Learn About Charcoal Skin Care
Activated charcoal can help draw out impurities to reduce congestion, balance oil and gently exfoliate to remove pore-clogging debris. The result is a smoother, clearer, brighter complexion. Our The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal, Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask, and Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum are all formulated with activated charcoal.
WHAT IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?
Activated charcoal is a fine, very absorbent black powder. It’s produced when charcoal has been heated to an extremely high temperature.
The special thing about this powder is its ability to attract and absorb toxins and bacteria. For this reason, charcoal is extremely effective at helping detox the skin, drawing out impurities which are then washed away when you remove the product.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL BENEFITS FOR SKIN
- Clears congestion
- Helps balance oily skin
- Improves appearance of large pores
- Gently exfoliates and purifies skin
- Target acne bacteria
WHAT DOES CHARCOAL DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
Clears skin congestion
Congested skin is bumpy to touch and characterised by the appearance of pores clogged with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris.
Charcoal skincare helps unclog pores and address congestion by drawing out impurities, especially when teamed with other congestion targeting ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes.
Helps balance oily skin
Shine-prone skin can benefit from activated charcoal serum and face masks. The charcoal binds to the excess oil.
Improves appearance of large pores
When pores become clogged with oil, dead cells, and other debris they can appear larger, darker, and more obvious. Activated charcoal products help unclog blocked pores so skin looks clearer and minimises the appearance of pores.
Gently exfoliates and purifies skin
Exfoliation is important to keep skin clear, bright and encourage cellular turnover.
Activated charcoal is an effective exfoliator that offers a truly deep clean thanks to its highly absorbent nature - drawing out impurities, including dead cells, to be cleansed away.
Target acne bacteria
Activated charcoal can help reduce the acne-causing bacteria that cause pimples and inflammation. This bacteria makes its home in clogged pores.
Charcoal skin care can lift bacteria from the pores helping reduce acne and improving overall skin complexion.
WHAT SKIN TYPES CAN USE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?
All skin types can benefit from activated charcoal skin care but dry and sensitive skin types should use them less frequently.
Oily, acne prone
Charcoal is the most beneficial for those with oily, breakout prone skin and large pores.
Combination skin
You’ll find your t-zone is shiny due to an overproduction of oil while your cheeks and outer areas of your face can be dry.
You can apply the charcoal product to only your t-zone to target the oil and congestion there without aggravating the dry areas.
Sensitive skin and dry skin
With these skin types, you’re prone to redness, dry patches, flakiness, and irritation. Choose activated charcoal skin care formulated with ingredients to help calm and hydrate your skin and use less frequently.
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Activated charcoal is beneficial for skin when used in a face mask, cleanser and exfoliating serum.
Here’s how to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal, Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask and Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum on your skin.
The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal:
Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Use in your morning and night time routine with a double cleanse in the evening.
Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask:
Apply generously to cleansed face with fingers or a spatula while avoiding the eye area. After the mask has dried, massage the face with wet fingertips to gently buff the fine clay particles, loosen dead skin and brighten the complexion. Rinse well or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt.
Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum:
Using the dropper, apply a pea-sized amount to your charcoal brush or fingers and massage into freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the under eye area. Leave for 5-10 minutes before wetting the charcoal brush or fingers and massage around the face to remove any softened dead skin cells before washing off.
Charcoal helps keep your skin healthy and clear by drawing impurities like dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup out of clogged pores preventing breakouts and congestion.
Yes. One of the benefits of using activated charcoal skin care is to help naturally lighten and brighten a dull complexion.
The best charcoal products in the esmi range are The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal, Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask and Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum.
After you’ve rinsed off your charcoal face mask or exfoliating serum the next step is applying a face oil or moisturising lotion.
Pure activated charcoal is very drying for the skin. The best charcoal skin care products are formulated with a blend of complementary ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated and nourished to balance the drying effect of pure charcoal.
Yes, but not all activated charcoal products will be well-tolerated by sensitive skin - choose carefully. The esmi Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Activated charcoal can be very beneficial for oily skin with enlarged pores. It helps remove excess oil to control shine and targets the bacteria that cause blackheads and acne.
If you have an oily, normal, or combination skin, your skin can likely tolerate a charcoal mask twice a week. For sensitive and dry skin types, less frequently. Always do a patch test first before trying a new charcoal face mask.