The skincare benefits of activated charcoal

Q: Charcoal is a beauty buzzword but how does it actually benefit clients’ skin?

It's no secret that activated charcoal, which is carbon that’s been treated to increase its absorbency, is considered a powerhouse when it comes to adding a boost to your client’s skincare regime, which is why it’s a big beauty buzzword for 2017.

The power behind this ingredient lies in its ability to draw dirt and grime from deep within pores, clearing out unwanted bacteria, chemicals, dirt and excess oils. In essence, the toxins stick to the activated charcoal like a magnet.

It has been proven to absorb thousands of times its own mass in harmful substances, which is why it’s become such a popular ingredient in face masks and a good candidate for deep cleansers and detoxifying products.

When used in a cleanser or mask, the activated charcoal pulls the unwanted excess oils from the skin, leaving it clear and smooth. To maintain these results after treatment, recommend that clients continue to apply a charcoal mask once or twice per week, but no more than that as you don’t want to dry out the skin.

Activated charcoal is all-natural and doesn’t add chemicals to the skin when used, which means minimal chance of negative reactions and less risk of pores being clogged with a new ingredient that’s meant to clean them.

It’s also well suited to clients suffering from breakouts, acne or just in need of a pick me up to purify the skin, and can be easily added into facials to give greater skin results.

David Herdman is director of the brand BeautyPro, which he started with Ibs Ansari in 2009. The brand has a range of sheet masks, including the Detoxfying Foaming Cleansing Mask with Activated Charcoal.