Charcoal use dates back thousands of years. It has various medicinal purposes and is a favorite in Egyptian history because of its multiple benefits as a poultice in cleaning wounds. During the 18th century, people used it to protect against the toxins. As of now, Activated Charcoal is essential in water filtration processes and acts as an antidote to poison. Furthermore, it has recently found its way into skincare.
Processed charcoal is an active ingredient in various health care and skin products. These include cleansers, soaps, activated charcoal masks, and even toothpaste!
Difference between Activated and Normal Charcoal
The formation of charcoal takes place when you heat wood or any material in the absence of oxygen. But what’s the difference between charcoal and activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is burned in the presence of oxygen. It makes it more porous than regular charcoal and increases its surface area. Also, this high surface area gives it enhanced properties and a lot more uses in comparison to regular charcoal.
What Is Activated Charcoal Made Of?
Various substances can form activated charcoal. These include coconut shells, bone char, olive pits, and even orange peels!
This fine black powder is “activated” by processing it at very high temperatures. The intensity of the heat changes its internal structure in terms of increased surface area and decreased pore size.
It’s found its way into beauty products because it detoxes, purifies, and cleans up skin with little to no side effects. Also, it is known to show effective results for oily and acne-prone skin.
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Activated charcoal chemically binds itself onto the surface of substances and holds them. It is called adsorption; the molecules stick to the activated carbon surface because of its negative charge. Toxins being positively charged stick to it.
Due to its high surface area, it can adsorb a thousand times more than its weight. Its adsorption power is astounding, which is the primary reason of its use in various skincare products!
Benefits of Charcoal Soap
Treats Oily Skin:
People with oily skin know how hard it is to keep it oil-free, especially in the hot months. Activated charcoal soap is your holy grail. It will keep your skin from producing excess oil and keep it smooth by taking excess dirt with it as well.
Gentle Exfoliator:
Soap with activated charcoal is slightly gritty. As a result, it provides the right surface for gentle exfoliation. It removes dirt, dead skin, and grime,unclogging your pores, giving your skin a natural glow. Moreover, it has antibacterial properties that help keep skin infections from forming, and it also aids in shrinking pore size, making your skin look flawless and baby soft.
Suits all Skin Types:
Sensitive skin types are well aware of how they need to memorize which ingredients suit them and which don’t. Activated charcoal soap is friendly for all skin types. Its gentle exfoliation is suitable for all skin types: no redness or reaction.
Reduces Acne:
No matter the severity of your acne, activated charcoal soap will help. It works as an excellent adsorber of toxins and removes oil and impurities, both below and on the skin. Furthermore, it also helps clear up blemishes. Let’s move on to make one at home. This recipe will yield 12 bars of Activated Charcoal soap.
Have a look at the ingredients.