And finally an ingredient for men that does not sound like an afternoon stroll in the lily garden but more of a gentleman's whiskey bar. This fine substance is found in top cleansers and scrubs which ultimately transforms a vagabond visage into a dashing ruffian.
Activated carbon (activated charcoal) is a form of carbon heated to high temperatures with added oxygen to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area of the compound for adsorption. It has replaced charcoal and used in gas masks to purify the air as well as water filters to pull out impurities. Used on the skin and formulated correctly with supporting ingredients it can be highly beneficial to detoxify, reduce blemishes, treat oily skin and exfoliate dead skin cells. Activated charcoal is not metabolized or absorbed by the body, but it can be used to heal or treat some poisons, cuts or wounds.
5 Benefits of Activated Charcoal on the Skin
1. Cleanses Pores + Reduces Size
It clears oil, deep-seated debris, and environmental pollutants like smoke to detoxify the skin. Blackheads are removed from the skin when the activated charcoal is left for a few minutes while reducing pore size. Black dots might appear but these are removed with a hot face towel.
2. Reduces Oily Skin
For dry skin-types, be sure that the charcoal cleanser or scrub contains non-pore clogging oils or butters like Shea (no, not Lebeouf).
3. Acne Treatment
It absorbs excess oils and toxins when exposed to smoke or when one is stressed (results in adult acne). It can absorb quite a lot of moisture so use a small amount.
4. Deeply Cleanses and Exfoliates your Skin
Many facial exfoliators contain synthetic pellets which kill the environment and aquatic life (19 tons of microbeads, annually, make their way into New York’s waterways). Charcoal is a natural exfoliator because of its texture and does not impact the environment. It helps to remove oil and dead skin cells from the face.
5. Soothes and Heals Bites, Cuts and Skin Irritations
Stung by a bee? Cuts from making that Sirloin? Activated charcoal can speed healing and relieve symptoms. When applied as a paste, it helps absorb venom and infection. It will also bring down swelling and lessen pain.
Bonus 6. Makes a good Cocktail?
Blackwell rum with activated charcoal, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave served over crushed ice and garnished with grilled pineapple chunks and mint. Sweet and refreshing.
Activated Charcoal is known to have many digestive, absorbing capabilities. In the body, it reacts with chemicals and toxins that are soaked up and treated like waste.