Charcoal sure is having a moment in the spotlight. You see it in so many skin care products as of late, ESPECIALLY facial masks. And it’s not just because it looks awesome in selfies, although, it really does, right?! But I’ve got bad news, it’s not all the same guys, and the peel off masks that are so hard to peel off? STAWP. They aren’t doing you any benefits and many are actually painful, for nothing (i mean i get the saying “pain is beauty” but with no perks, gross). The main purpose of a product that’s using charcoal is to help reduce/balance oil in the skin or unclog congested pores. Also due to it’s absorbing action it can also be found in things like deodorant for its ability to “detox” and help to pull smell/excess sweat in a more natural way than mainstream deodorants. For skincare it’s most common in masks, so a clay based mask is important because clay will be the most effective at zapping extra oil and assisting in clarifying. So silicone-like masks aren’t inherently effective at detoxing or pulling anything from the skin, they are sitting on top and notorious for realllllly pulling at the skin when it comes time to removal time.
A few things to keep in mind when shopping for a charcoal mask. Kaolin clay is the first priority. “Activated charcoal” is what will be doing work. If you see another version of charcoal it may not even work topically. It’s more often than not thrown in towards the end of the ingredient list indicating it’s one of the smallest percentages of ingredients in the product, not enough to be super effective but enough to be able to call it a charcoal mask” and then color added to give it the dark grey black color. You also want to read the ingredient label for supporting active ingredients that will be bringing benefits to clarifying/exfoliating/brightening action. Charcoal alone as the “star” of the active ingredients isn’t going to give you very exciting results. My favorite is beautycounter’s charcoal mask that also contains Salicylic and Lactic acids to smooth and exfoliate top layers of skin so the charcoal and following products will be able to get to work and work better. Just a few minutes can give a purified complexion: this nutrient-rich kaolin clay mask with activated charcoal purifies and balances, absorbing excess oil and drawing out impurities. Salicylic and lactic acids aid in a gentle exfoliation, giving skin a smooth, polished look with a minimized appearance of pores. Perfect for those concerned with congestion and oily skin. Also, as with any product I discuss, I advise looking up it’s rating on EWG to make sure EVEN if it has amazing active ingredients to ensure that there aren’t carcinogens, endocrine disruptors or other toxins lingering in the disrupt our insides while it helps our skin glow.
I love that once the Beautycounter mask dries rather than pulling off a dried rubber like substance you can literally SEE it working as dots start to appear darker to show where the oil is pulling stronger. Typically you will see darker spots around your nose, chin and t-zones. But it can happen all over the face depending on the skin and each individual’s needs. I suggest starting it once a week, possibly twice if you’re on the extra oily side. You can also spot treat trouble areas if you are breakout prone or struggle with hormonal skin changes.
Benefits:
After two weeks of use*:
Featured Ingredients:Charcoal Powder: rich in natural minerals to help balance and purify
Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid: gently exfoliate and smooth skin’s surface
© Audrey Vargas 2021
Website Design + Branding by Lo Manifesting Magic
Photography by Emilie Bers
Please bear in mind that earnings with Beautycounter may vary significantly. Find out more about earnings and cost HERE
Disclaimer: Earnings with Beautycounter may vary significantly. Learn more here
© Audrey Vargas 2021 I Site Legal
FELLOW ESTHI? JOIN THE ACADEMY