Charcoal Face Wash for Pollution-Damaged Skin

In today’s modern world, the use of vehicles has increased drastically due to which our skin is more exposed to dust, smoke, sweat and other environmental pollutants almost every day. With the passage of time these exposures leave the skin looking dull, oily, tired and irritant. Many research studies have concluded that exposure to air pollution can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and can totally damage the skin barrier.

This is why a good acne face wash is very important to remove the day’s dust, pollution, sweat and oil from the skin and prevent skin related issues. Charcoal is one such popular ingredient which is commonly used for removing excess oil and impurities from the skin.

But is it actually beneficial for pollution-damaged skin? Therefore in this blog we will talk about how air pollution damages the skin, what activated charcoal is and its benefits, can it really repair the pollution damaged skin and tips to use it properly will help you to know whether the charcoal face wash is good for your skin or not.

What Happens to the Skin Because of Air Pollution?

It has been seen that air pollution consists of particulate matter, gases, matter and other harmful pollutants which come in direct contact with the skin and several studies have shown that these particulate matter and irritants contribute to oxidative stress and even damage the skin’s protective barrier.

Common signs which are visible on the skin are uneven skin tone, dull appearance, shiny or oily look, clogged pores and over time also causes pigmented marks on the skin. However pollution does not stick on the skin’s surface and cannot be simply removed by splashing water on the skin.

This is why a good face cleanser helps in pulling out the dust, pollution and environment irritants from the skin’s surface and keeps the skin clean and fresh.

What is Activated Charcoal?

In most of the charcoal face wash, activated charcoal is used as the main ingredient which helps in removing excess oil and impurities. Activated charcoal is a fine, processed and porous form of carbon that has the ability to attract certain substances. In a face wash, activated charcoal helps in pulling out the excess oil and pollutants from the skin and clears the clogged pores.

However, you should keep in mind that activated charcoal is considered for its good cleansing abilities. While the science and researchers clinical evidence as an acne treatment and anti-aging is currently limited.

Benefits of Using the Charcoal Face Wash

A good charcoal face wash offers several benefits such as:

Removes Daily Buildup

During the day, our skin accumulates sweat, dust, pollution and other irritants that can cause skin related problems. But a charcoal face wash helps in removing the daily buildup and preventing clogged pores.

Controls Excess Oil

People with oily or combination skin are often concerned about excess oil areas. However a good charcoal cleanser helps in pulling out the excess oil from the pores without stripping the skin’s natural oil.

Minimizes the Shiny Appearance

Oily skin people often have a shiny or oily look on their skin which leads to dull or uneven looking skin. That’s why this face wash aids in removing the excess oil and minimizes the shiny appearance from the face.

Removes Blackheads

Blackheads cause black dots on the skin and makes the skin look dull. Many people tried using a blackheads mask that only removes the impurities from the surface and after some time the blackheads reappear. But charcoal cleanser clears the clogged pores from deep of the pores which removes and prevents blackheads.

Can Charcoal really Repair the Pollution-Damaged Skin

It is not necessary. It is one of the most crucial points that one must understand. A charcoal face wash only stays for a shorter period of time on the skin and its main purpose is to remove the excess oil and impurities, giving a clear skin and it does not play any role in reversing the damage to the skin which is caused by air pollution such as inflammation, oxidative stress etc.

However, following a proper skin care routine like using a gentle face cleanser to remove the accumulated impurities, oil free moisturizer to support the skin barrier, and sunscreen which helps in giving protection to the skin from the UV rays helps in preventing further skin damage.

But you should keep in mind that harsh cleansers can even strip out the skin’s natural oil and this is why using a gentle cleanser containing oil reducers ingredients like activated charcoal and salicylic acid is effective and safe.

How to Face Wash Properly?

Using the face wash safely is also important as even the best face wash can give side effects if it is not used properly. Follow the given steps while washing the face:

• Limit Use: Over cleansing the face can make the skin dry. So washing the face two times in a day is usually safe; one in the morning and one before bedtime.
• Wet Skin: Splash the lukewarm water on the face to wet the face.
• Rub: Gently rub the cleanser on the face in circle motion and rinse off the face to remove residue.
• Dry: Pat dry the face with a clean towel.
• Moisturize: Apply a good amount of oil free and non-comedogenic moisturizer on the cleansed face.

In our fast paced lifestyle, pollution can put significant stress on the skin as studies have shown that it contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress and even damage the skin barrier. A good charcoal face can be a valuable addition to your daily routine as it helps in dragging out the accumulated dust, pollution and impurities from the skin and gives a fresh look.

However you should keep in mind that charcoal should not be considered as a cure ingredient for your pollution-damaged skin and even current science does not provide any evidence on this matter. But following a simple skincare routine helps you to treat and prevent damage from air pollution. 

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