increase its surface area. The porous nature gives it an incredible absorption rate, which is beneficial for many industrial and household purposes. Activated charcoal has amazing adsorption attributes. This adsorption quality in activated charcoal allows for matter like toxins, chemicals, impurities, and other unwanted items to bind to the carbon particles and get absorbed by the many tiny pores on the charcoal.

What are blackheads?

A blackhead is a blocked hair follicle. The blockage occurs because your skin may be producing too much oil which turns dark when oxidized or exposed to air. The oiler parts of your face, like your T-zone and chin, are where they normally occur, but you can also have them on your neck, chest, back, shoulders and arms. They can be caused by many factors like using oil-based beauty products, not thoroughly cleaning your face and pollutants.

How does activated charcoal help with blackheads?

Think of it as a magnet that draws dirt out of the pores. There are many products that you can utilize that contain activated charcoal. They range from bar soaps, facial scrubs to face masks and they all perform the same role to a certain degree.

When applied, activated charcoal immediately begins to soak up all kinds of impurities present on the skin and in the pores like stale sebum, microbes, dirt, dead cells, and other impurities. It also extracts blackheads stuck within the pores. After you clean off the activated charcoal, your skin will feel and look clear, fresh, clean and soft.

When fighting blackheads, AC products soak up toxins, dirt and surplus oils from your pores quicker than other products. This can quickly reduce the appearance of existing blackheads and pimples while preventing new blackheads from forming.

Prevention is better than cure, so strive to give your face the best chance of staying blackhead free by using a charcoal face mask a few times a week. This will not only remove excess oil but also give your skin some much deserved TLC.

You can also quickly refresh your face with an activated charcoal wipe. You can include them in your morning and bedtime beauty regiment as well as use them for removing sweat and impurities after working out. If you have a blackhead breakout, a charcoal mask, for instance, can safely and gently help with their extraction. Because these masks contain natural ingredients, they’re gentle on your skin. They work quickly, so ensure you spend enough time washing your face well afterward to remove the black color.

Is it true that blackheads are due to poor hygiene?

No. This is a myth. Blackheads are a form of acne characterized by the black tip they often have. This tip is often mistaken with dirt thus fostering this myth. Most biological reactions that cause acne occur beneath the surface of the skin.

Is activated charcoal safe for use on my face?

The simple answer is yes. Be careful not to leave it on for too long though as it can cause irritation or dry out your skin. Beauty enthusiasts add activated charcoal in their daily regimen to whiten teeth and treat other forms of acne.

What kind of skin is best suited for activated charcoal?

Oily skin. This is because the charcoal absorbs any excess oil in addition to pulling the dirt from your skin. It is said to help balance oily skin.

Can activated charcoals shrink my pore size?

Unfortunately, no- nothing can decrease pore size. But you can make them appear smaller. Your pore size is amplified when there is dirt and gunk in them. To reduce their appearance, keep your pores clean. Thoroughly wash your face daily and exfoliate frequently. Activated charcoal soap can help you do this, and it is all natural.

How to apply a charcoal mask?

Preparation of the face for the charcoal mask

Choose a top-quality charcoal mask. Purchase a charcoal mask from a popular skin care or makeup products brand. Look for charcoal masks that consist of stimulated charcoal, relaxing agents (such as aloe vera), and essential natural oils that can soothe the skin. If you decide to create your own do-it-yourself charcoal mask, abstain from using superglue. Superglue consists of components that can easily trigger the mask to solidify, which will harm your skin when you get rid of it.

Assess your skin for a reaction. Whether you are combining your own charcoal mask or buying a mask mixture, examine your skin for allergic reactions or irritation before you applying it to your face. Apply a little of the mask on your cheek or the underside of your wrist. Wait for 10 minutes and check for signs of irritation.Signs and symptoms of allergy or irritation include redness, swelling, hives, or itchiness. Tie your hair back, if necessary. In case you are worried that your hair might swing into your face while you have the mask on, tie it with a hair tie to pull it back. This will prevent your hair from sticking to the charcoal mask.

Cleanse and exfoliate your face before using the mask. Use your favorite gentle cleanser to clean your skin. Washing your face eliminates dirt and excess oil on your skin to prepare it for the mask. To open your pores, you should also smear a mild exfoliant and rinse it off before you apply the mask.

Applying the charcoal mask to your face

Spread the charcoal mask on your face. Spurt a quarter-sized amount of the mask into a small basin. Immerse a clean brush into the mixture and spread it evenly across your skin. You can apply it over your all over the face or just on blemish-prone regions. Contemplate spreading it on your t-zone (between your nose and forehead) in case you have acne or blackheads.

You can use a wide, level foundation brush or even one manufactured particularly for smearing face masks. In case you do not have a brush, you can use clean fingertips to spread the mask. Try to be as tender as you can when you spread the charcoal mask on blemish-prone regions to avoid irritation. Do not spread the mask near your eyes and lips since the skin around your eyes and lips is delicate. You might want to apply the mask while you are standing in front of a mirror. This way, you can observe exactly where you are spreading the mask. Wait on for seven to ten minutes. The mask should dry e, and it will probably feel tight or itchy on your skin. In case the mask starts to feel uncomfortable or painful, you should rinse it off without waiting for the entire ten minutes to pass.

Strip off the charcoal concealment. Starting at the bottom of the concealment and gradually peel upward toward the peak of your face. In case you only rubbed the concealment to your t-zone, you can strip near the edges of your nose and pull upward toward your forehead. Clean and moisturize after you use the concealment. You may observe small bits of the black colored charcoal concealment left on your face. Clean your skin with a mild facial cleanser and wash it off with cool water. Smear a gentle moisturizer that will not block your skin pores and allow your skin air dry out.

Use a charcoal concealment every two weeks or much less. To control skin discomfort, consider using the charcoal concealment just when you have acne breakouts or pimples. Considering the charcoal concealment might eliminate the uppermost layer of skin and hair from your face, you should hold off at least two weeks before doing yet another charcoal mask. In case you have dermatitis or delicate skin, abstain from using charcoal masks, which could harm your skin.

How to get rid of blackheads with charcoal?

The best way to utilize activated charcoal for removing blackheads is by making a DIY charcoal peel-off mask. It uses common kitchen ingredients like water, unflavored gelatin powder, and activated charcoal mixed to create a homemade peel-off mask.

Activated charcoal and Gelatin peel-off mask

In a shot glass, pour in the unflavored gelatin powder followed by 2 tbsp of distilled water. Stir well. Next, instantly place the glass into a bowl of hot water, being careful not to let any of the hot water into the shot glass. Stir forcefully until the mixture begins to thicken. Once thickened, empty in 2 activated charcoal capsules and add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil to the mixture and stir well. This is optional. Now the mask is ready. Using a popsicle stick or clean fingers, smear the mixture onto your face, avoiding your eyebrows, around the eyes and mouth. Make sure it is not too hot that it might burn your face but just warm enough. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then peel it off working from the corner of your face inwards. Wash your face with your preferred cleanser and moisturize.

Activated Charcoal and Aloe vera face mask

Into the bowl, empty the contents of 1 activated charcoal capsule, add 1-2 tsp of aloe vera gel. Use enough to create a spreadable paste. Add in a drop of tea tree essential oil. One drop is enough (too much tea tree oil can cause burning sensations), but you can add 2 drops if your skin isn’t that sensitive. Blend everything up with clean fingers or a face mask applicator brush if you have one. Apply it gently all over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it dries up. Rinse it off with warm water and follow up with some cold water. Pat dry then tone and moisturize. The best moisturizer you can use for acne prone skin is shea butter. Just get a little less than a pea-sized amount and apply all over your face.

Apple cider vinegar, Clay and Activated charcoal mask

Combine ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal in a bowl. Add the clay powder and 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar. Stir into a smooth paste, adding water if needed. Mix well ensuring that there are no lumps. Smear it carefully on your face, and soon you will see the benefits of using charcoal for the skin. Leave on until it dries. Pay close attention to the oily parts of the face where there are noticeable pores like around the nose and cheeks. After the mask dries, wash it off with water. Dry your face and use an oil-free moisturizer after. Use this mask a couple of times a week for best the results.

Activated Charcoal facial cleanser

Combine the charcoal powder and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Mix in the baking soda and essential oils. Blend well and keep in a glass bottle. Ensure that all the ingredients have been mixed well. Transfer the mixture into a clean dispenser bottle.

Take a bit of this cleanser in your hands and using your fingers, rub in circular motions over your face for a couple of minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and dab your face dry. Use a moisturizer or day cream with SPF for added protection. This amazing cleanser will give your skin a thorough cleansing if you use it two to three times a week. You can keep this cleanser bottled for about 6 months.