{"id":24858,"date":"2021-06-14T21:27:31","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T21:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=24858"},"modified":"2021-06-14T21:27:31","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T21:27:31","slug":"activated-charcoal-benefits-for-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/activated-charcoal-benefits-for-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"How Activated Charcoal Benefits Your Skin for the Ultimate Detox"},"content":{"rendered":"Is charcoal good for your skin? If so, what are the benefits? This guide to activated charcoal for skin has answers to these questions and more.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSkincare trends come and go. But in terms of hyped-up ingredients, one of the power players with proven longevity\u2014particularly for oily and acne-prone skin\u2014is activated charcoal.\r\n\r\nTo learn more about this detoxifying skincare active, we reached out to our friends at boscia<\/a>. After all, their charcoal collection has maintained a loyal following for a decade-plus\u2014which, if you ask me, is no small feat.\r\n\r\nBelow, Lan Belinky<\/a>\u2014boscia’s Co-Creator and General Manager\u2014helps us illuminate this star skincare ingredient.\r\n

Charcoal vs. Activated Charcoal<\/h2>\r\nTo begin, it turns out that there’s a difference between charcoal and activated charcoal. While both have benefits for skin, Lan tells us that the latter is much more potent option.\r\n\r\nFirst, she begins by saying that charcoal is good for skin since it’s inherently porous.\r\n\r\nHowever, activated charcoal (aka activated carbon) “is heated to a much higher temperature\u2014sometimes almost 1,700 degrees!\u2014making it even more porous and optimal to absorb impurities.”\r\n\r\n(It’s also worth noting that both forms have a host of uses and benefits<\/a> that go well beyond skincare. You can find it in the likes of deodorant<\/a>, toothpaste\/toothbrushes, food, and more.)\r\n\r\n\"Man\r\n

Activated Charcoal Benefits for Skin<\/h2>\r\nNow, on to the good stuff: What does charcoal do for your skin, exactly?\r\n\r\n“Charcoal acts like a sponge to absorb impurities, oil, and debris from the skin,” Lan explains. “Additionally, it has exfoliating properties<\/a> to refine skin and reduce pore buildup.” When it comes to refining pores, she adds that activated charcoal works both on the spot and over time, too.\r\n\r\nEssentially, you can think of it as one of the ultimate detoxifiers for skin given its toxin-trapping, pore-cleansing powers.\r\n\r\n(Note: While more clinical research is needed to confirm similar findings for skin, activated charcoal in other uses<\/a> offers quantifiable antibacterial benefits.)\r\n\r\nThese activated charcoal benefits are particularly attractive to people who:\r\n