What is Activated Charcoal?
There has been a rise in the popularity of using Activated Charcoal in soaps and skincare products and there are proven reasons for this. It really is a 'hero' ingredient. Activated Charcoal is charcoal that becomes activated once it is heated in the presence of a gas. The charcoal can be made from wood, peat, coal or coconut shells. Think about a kernel of corn when it is heated to become pop corn - the surface area becomes much larger. That is what makes the the charcoal 'activated' when heated, therefore far more able to adsorb toxins and oils. Why adsorb and not absorb? The difference is that activated charcoal grips toxins etc onto it's surface, it doesn't absorb (there's the science bit!)
Why use Activated Charcoal in skincare products?
Activated Charcoal grips onto dirt and toxins from the skin, this can be particularly beneficial to those who live in urban areas where the skin can be 'polluted' by toxins from the environment. It grabs excess oils too which helps balance skin, preventing the skin from becoming too oily and creating blemishes and spots. If you already have blemished skin then using a soap containing activated charcoal can help improve the condition of the skin. Washing the face, shoulders, back etc with soap containing activated charcoal can be particularly beneficial for teenage skin when production of oil is at a high point due to hormonal changes. Let's summarise:
- Activated Charcoal can help control oils in the skin, absorbing excess oil without taking too much away that it is drying on the skin.
- Activated Charcoal in a soap will absorb pollutants from the surface of the skin, leaving the skin breath. We are often unaware of how much our skin is affected by outside pollutants so this product is perfect for helping minimise this, assisting in improving the quality of the skin.
- This Activated Charcoal soap will remove dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation and absorbtion, and this combined with balancing oils will help conditions such as acne and teenage / hormonal skin issues, where sebum can be over produced. Other conditions helped by activated charcoal are eczema and psoriasis, our gentle soaps contain ingredients that are inti inflammatory.
- Keeping your skin in top condition can help with overall anti aging of the skin, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and making your skin appear fresh and bright.
How to use The Good Soap Activated Charcoal Soap Bar:
We recommend using the Activated Soap Bar twice a day, use in the morning in your washing and skincare regime, and again last thing at night before bed. We find that using your activated charcoal soap bar along with The Good Soap Hemp Facial Cleanser, is particularly beneficial, we sell them in a pair Soap and Cleanser for Hormonal and Blemished Skin
Use:
- Wet your face with warm water, wash your face gently with the Activated Charcoal Soap Bar and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Wet a cotton wool pad, or reusable cotton pad with warm water, apply a small amount of Hemp Facial Cleanser and rub over your face. Let to soak in, no need to wipe off. This again will balance your skin oils and will moisturise.
Activated Charcoal is a product that seems to suit all skin types especially when combined with our natural soap base. It can be completely normal for your skin to get slightly worse before it gets better as the activated charcoal gets to work however, if you suffer any soreness or adverse side effects please stop using the product.
Don't just listen to the 'science bit', what do our customers say:
Why use Activated Charcoal in a shampoo bar?
When used in a shampoo bar the activated charcoal can improve the condition of the scalp, by drawing excess oils away from the scalp. This prevents the build up of dandruff and in turn keeps the hair from getting greasy promoting sleek glossy hair, naturally.
In summary, Activated Charcoal is an effective natural ingredient that can be highly beneficial to your skin when used regularly in your skincare routine.
