Charcoal – the Unexpected Ingredient for Clean, Bright Skin!
Think you’re a clean freak do ya? Do you know how dirty you actually are? According to Annet King of Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, we slough off 1 million cells every 40 minutes. Gross! But that’s how our body renews itself. How do we keep our skin clean and remove all those dead skin cells? Exfoliation and charcoal! Yep, that’s right. Good ‘ole charcoal!
You may have taken charcoal capsules when you were sick or had food poisoning. The reason is that activated charcoal (charcoal + oxygen) absorbs toxins from your body (and dirt and sebum from your skin) like nobody’s business. It can actually absorb thousands of times its own mass! The black substance is definitely effective, and a trend in the skin care world at the moment. So, how can you get clean? Here are some of my favorite charcoal skincare products.
Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser
Of course you want to start with a cleansed face. Michael Todd’s Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser is my favorite to use with my Soniclear (and the new mini Soniclear Petite which I’ll be taking with me on my holiday travels!). It’s got a thick consistency and really deep cleans my skin. I use the Soniclear with it about 2 or 3 times a week for an extra deep clean.
The cleanser contains activated charcoal, tea tree oil (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory), sugar cane, maple and bilberry extracts (to stimulate cell turnover and draw out deep blockages from pores), and organic aloe vera juice (to soothe and stimulate new cell growth).
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque
The new Dermalogica Charcoal Masque is a boost for tired, lackluster or dull skin. Activated charcoal (from pure Japanese Binchotan charcoal) powerfully absorbs impurities while sulfur promotes cell turnover for brighter skin. Volcanic ash, sea silt, bamboo extract and alpha hydroxy acids further accelerate skin brightening with dual-action exfoliation. Niacinamide helps reduce congestion and calm the skin while chilean wild mint helps refine pores. This mask contains no artificial fragrances, colors or parabens.
The masque is great to use a few times a week (up to 4 – don’t get crazy now!). You put it on cleansed skin, and wait 7-10 minutes for it to dry and pull out toxins. After it dries, use lots of water to remove (you don’t want to pull on your skin). It’s helpful to use Dermalogica’s super soft Sponge Cloth to remove the masque if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you want a little more exfoliation, try the gentle Exfoliating Face Brush.
LATHER Charcoal Soap and Charcoal Infused Konjac Sponge
LATHER’s Charcoal and Tea Tree Cleansing Bar is great for your face and entire body. It has been on heavy rotation in my shower lately. Great for general cleansing, and especially good for body acne – it doesn’t dry out skin like typical acne products with AHAs can. It smells good, and it’s paraben and sulfate free.
Another fun beauty product is the konjac sponge. It’s made from natural konjac root (grown in Asia) and softens when you wet it. LATHER’s Konjac Facial Sponge is infused with bamboo charcoal, and makes a great facial scrub for those with sensitive skin. You can go to town on your face and you won’t hurt yourself. It’s a great every day facial scrub and can also be used to take off those charcoal masques! Make sure to keep it dry after using, and replace it every 60-90 days.
Have you tried any charcoal beauty products yet? Which are your favorites?
Look nice 🙂
Maria V.
That mask looks great!
I’ve heard that charcoal is great for acne-prone and combo skin, so I need to incorporate it into my routine more!
What’s your opinion on charcoal for super dry skin like mine? I’ve been avoiding it because I thought it would dry out my skin more than it already is, but all these products look so appealing! What to do?
Allison – I would say use them every now and then to deep clean, and follow up with a great moisturizer!
I’ve got the Michael Todd Charcoal Cleanser but now it sounds like I don’t use it enough. I was worried that it would be too harsh for my skin if used too often.
I love my Michael Todd charcoal cleanser!
I think I’m the only one who does not own anything from Michael Todd. That has to change 🙂
I love my black konjac sponge and Erno Laszlo black soap but need to incorporate more charcoal in my skincare routine. Thanks for these tips!
I like charcoal, now and then especially if my skin is feeling clogged after wearing heavy makeup. I’m very dry tho and I can’t use it too often.
I really enjoy my black konjac sponges and my Soniclear!
I’ve been getting more into Charcoal type face products lately! Will have to check these out!
Charcoal is the best. Love tht its in so many things now.
I’ve never used one of those Sponges! I tried a charcoal cleanser once and I broke out so I’ve been nervous to try others.
My oily skin loves charcoal. I really like the MT charcoal cleanser, too. I bought activated charcoal capsules to add to my DIY masks for an extra toxin-absorbing kick. I love it in masques!
This is interesting! I’ve also seen volcanic ash in some beauty products now. I wonder if it works the same way.
I have oily skin so I love charcoal products for keeping it balanced and cleansing pores. The LATHER Konjac sponge sounds really interesting.
Its important to treat your skin in the right way. You included some great pics as well. Looking hot! I bought the charcoal soap and sponge and they are great. Keep up the nice blogposts!
So if I work in a coal mine, that makes me awesomely cleansly?