Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (2024)

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (1)

By Shawna Hudson

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Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (2)

If you're always on the hunt for the best acne-fighting products, I think it's time I remind you about an age-old purifier that literally always gets the job done. According to Kaveri Karhade, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Bay Area, it was historically used to filter toxins and contaminants, so youknowit's effective. Yep, I'm talking about activated charcoal, folks. It's an oldie but a goody. Karhade adds, "Medically, its original use was to help manage poisoning and overdoses. More recently, it has been added to some skincare products with a goal of helping tocleanse or purify the skin. In particular, it's often marketed as a skincare ingredient that helps to unclog pores, remove impurities, and exfoliate."

So yeah, if you have problem skin and could use a good deep cleanwithout getting an actual facial, you may want to give it a try. If you'd like a few more details on this star ingredient and how it works, keep reading.

The Benefits of Activated Charcoal

"Activated charcoal has a very large surface area—similar to how a fluffy popcorn kernel has a large surface area as compared to a kernel of corn," says Karhade. "This large surface area can theoretically have a large capability to filter contaminants and impurities. However, the evidence on activated charcoal's ability to unclog pores and remove impurities is sparse. Since it's likely to be safe, it's worth a try! I recommend using with caution, however, as sometimes activated charcoal can have a mild drying effect on the skin.A weekly charcoal mask for those with oily, blemish-prone skin may be beneficial."

Although there isn't a ton of scientific evidence to say that charcoal is the absolute best acne-clearing ingredient, it can still helpclean blocked pores, and there are plenty of charcoal products on the market to choose from. To get you started, I've rounded up Karhade's recommendationas well as a few of my own favorites. Keep scrolling for the all-stars.

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Origins

Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Karhade recommends this charcoal mask from Origins because it really helps clean your pores and makes them less visible. It also features white China clay, which absorbs toxins and flushes them from the skin. Karhade recommends using this weekly if you have oily or blemish-prone skin.

Eminence Organic Skin Care

Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser

For a smoother and fresher complexion, try Eminence's Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. Charcoal draws out oil and dirt, while blue matcha and peppermint provide major youth-enhancing antioxidants. If that isn't enough to sway you, it's also packed with kaolin clay, which deep cleans even further without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

Buttah Skin

Charcoal Detox Mask

This mask from Buttah Skin provides gentle detoxification and deep moisture replenishment with additional ingredients like argan oil and shea butter.

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(Image credit: @itsheymorgan)

Sunday Riley

Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub

Sometimes, the skin on the rest of your bodycould use a little detox. That's where Sunday Riley's Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub comes in. It smooths, refines, and clarifies rough skin with salicylic acid, charcoal, and zinc PCA, which regulates oil production and controls bacteria growth.If you tend to break out on your back or anywhere else on your body, this is definitely the scrub for you.

PCA Skin

Detoxifying Mask

Reveal a more radiant and vibrant complexion with PCA Skin's ultimate detox mask. The Japanese white charcoal in this mask contains an array of minerals that absorb oil and impurities in the skin, and magnesium aluminum silicate support skin clearing. Don't worry, though—it won't dry you out since it also contains glycerin and bisabolol to hydrate and soothe your complexion.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Juice Beauty

Bamboo Pore-Refining Mask

For ultra-soft and refined skin, test out Juice Beauty's Bamboo Pore-Refining Mask. This mask is formulated to really help with things like "maskne," as it contains a combination of bentonite clay, kaolin oil, and bamboo charcoal. The addition of aspen bark helps keep skin clear since it has anti-microbial properties.

Peter Thomas Roth

Irish Moor Mud

The volcanic ashin this charcoal-infused mask provides extra detoxification. Another star ingredient featured in this mask is Irish moor mud, which helps reverse the damage caused by environmental stress and pollution on the skin.

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(Image credit: @kimseidensticker)

Boscia

Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser

Another great cleansing option featuring charcoal is this exfoliating wash from Boscia. It contains both charcoal and glycolic acid to help clear your pores of excess oil and neutralize breakouts. Additionally, artichoke-leaf extract reduces pore size and boosts skin's elasticity, and vitamin C brightens your overall tone.

GlamGlow

Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution

If you're not exactly into the idea of having a cleanser with charcoal in it, try a toner instead, like this one from GlamGlow. It has a six-acid blend that helps refine pores in addition to glycolic acid and charcoal to deep clean and slough off dead skin.

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (15)

(Image credit: @nataliemckeough)

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (16)

Swisse

Makuna Honey Cleansing Clay Mask With Charcoal

Personally, I'm a big fan of honey for the skin. It'ssohydrating and is a great antimicrobial agent. This mask from Swisse features makuna honey, kaolin clay, charcoal, and red algae to really balance combination skin, in particular.

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (17)

Nip+Fab

Charcoal and Mandelic Acid Fix Mud Sheet Mask

For a quick sheet-style mask, go for Nip+Fab's easy option. With mandelic acid, activated charcoal, and witch hazel, your skin will have a seriously youthful glow in record time.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (19)

New York Biology

Dead Sea Mud Mask

Infused with minerals, Dead Sea mud, calendula oil, and aloe vera, this mask provides the ultimate cleanse. It aids skin renewal and gently exfoliates to reveal a clearer, glowing complexion.

Up Next:5 Compelling Reasons You Should Be Using Skincare With Superfruits

Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (20)

Shawna Hudson

Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.

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Anytime I'm Breaking Out, This Acne-Zapping Ingredient Is My Secret Weapon (2024)

FAQs

What does zapping acne do? ›

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) works by killing the bacteria on your skin through a “zap” of light; whilst ourSkin Recovery peel is perfect for oily skin regulation, folliculitis and red acne scars.

What is the secret to no acne? ›

People can often prevent acne and pimples by cleansing their face of oil, sweat, and dirt daily They can also avoid oil-containing cosmetics, and take prescribed medication. Acne is a common skin disorder that can cause pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and inflamed cysts. There are many ways to prevent acne.

Does hypochlorous acid clear acne? ›

In conclusion, clearing acne with hypochlorous acid offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with persistent breakouts. Its gentle yet effective nature, coupled with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

How to permanently get rid of acne? ›

Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.

Does face zapping work? ›

Some estheticians and dermatologists back the treatment for breakouts, but there haven't been many scientific studies to prove the treatment's effectiveness. You may want to consult your dermatologist before getting a high-frequency device to treat any form of acne, especially if you plan to use an at-home tool.

How to have clear skin in 2 days? ›

Day 1–2:
  1. Double cleanse: Use a gentle oil based cleanser followed by a water cleanser to wash off dirt and impurities.
  2. Exfoliate: Use a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs ( glycolic acid and other AHAs) to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. ...
  3. Toner: Apply a toner to balance skin's pH and tighten pores.
Jan 30, 2023

How to naturally get rid of a pimple overnight? ›

Overnight acne treatment
  1. Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. ...
  2. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a well-known treatment for pimples. ...
  3. Benzoyl peroxide face wash or gel: These are available over the counter and provide good results in reducing acne.

How do you get rid of acne in 3 days naturally? ›

Here are 4 natural ways to get rid of pimples fast, although they may have limited research supporting their effectiveness for this purpose.
  1. Spot treat with tea tree oil. ...
  2. Spot treat with other essential oils. ...
  3. Apply green tea to the skin. ...
  4. Moisturize with aloe vera.

What not to mix with hypochlorous acid? ›

Never mix your hypochlorous acid with other personal care products before applying on the skin or you could reduce the efficacy of your products. Layer by applying the hypochlorous acid spray, solution, or serum first and let dry before proceeding with other products.

What is the best acid to get rid of pimples? ›

Salicylic acid.

This ingredient may help unclog pores and prevent new breakouts. Salicylic acid products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 0.5% to 2% as both leave-on and wash-off products. Possible side effects include mild stinging, skin discoloration and minor skin irritation.

Can you make hypochlorous acid at home? ›

How Is HOCl Made? HOCl can be made on-site combining non-iodinated salt, water, and electrolysis. The system to make HOCl on-site is a 1-L container that is filled with water, to which 1 g of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of vinegar are added.

What kills acne the fastest? ›

Apply a spot treatment that can dry out the pimple. Examples of spot treatments include tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Apply to the pimple and area around it, using clean hands, to target the pore and oil builtup underneath.

What kills acne bacteria fast? ›

Your dermatologist may recommend medical-grade versions of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, as well as retinoids and topical antibiotics. Retinoids not only help dry up the oil and kill P acnes, they help your skin cells turn over to improve the look and health of your skin.

What does B12 acne look like? ›

What Does Vitamin B12 Acne Look Like? Vitamin B12 acne is included in a subset known as “inflammatory acne.” These include pustules (the white-capped, pus-filled ones), cysts and nodules (the hard, deep ones), and papules (similar to cysts, but not as large).

What does zapping your skin do? ›

High Frequency oxygenates the surface of the skin, kills P. acne bacteria, stimulates circulation and aids in detoxification, contracts blood vessels minimizing red inflamed skin. … This kind of treatment also can aid in shrinking pores, reducing signs of aging and stopping persistent acne in its tracks.

What happens when you press acne? ›

Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.

What does zapping the face do? ›

By harnessing the power of radio frequency and ultrasound technology, skin experts are zapping below the epidermal surface, “remodeling” tissue to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The process results, they claim, in tighter, more youthful looking jawlines and necks.

What does zap zit do? ›

ZAPZYT penetrates deep into your pores where pimples begin, delivering the fastest results possible. ZAPZYT vanishes instantly into your skin. The only thing you will notice are the results.

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