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Also known as activated carbon, the term refers to charcoal that’s been treated by heating or other processes to have small pores that increase its adsorption abilities – that is, the ability to hold molecules of a gas, liquid or solute as a thin film. In simple words, it’s charcoal that can adhere to drugs and toxins to itself.
Activated charcoal is excellent if you want to give your skin a deep cleanse. Applied as a mask, it unclogs pores and removes dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil. It also has antibacterial properties. It unclogs and tightens pores, reduces inflammation, and makes your skin smoother.
If you use it too often topically, you risk drying out your skin. Limit your use of activated charcoal to once a week. Oral supplements can cause constipation, dehydration, and slowing of the intestinal tract. Avoid using activated charcoal supplements if you have reduced peristalsis.
Age spots on your skin is known as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or liver spots. There are several reasons you might experience hyperpigmentation, but those we are referring to here are those that are caused by acne scarring or sun exposure. Age spots are most common on the face, the shoulders, and the back. There are some age spots that might appear as a side effect of certain medications. Age spots are typically harmless, but we always recommend conferring with your dermatologist if you’re experiencing a larger-than-usual area of age spots, or if they are changing in color, thickness, or appearance in any way.
To prevent age spots, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like vitamin C, acai oil, jojoba oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing age spots. Hydrolyzed is also good for restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
activated charcoal may be effective for age spots, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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