So you’ve all seen those funny videos online of people pulling off a painful charcoal peel-off mask… And you may also have read about the amazing benefits of charcoal masks… but then you’ve also heard they might not be so good for you. So which is it; are they good or bad for your skin? I did a little internet research, and here’s what I found out…
According to an article on www.cosmpolitan.com, many of those charcoal peel-off masks are made from charcoal and glue… doesn’t sound very good. And these masks are being sold online by unregulated beauty companies. Andy Millward, a qualified aesthetician and member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology says this; “They look very damaging to the skin. You’re literally ripping the surface layer of skin off (and probably the vellus hair with it)… As for all those “blackheads” it pulls out, the majority of the oils pulled from the skin will be sebaceous filaments which are actually needed by the skin so will be replaced within 30 days anyway to ensure healthy skin balance. Blocked pores (blackheads) are entirely different to sebum lined pores.” He says continued use can cause secondary skin concerns. Some women even experienced chemical burns.
However, there is a difference between a peel-off mask and a wash-off, clay-based mask. It’s the peel-off ones that are so damaging to your skin. The general consensus seems to be that activated charcoal does have wonderful purifying benefits for your skin, and as long as you use an organic, clay-based, wash-off mask – you should be safe!
However, I am no expert and it’s probably best to ask your aesthetician before trying anything new!
By Sarah Mackintosh.