Reasons to Implement Charcoal Masks in Your Beauty Routine

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard that charcoal face masks are one of the latest trends in skincare. You’ve probably seen videos online of people peeling off a thick black layer off their face to make their skin clearer, and glowing. With all the fuss about these masks, you are probably wondering are charcoal masks good for your skin? Research has proven that they are!

While charcoal is an unlike ingredient for skincare, it has been proven to provide many health and beauty benefits when used properly. Food grade active charcoal is commonly used internally to detox and can also help whiten the teeth. When it comes to skincare, adding the gritty black ingredient to your beauty regime can make toxins stick to the activated charcoal, without adding harmful chemicals to your skin. This means there are fewer chances for you to have a negative reaction and for your pores to be clogged with new ingredients. There are many reasons why skin care professionals suggest using a charcoal mask.

Makes Pores Smaller and Cleaner

The toxins you come in contact with every day can easily clog your pores. And we all know that dirty pores can put a toll on your complexion. A charcoal face mask can help pull the dirt out of your pores, making them less visible and leaving your face feeling fresher. For a deeper cleanse, consider using a charcoal exfoliant scrub.

Balances Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, an activated charcoal mask could be great for balancing things out. It can help pull unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth and shiny. If you’re dealing with this type of skin, make sure to use a mask once or twice a week at the most because you don’t want to dry out your skin excessively. If you have dry skin, this method may not be the best for you.

Improves Acne

If you’re wondering do charcoal masks work for acne, you’ll be happy to learn that these goodies have been proven to treat acne. However, it all depends on the specifics of your acne, how severe it is and what’s is causing it. Charcoal absorbs toxins and oils on and below the skin. If you don’t want to use the mask on your whole face, use it as a spot treatment, like a mini mask for your blemishes.

Deeply Cleans Your Skin

Forget about using chemical-based deep cleaners. Instead, focus on masks that contain activated charcoal. It’s important that you don’t use these masks daily because you don’t want to soak up the healthy oils and moisture your skin vitally needs. Make sure to always check the other ingredients in your mask as some are developed to neutralize the acidity in your skin while others have deodorizing properties. It is important to buy products that best suit your personal combination of needs, so make sure you always read the product’s label.

Tightens Your Skin

If you’ve noticed your skin has started sagging, you can start using an activated charcoal face mask to improve its condition. Regularly using the mask will help flatten your skin and strengthen it over time.

Soothes Skin Irritations and Heals Bites

Active charcoal is beneficial in soothing minor infections and helping heal insect bites if applied topically. Charcoal can help reduce swelling and decrease pain.

How to Apply a Charcoal Peel Off Mask?

Before you apply the mask, clean your skin so that the mask penetrates your pores easier. Apply the mask evenly on your face, including your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Gently massage it onto your skin – you can use your fingertips or a soft-bristled brush. Make sure the mask doesn’t get into your eyes. Leave it on your face for about15 minutes then rinse it off with warm water. Dry your face and apply a facial moisturizer.

How often should I use a charcoal face mask, you may ask? Charcoal masks should be used no more than twice a week. If you have sensitive skin or notice that your skin feels dry after using the mask, consider using it only once a week or every couple of weeks. Due to the fact that the mask needs to sit on your skin for about 15 minutes, you may find it more convenient to include it in your nighttime skincare routine. If you decide to apply the mask in the morning, do it before getting in the shower.

What to Look for in a Charcoal Mask?

When shopping for a charcoal face mask online or at a local store, choose a product that contains ingredients that suit your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a charcoal face mask that also contains clay. This ingredient will help absorb the excess oil from your skin. If you have dry skin, choose a charcoal face mask with hydrating ingredients like olive oil, jojoba oil or hyaluronic acid. Keep in mind that different brands and varieties of charcoal masks will have different ingredients, so make sure to read the product descriptions and labels before purchasing.