Benefits of activated charcoal: The element charcoal in its natural form is simply black, sooty stuff you find at the bottom of a fireplace, a product that is produced when carbon-based materials, like wood, are burned. Activated charcoal and ordinary charcoal are frequently used interchangeably, but their functions differ slightly. The skin can benefit from activated charcoal, which is said to be safe to use on the skin.
Dr Soumya Jagadeesan, Associate Professor, Dermatology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi shared with Zee News digital the truth about the benefits of charcoal or activated charcoal on skin.
Is charcoal good for the skin?
Activated charcoal, often known as charcoal, is a common ingredient in scrubs, cleansers, and masks for the skin. The advantages of charcoal for skin are widely reported online, although there is minimal scientific support for these claims.
In general, charcoal is said to aid in clearing the skin of extra oil and pollutants. This potential advantage stems from the fact that charcoal is highly absorbent and has been researched for its capacity to lessen the effects of several poisonings when consumed. There is, however, limited information on the benefits of charcoal on the skin.
What are the benefits of charcoal?
The supposed health benefits of charcoal (which become active when heated, having opened pores) are based on the idea that it has a high absorption capacity and acts like a tiny sponge on the skin to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria, improving the texture and appearance of the skin as well as reducing pore size and acne.
The reduction in pore size is likely to be temporary, and there may be a slight exfoliation that removes dirt and dead skin cells to provide the appearance of smoother skin. However, very few studies have not been able to support these claims.
Therefore, until we have additional proof to support the claims, any positive effects of charcoal may very well be insignificant.
Always consult a skin specialist before adding charcoal to your daily skincare routine.
