Activated charcoal, a dark black powder, has become one of the trendiest natural ingredients for treating psoriasis. While some people love it, others are skeptical or hesitant to use a substance that looks like ink on their skin – which is understandable. However, people have been using activated charcoal to treat skin conditions for thousands of years, and it remains a popular choice today.
If you’re concerned about your psoriasis skin health, you may have already noticed activated charcoal advertised in various products, such as soaps, cleansers, toothpaste, and deodorant. But what exactly is activated charcoal, and how can it benefit your psoriasis skin? Let’s explore its properties and potential benefits.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal for Psoriasis
Here are some potential benefits of using activated charcoal for psoriasis:
- Absorbs excess oil and impurities: Activated charcoal has a porous structure that can trap and absorb excess oil and impurities on the skin. This can help to prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.
- Exfoliates the skin: The gritty texture of activated charcoal can also help to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, softer texture.
- Soothes irritation: Activated charcoal has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. This may be particularly helpful for individuals with psoriasis, which is characterized by inflamed, itchy patches of skin.
- Balances the skin’s pH: The alkaline nature of activated charcoal can help to balance the skin’s pH, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and preventing further irritation.
- Naturally Deodorize: Charcoal naturally deodorizes by neutralizing body odor and removing excess oils and impurities from the skin.
Which are the Visible Benefits of Activated Charcoal in Psoriasis
Activated charcoal can provide several visible benefits for the skin. It has a porous structure that can deeply cleanse pores, remove impurities, and help shrink the appearance of pores. Activated charcoal can gently exfoliate the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, and it can also tighten and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Additionally, activated charcoal has anti-inflammatory properties that make it beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as it can help soothe and calm irritated skin. It can effectively remove blackheads and relieve skin impurities such as rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
It also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent and treat skin infections, and it can be used topically to alleviate the itch and irritation caused by insect bites.
How to Use Activated Charcoal for Psoriasis Treatment
Activated charcoal has become a popular natural ingredient for treating psoriasis. It offers many benefits for the skin, including exfoliation, deep cleansing, soothing acne, removing blackheads, relieving skin impurities, detoxifying, purifying, shrinking pores, tightening the skin, and having antibacterial and antifungal properties. Here are some ways to use activated charcoal for psoriasis treatment:
- Cleansers: Use an activated charcoal cleanser that suits your skin type. For dry skin, choose a cleanser that also has moisturizing ingredients like aloe or jojoba oil. For oily skin, choose a cleanser that prevents breakouts or excess oil buildup.
- DIY Recipes: There are many activated charcoal skincare recipes available online, but it can be challenging to get the right measurements. Aim for natural products specifically crafted for your skin type or the type of skin help you need.
- Hygiene Products: Try using other products that contain activated charcoal like deodorant and foot cream. It may take some trial and error to find products that work well for you.
- Hair Care: Look for shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks that contain activated charcoal to clean your scalp.
- Charcoal Face Scrubs: Use a charcoal face scrub to help exfoliate and nourish your skin. LilyAna Naturals’ Anti-Aging Charcoal Face Scrub is a great option that exfoliates the skin with activated charcoal while nourishing it with natural plant oils.
- Charcoal Face Masks: Add activated charcoal powder to your facial mask to detox and rejuvenate your skin. Use it one to three times per week.
How Often Should You Use Activated Charcoal for Psoriasis Treatment?
The frequency of using activated charcoal products for psoriasis treatment depends on the type of product and your skin type. It is generally safe to use on a regular basis, but harsher products should be used sparingly. For example, face scrubs with activated charcoal should only be used a few times per week, while gentle cleansers can be used daily.
Charcoal face masks that contain clay should be used even less frequently, around once or twice a week. If you have dry skin, using a charcoal mask with clay should only be necessary once every one or two weeks. It’s important to pay attention to your skin’s reaction and adjust usage accordingly.
Cons of Using Activated Charcoal for Psoriasis
While there are many benefits to using activated charcoal for psoriasis treatment, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Can be drying: Activated charcoal can be drying to the skin, especially if used excessively or in high concentrations. This can lead to irritation and exacerbation of psoriasis symptoms.
- Messy application: Activated charcoal can be messy and difficult to apply, especially in DIY recipes. It may also stain clothing and towels.
- Not suitable for all skin types: Activated charcoal may not be suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive or extremely dry skin.
- Lack of scientific evidence: While many people report positive results with the use of activated charcoal for psoriasis, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
- Potential interactions with medications: Activated charcoal may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before using it as a treatment for psoriasis.
To conclude, activated charcoal has absorbent properties that make it useful for medical professionals to use in the emergency room for poisoning. If you want to try an activated charcoal product for psoriasis on your skin, it is usually safe to do so, but be aware of potential side effects. In addition, it is important not to take activated charcoal internally unless they receive guidance from a doctor.