Activated charcoal: The ‘it’ ingredient

Charcoal, specifically the activated kind, is effective in treating skin as well as hair-related issues. Experts list out a few more benefits of this magical ingredient:

■ Repair and nourish skin: Our skin takes a beating every day with all kinds of dirt and chemicals from the polluted environment. How can charcoal help here? Activated charcoal deeply cleanses the skin by absorbing the deep-rooted impurities and toxins that often leave the skin looking duller and prone to acne.

■ Great for oily skin: Activated charcoal is a rescuer especially for those who have oily skin. As stated earlier, it unclogs pores, thereby helping you get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, too, and leaves your skin feeling smooth. Activated charcoal also controls that unpleasant shine on the face — a constant woe of those with oily skin — and lightens the skin tone.

■ Goodbye oily hair: We know that an oily scalp is also home for dirt and grime, which damages the quality of hair and scalp, making it prone to bacterial growth. Therefore, activated charcoal is ideal here. The regular shampoos only remove surface dirt, but activated charcoal also pulls out the grime that builds on the base of the hair follicle, and combats itchiness. What more? Unlike most regular shampoos, activated charcoal doesn’t leave any residue, therefore, your hair will feel lighter and have more volume.

■ Charcoal gels for moisturising: Ultra-cooling gel moisturiser with activated charcoal delivers essential hydration as it refines skin texture, brightens skin clarity, and minimises the look of pores with exfoliating glycolic

THOSE WHO HAVE AN OILY SKIN, ACTIVATED CHARCOAL IS A RESCUER. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL ALSO LIGHTENS YOUR SKIN TONE AND HELPS GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

acid. These are compatible with most skin types and provide a unique range of benefits.

■ Charcoal face scrubs for a clean face: Charcoal-based face mask ensures refreshed, younger-looking skin sans the impurities, as it breaks down the toughest layers of dead skin cells to smoothen the appearance of fine lines and improves the overall texture of the face. Does activated charcoal work for acne-prone skin, too? can absorb the excess oil, dirt and bacteria from deep down your skin, but do consult a doctor before using such a product.

PHOTO:SHUTTERSTOCK Activated charcoal deeply cleanses your face as well as your scalp