If you live in a country with varying climates such as Canada, you may come across a vast change in your skin coinciding with the vast change in temperature. Some experience summer dryness and most experience oilier skin during the summer. This is because in the summer months our sebaceous glands produce extra oil; we tend to sweat more due to higher temperatures and increased activity; our skin experiences less cellular turn over; and pollutants in the air seem thicker due to the humidity.
The combination of these conditions can lead to summer breakouts, enlarged or clogged pores, blackheads or whiteheads, rough / bumpy skin or a greasy appearance. None of which we would consider glowing summer skin.
When you experience these issues there are a few things you can do to minimize the appearance of oil on the surface of your skin. You can use a lighter moisturizer and sunscreen. And although this seems counterintuitive, placing a light water weight moisturizer on your skin will trick your sebaceous glands into slowing down the production of sebum.
Another option is to blot with oil-absorbing paper and finish off with powder. Blotting, especially on the T-zone, soaks up oil that has already made it to the surface of the skin, thereby removing it and creating a more matte surface. Applying powder after this step will also help to absorb excess oil as it makes its way to the surface to maintain a matt look. The powder you choose to use can also include bronzing powder or mineral make-up.
But if you want to take on a more proactive approach to any oily skin issues that may arise during summer, we think you should look into the use of activated charcoal products.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a natural product which can be derived from carbon rich bamboo, coconut shells, wood or peat. The charred byproducts of these are then ground into a fine powder and the charcoal only becomes “activated” once the charcoal powder is “superheated”. Heating the charcoal powder at high heat removes residual unwanted molecules; creates a larger surface area; and makes the charcoal more porous allowing it to absorb more toxins, contaminants, oils, unwanted scents, etc. You do not want to confuse coal powder with activated charcoal powder. They are not the same thing.
How does activated charcoal work to absorb oil?
Activated charcoal has been the subject of many scientific studies including studies related to skin and health care as well as environmental issues and disaster clean up. It has been determined in some cases that the porous nature of activated charcoal makes it easy for this fine powder to absorb up to 99% of unwanted oils and toxins depending on how long the activated charcoal is in contact with the unwanted material.
Soap Use:
In a soap, the activated charcoal will sink in as you lather, pulling away any oils and dirt off of your epidermis. Depending on how long you keep on the lather, the activated charcoal can absorb dirt and oil from the dermis as well.
scrub Use:
In a sugar scrub or salt scrub, the activated charcoal works its way into the dermis easily with gentle massage or exfoliation. These impurities will get washed away once the product is washed off.
Mask Use:
Masks will be more effective as they are in contact with the skin longer and therefore the activated charcoal has more time to “sink in” to the dermis, absorbing dirt, oil, dried sebum and toxins allowing them to be washed away during the rinsing period. That being said, there are good oils in your skin and overdoing a mask routine can cause dryness and irritations. Some masks can be used up to three times weekly but never more often than that.
The benefits of using activated charcoal as part of your skin care routine is twofold. Yes, it is amazing at absorbing oils at the dermis which means natural production of oils will take longer to reach the epidermis. But it also acts as an exfoliant helping to smooth out bumpy skin, reducing pores and generally making your skin happy and healthy.
So the next time you have a summer breakout or your make up is melting off your face and you can’t figure out why, think “Activated Charcoal”. It’s the best friend you never knew you needed.
With Love
Tracee Rose
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