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The Best Crispy Smashed Potatoes – The Real Food Dietitians

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by Caitlin H,

Feb 19, 2024

You know that exercise is essential, with countless studies showcasing how it can improve everything from heart health to immunity, skin vitality, and more. But if you’re getting on in life, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed any movement becomes a bit more difficult the older you get — whether you’ve ever been an avid exerciser or not.

For example, running a mile or two in your early 20s may seem challenging but not too terribly difficult. That’s quite a different story when you’re in your mid-to late-40s or beyond — when running a mile may take a good deal of training.

The reality is that while you should always strive to make exercise an integral part of your life, it’s going to look different at various stages in your life — and that’s more than okay.

We outlined a plan to create a fitness routine tailored to your age, plus some expert-recommended workouts, to make it as easy as possible to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
 

20s

Ah, your early 20s — you’ve got the youth, the energy, the ability to stay up all night and go to work the next day with no problem — it truly is a glorious time in terms of physical health.

Being young means you can go longer and harder when it comes to working out. With that in mind, aim for at least three 60-minute weekly cardio routines and two or three weight-lifting routines. Be sure to challenge your body by increasing your speed and resistance each time.
 

 

Running, cycling, Cross Fit, yoga
Weight training

 

30s

The later you get into your 30s, the more likely pulling an all-nighter or taking on a hard workout with no recovery time will be a no-go.

That’s why you may want to swap out some of the hardcore cardio days with resistance training, which can help combat things like osteoporosis and arthritis. If you’ve been going hard with steady-state cardio most days (i.e. running), it may be time to try out high-intensity interval training or lower-impact options a couple of times a week. This also may be a good time to hire a personal trainer to help you create a routine that works well for your personal life.
 

 

Circuit training, spinning
Presses, pulls, squats

 

40s

If you haven’t noticed changes in your body yet, you’ll likely start to as you progress throughout your 40s. Your metabolism naturally slows, and muscle mass starts to decrease, particularly if you haven’t done a lot of weight lifting previously. You should plan to do lower-impact cardio for 45 minutes or so at least five days a week, as well as focusing even more on resistance training and adding intensity to weight-lifting. You’ll also want to pay close attention to each area of your body to adapt your routine based on what needs more work.
 

 

Stair climbs, hiking, light jogging
Squats, pilates, weight-lifting

 

50s

If you’re in your 50s and haven’t yet, now is a more important time to incorporate fitness targeting bone and muscle, especially in your core, back, and shoulders. Strength training can increase bone density and help slow muscle depletion that comes with aging. You may also want to shorten your cardio sessions (and maybe do them more often) to give your body ample recovery time between each workout. Warming up, cooling down, and stretching become even more critical now, too.
 

 

Low-impact sports, walking, stationary bicycles
Curls and presses, planks, lunges

 

60s

All those years spent leaning over a keyboard or staring at a computer screen may start to show up in your 60s. Back pain and poor posture (the classic “hunch, for example) may be a problem. Thankfully, you can combat these two by doing exercises that work on your back and shoulder, as well as continuing with short bursts of cardio all week long. You may have to cut way back on aerobic exercise that puts extreme pressure on your joints (like running), but you can replace it with slower cardio that doesn’t stress your joints and muscles as much. Ultimately, be okay with doing lower-intensity workouts fewer times a week.
 

 

Walking, water aerobics/water jogging, low-impact sports
Pilates, low-weight/high-rep strength training
 

70s+

You deserve a serious round of applause if you’re still exercising regularly in your 70s. Energy may be harder to come by these days, but you’ll likely find that working out at least a few days a week improves your vitality drastically. Focus on exercise that improves mobility and strength to help you maintain your independence. Be sure to allow for a couple of days of recovery time between workouts.
 

 

Walking, water aerobics/water jogging
Low-weight/high-rep strength training

 

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best workout is one you keep going with, whether you’re 23 or 60. That means incorporating it into your schedule, prioritizing it like you would an important meeting or doctor appointment, and staying consistent.
 

 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe (With Oven Option) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Looking for skin care tips and tricks from an esthetician? We’re excited to chat with Eminence Organics’ Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, and tap into her expertise, including the most effective skin care strategies and personal product favorites. Dive into Natalie’s wealth of tips, covering everything from refrigerating your eye cream to multi-functional skin care products. Watch the full video below, or read along for her top tips.  

1. Evaluate Your Time Investment 

Evaluate how much time you can dedicate to your routine, as this will dictate the types of skin care products and treatments you can realistically incorporate into your day. It’s all about finding a balanced approach that’s neither too overwhelming nor unsustainable. Gradually building your routine enhances your lifestyle without causing undue strain on your skin or your schedule. 

2. Gradually Add Products Over Time

Starting with a few key products, such as a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, can prevent overwhelming your skin all at once. This approach lets your skin gradually become accustomed to new products, minimizing the risk of irritation. As you grow more familiar with how your skin reacts, you can carefully add more products. Progressing step by step ensures your routine is both effective and enjoyable and it simplifies identifying any product that might cause a problem.

3. Maintain Product Hygiene For Clearer Skin

To keep your skin healthy and clear, it’s important to prevent contamination when using your skin care products. Instead of using your fingers, which can spread bacteria, opt for a clean spoon or spatula to apply your products. This practice helps keep your products pure. Remember to clean these application tools thoroughly after each use. Washing them with soap and water, or sterilizing them with an alcohol wipe, will ensure that they remain hygienic for every use.

4.  Pop Products In The Fridge

Natalie likes to keep her products cool by popping them in the refrigerator so that they feel cool on her skin. This method can be especially beneficial for products like eye creams or certain serums, providing an additional soothing effect upon application. You may want to do this if you want your eye cream, for example, to feel more refreshing on your delicate eye skin. 

5. Store Your Products In A Cool, Dry Location

To ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your skin care products, it’s best to store them in a cool and dry place. This is particularly important for products containing active ingredients, as heat and moisture can affect their potency.

6. Embrace Multi-functional Skin Care Products

Consider using skin care products that serve more than one purpose, like a cleanser that also offers exfoliation. This approach not only streamlines your routine but also saves you time. 

7. Trying Micro-Masking For Efficiency

If you’re finding it hard to commit time to regular masking, try “micro-masking” sessions. These are brief, about three to five minutes each and you can do one to three of them to meet your skin care objectives. Micro-masking is a time-efficient method that fits easily into a busy schedule, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of masking without it being too time-consuming.

8. Morning Mask Routine

Natalie suggests that applying masks in the morning maximizes their benefits, as they prepare and protect your skin for the day. Morning masks are great for addressing specific issues like puffiness or a lackluster complexion, providing a quick fix for a more refreshed and vibrant look. A favorite of Natalie’s is the Turmeric Energizing Treatment as it’s designed to rejuvenate the skin with an exfoliating and stimulating effect. Ingredients such as turmeric and paprika help to revitalize the skin’s appearance, giving it a soft, radiant glow. Additionally, kaolin clay in the mask acts gently to cleanse and remove the look of impurities.

9. The Ideal Water Temperatures for Skin Care

Begin your facial cleansing with tepid water to gently wash away products. Finish off with a splash of cool water. Tepid water is mild and effectively cleanses without stripping away essential oils. It’s important to avoid extreme water temperatures, as they can be harsh on your skin. For example, using hot water can lead to dryness and irritation and can worsen conditions like acne or eczema by removing natural oils. Tepid water offers a balanced approach, maintaining the skin’s health without causing stress to the skin barrier.

10. Choosing the Right Facial Oil

When adding facial oils to your skin care routine, opt for ones that suit all skin types. High-quality facial oils are concentrated and powerful, so a small amount goes a long way. Usually, just a few drops are enough for your entire face. Natalie suggests starting with the Facial Recovery Oil as it’s high quality and crafted from organic and Biodynamic® ingredients. This oil features age-defying clary sage, balancing ylang-ylang and nourishing olive and sesame oils, making it a versatile choice for various skin types.

11. Prioritizing Nighttime Skin Care

In addition to your daytime skin care products, it’s crucial to select a product that nurtures your skin throughout the night. During sleep, your skin naturally repairs and rejuvenates itself. Nighttime skin care products, such as Natalie’s recommended Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream, are specially designed to support this overnight recovery process by helping hydrate during the skin’s repair cycle. They address overnight moisture loss, aiding the skin in retaining hydration and recovering from the day’s environmental stressors. Incorporating such a product into your nightly routine can significantly enhance your skin’s health and appearance.

12. Extend Care To Neck & Décolleté

Remember to include your neck and décolleté when applying products, like SPF. These often neglected areas are just as exposed to harmful environmental factors like UV rays and pollution, as your face is. The skin in these regions tends to have fewer oil glands compared to the face, which can lead to increased dryness, sagging and the earlier appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just as caring for often overlooked areas like the neck and décolleté is crucial, selecting the right skin care products can make all the difference in your routine. Let’s dive into Natalie’s top picks for esthetician-approved skin care products that can help you achieve amazing results.

Natalie’s Must-Have Esthetician Skin Care Products

Are you ready to incorporate these tips and tricks? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa to get a personalized skin care consultation for your skin type.

The Best Whey Protein Powder (Dietitian Approved and Tested 2024) – The Real Food Dietitians

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These days, we are becoming more aware of skin care ingredients and what they can do for our complexions. Whether it’s via social media, beauty blogs or our estheticians, information about skin care products is all around us. And with more exposure to the ingredients and their benefits for the skin, plus tutorials at our fingertips, there’s no end to the different recipes we can tweak to make our skin care work at its most optimal level. Read on to learn about the concept of skin care cocktailing and how it can shake up your routine.

What Is Skin Care Cocktailing? | How To Mix An Effective Cocktail | Cocktailing Step-By-Step | Combinations To Try | Mixing Masks | Combinations To Avoid 

What Is Skin Care Cocktailing? 

A multi-step skin care regimen is no longer thought of as high maintenance, it’s just kind of the norm these days. After all, if one effective product is good for your skin, then two or three (or more) must be better. While that is not always the case, there are a lot of ingredients that can be mixed and matched to complement each other and supercharge the effects beyond what they can achieve individually. Skin care cocktailing is a process of combining or layering products within your skin care regimen to enhance the efficacy, absorption, results (or all of the above) for healthy and glowing skin. The process is easy and customizable based on your needs.

Some ingredients bring out the best in each other and amp up their results, taking your skin care to the next level. These combinations can create an optimal skin care routine tailored to your specific needs, but cracking the code takes some work. More is not always more when it comes to ingredients, and layering too many can disturb the actives, cause irritation and defeat the whole purpose of the practice. But, in the same way a good bartender can mix up an amazing drink, the right skin care cocktail recipe can be a magical combination. 

How To Mix Yourself An Effective Skin Care Cocktail  

The key to a cocktail that works for your specific skin is to really hone in on what you’re trying to achieve. Whether you’re looking to create a brighter-looking complexion, clearer and more balanced skin or a smooth and hydrated glow, knowing your end game and working backwards is the most effective way to curate your mixology.

A skin care cocktail routine requires some knowledge on how to layer actives. It’s important to both understand which ingredients work well together and in what order they should be applied. The rule of thumb is to apply based on texture. Lightest products first and thickest last. Toner, serum, oil, moisturizer and SPF for day. 

The timing of the application is also important. Give each product enough time to soak in and dry on the skin before you apply the next one. About five minutes is a good window. A clue that you layered something on too soon could show up as pilling or separating of the product on the skin. Again, while the term “cocktailing” might conjure up the image of one big martini shaker full of different ingredients, this is more about ingredient layering rather than mixing. 

Skin Care Cocktailing Step-By-Step

Follow these easy rules to get the most out of this skin care strategy.

Step 1

Cleanse your face to make sure you are starting with fresh, clean skin. Based on your goals, you can choose a cleanser that aligns with the results you’re trying to achieve. In other words, rather than just cleansing the skin to create a nice, neutral canvas, amp things up by using a cleanser that addresses your issues, from dark spots to fine lines. 

A good tip is to find a product that complements your skin type and addresses any concerns you are struggling with. If your goal is a cocktail that will help with problem or acne-prone skin, our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is a good place to start. It’s both cooling and balancing and reduces the visible signs of problem skin and breakouts. Or try the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam which effectively prevents acne breakouts and clears blocked pores. 

Follow the cleanse with an exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells and other debris on the surface of the skin that could get in the way of product absorption. An exfoliating cleanser like the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser or the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser will save time by doing double duty. Both will cleanse and exfoliate in one step, priming your skin to drink in the rest of the cocktail. 

Step 2 

Applying a toner and an essence can help enhance the results of your cocktailing routine. A toner completes the cleansing process by getting rid of any residue that may be left on the face. A toner can also address skin concerns, from acne to aging, and can balance out pH levels of the skin. Follow that with an essence that preps the face for the next steps in the routine, while also maximizing hydration, plumping and protecting. Skin is known to better absorb actives when it is slightly damp, so a spritz or swipe of a hydrating essence can prepare the skin to receive the next ingredients in the cocktail routine.

Our Pineapple Refining Tonique is designed to brighten, hydrate and exfoliate with gentle enzymes and acids. If you’re looking to purify the skin and improve barrier function, the Birch Water Purifying Essence is a great option.

Step 3

This is where the true cocktailing begins. As mentioned, some products work well in tandem to enhance the results of each on their own. Two ingredients that play well together are salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that provides protection against acne breakouts and encourages exfoliation and the unclogging of pores. And hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator, meaning it will nourish and moisturize dry skin. Applying the two back-to-back will allow the salicylic acid to do its job of absorbing excess oil, while the hyaluronic acid mitigates any dryness by pumping moisture back into the skin. Our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum does the mixing for you by combining hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid from strawberries for just the right balance.

Niacinamide is another ingredient that our Product Support Team loves because it can be combined with almost anything. Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide visibly reduces pore size, retains hydration, supports the skin barrier and smooths uneven texture. It is commonly combined with ingredients like antioxidants (Vitamin C), glycolic acids, conventional retinol and bakuchiol. Combining Vitamin C and niacinamide can yield hydration, brightening and skin smoothing benefits. And the combo of niacinamide and bakuchiol found in our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer smooths the look of wrinkles, visibly firms skin, minimizes the appearance of large pores and uneven texture with no visible irritation.

If you’re looking for more pairings that target a specific issue, we’ve got you covered. 

Dehydrated Skin

Combining Birch Water Purifying Essence & Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum unites birch water, reishi mushrooms, Botanical Collagen and Botanical Hyaluronic Acid to restore hydration to the skin. Looking for more combos? You can also blend the following ingredients to combat dehydration: Glycerin, ceramides, jojoba oil, PHAs, AHAs and linoleic acid.

Blemish-prone Skin

The dynamic duo of Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum & Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator is a great combination for lightweight, clarifying moisture. Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, salicylic acid

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum & Bamboo Firming Fluid. Layer SPF over top during the day to further fight the signs of aging. Ingredients to look for: Natural Retinol Alternative and Vitamin C

Happy customer, Julie, has tried this combo and said in a review on our website: “I mix the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum with Bamboo Firming Fluid and have seen amazing results in the clarity of my skin, the even skin tone and the smooth feel. My Eminence consultant gave me the idea to make a product ‘cocktail’ with this ingredient. Give it a try! You’ll be happy you did!” 

Mixing Masks

If you like the idea of layering or mixing ingredients to personalize your results but don’t want to commit to an entire routine, double masking might be a good option. The right mask can deliver a shot of nutrition, plus all sorts of benefits — from hydrating to brightening the look of dark spots, absorbing excess oil and minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And because they are designed to deliver higher concentrations of ingredients, masks can give your skin an instant boost, making them an easy and convenient addition to your at-home routine. If one mask is good, can doubling (or tripling) down be even better? The answer is yes! Find out more about double masking here. 

Combinations To Avoid

In the same way that some products enhance others, there are ingredient pairings to steer clear of. Avoid using too many chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids in your routine. These can lead to over-exfoliation of your skin and potentially damage your skin barrier. The same goes for conventional retinol since too much can cause irritation, especially on skin that has already been exposed to acids. 

SPF is a non-negotiable in any daytime routine but it is important to note that it should never be mixed with other products. Instead, it should be the last layer applied to the skin before makeup. Mixing SPF with another product can dilute the efficacy of the sunscreen, which can both defeat the purpose of using SPF and potentially cause serious sun damage. However. while we don’t recommend ever mixing your SPF with anything, if the ingredients come mixed with SPF in their formulations (like the bakuchiol and niacinamide in our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid or Vitamin C from passion fruit in our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer) you’re all good and the skin will benefit from a treatment built right in. 

Of course, SPF should be worn daily to protect your skin, but it’s crucial to apply it the day after using retinol and acids. One more great cocktailing tip for maximum protection is layering Vitamin C alongside your SPF in the morning to protect your skin from environmental stressors. What that looks like is three to four drops of the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum on cleansed skin before applying SPF. 

Are you interested in building a skin care cocktailing routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner for advice about which ingredients you can combine to achieve the results you’re looking for!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – The Real Food Dietitians

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Clogged pores: a phrase that can make anyone pause and inspect their skin a little closer. But have you ever wondered if age plays a role in this pesky skin issue? Sure, we all know about teenage acne, but what about later in life? Is it a problem that fades with time, or does it evolve, taking on different forms as we age? Let’s uncover the intricate link between age, skin type and the best approaches to keeping your skin clear and healthy without clogged pores, no matter your age.

Why Do We Get Clogged Pores? | What Causes Pore Changes?

Why Do We Get Clogged Pores?

Clogged pores typically occur when hair follicles on your skin get jammed up with oil, dead skin cells and other unpleasant gunk. Pores are tiny openings that contain these hair follicles and are connected to oil-producing sebaceous glands that keep your skin supple and protected.

Your pores play an important role in regulating skin’s moisture balance but when they mingle with dead skin and pollutants, it can spell trouble. Are you unsure what clogged pores look like? They can manifest as congestion on your skin, in the form of annoying blackheads, whiteheads and other symptoms including: 

Excess Oil: An oily or shiny appearance, often more noticeable in certain areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), often goes hand in hand with pore congestion.
Whiteheads: These are small, raised, white bumps on the skin’s surface, resulting from pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. 
Blackheads: Similar to whiteheads, this form of congestion appears dark due to the oxidation of the debris inside the pore.
Dull Skin Appearance: Congested skin often loses its natural radiance, appearing lackluster and tired. This can be connected to lingering dead skin.
Enlarged Pores: Pores may appear larger due to the accumulation of oil and debris.
Rough, Bumpy Texture: The skin’s surface can feel uneven and coarse to the touch, indicating underlying congestion.

Now that you’re familiar with what clogged pores are, you may wonder if you can get them at any age. 

What Causes Changes In Pores?

The likelihood of you getting clogged pores will depend on several factors: 

Aging

As your skin matures, a natural part of the aging process is the depletion of collagen levels. This reduction in collagen can cause the skin to lose its firmness and plumpness, which in turn may lead to enlarged pores. Enlarged pores are more susceptible to becoming clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, which can result in clogged pores.

Acne

According to DermNet, acne is associated with clogging enlarged pores “through weakening sebaceous gland and hair follicle openings, making them more prone to blockage.” This blockage can also involve bacteria, leading to acne spots or lesions, or can be a result of an overproduction of oil, the accumulation of dead skin cells and the body’s inflammatory response. 

Neglecting Your Skin Care

Inadequate cleansing, such as not washing your face properly or often enough, can lead to oil, makeup and dirt buildup, causing clogged pores. On the other hand, over-washing or using harsh cleansers is another cause for concern, as these approaches can strip natural oils and lead to increased sebum production, increasing the likelihood of developing clogged pores.

Genetics: You Have An Oily Skin Type

Genetic predisposition plays a role in skin type and its characteristics. Those with naturally oily skin are more prone to excessive sebum production and, consequently, clogged pores. Essentially, if oily skin runs in your family, you might find yourself more prone to issues related to excess oil, such as whiteheads, blackheads and enlarged pores.

Sebum Overproduction

Sebum, the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands, is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. But, when produced in excess, it can lead to a greasy look and feel. Plus when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells or pollutants, pores frequently end up blocked and clogged. Skipping makeup removal before bed? That’s practically an open invitation for clogged pores. Leaving makeup on too long traps sebum and dead skin against your skin, preventing their natural shedding process and leading to unwelcome clogs.

Neglecting regular exfoliation can allow dead skin cells to build up and clog your pores. Ideally, the natural process of skin shedding involves the removal of dead skin cells from the surface. However, if these cells are left to accumulate on the skin’s surface and within the pores, they mix with sebum and other substances to form clogs. 

Hormonal Fluctuations

You might have noticed that at different times, your skin seems to behave differently. Often, this is linked to hormonal shifts that occur alongside puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. During these times, your body experiences changes in hormone levels, which can lead to an increase in sebum production, which as mentioned earlier, is a key factor in the development of clogged pores.

External Pollutants

Daily exposure to pollutants, dirt and makeup can contribute to clogged pores. These external pollutants accumulate on the skin, mix with sebum and dead skin cells and further exacerbate pore blockage. 

Stress 

Though it may not seem obvious, the connection between stress and clogged pores, specifically acne, is well documented. A study from the Archives of Dermatology observed a direct correlation between stress levels and acne severity. During certain times, your body experiences changes in hormone levels, which can result in increased sebum production. As mentioned earlier, this heightened sebum production is a key factor in the development of clogged pores.

Whether you’re in your teens and 20s, or in your 50s and beyond, it’s helpful to consider these factors when pinpointing the reason for a sudden outbreak of clogged pores. Dealing with clogged pores is a bit like solving a puzzle — it’s different for everyone and changes over time. If you’re keen to dive deeper and discover effective methods to unclog your pores, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to decongest clogged pores. There, you’ll find detailed skin care strategies and tips for maintaining clear, healthy skin.

You can also visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to get a personalized and professional routine to assist with your clogged pores or any other skin issues.

Ground Beef Stir Fry (Easy 30-Minute Meal) – The Real Food Dietitians

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As natural skin care ingredients gain popularity, charcoal has become increasingly recognized for its ability to detoxify and purify the skin. But does charcoal live up to its reputation? You may be surprised to learn that this ingredient is very effective in reducing excess oil and impurities from your skin, which helps to eliminate buildup and tackle pore congestion — like blackheads. It also gives your skin a matte finish, taking away the unwanted shine that comes with oily skin, leaving it looking clear and refined. Let’s take a closer look at charcoal in skin care, examining its benefits and effectiveness.  

Types Of Charcoal In Skin Care

Derived from natural sources like coconut shells, bamboo and oak, charcoal is renowned for its ability to detoxify and balance the skin naturally. In the context of skin care, we’re looking at two main types: activated charcoal and binchotan charcoal. Let’s explore the most common benefits and claims about charcoal’s effectiveness in more detail.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is derived from natural materials, such as coconut shells or oak wood, and is effective in reducing comedones, which can be partly attributed to its capacity to absorb excess oil and prevent pore clogging. Its porous texture means it’s often used for deep-cleaning the skin. 

Binchotan Charcoal

Binchotan isn’t as well-known in Western skincare, but it’s a traditional Japanese form of charcoal, deriving from the high-quality Ubame oak wood. It also detoxifies and balances the look of the skin. It is acclaimed for its ability to adsorb — rather than absorb — impurities. This means that impurities on the skin are sucked up and stick to the charcoal’s surface. This adsorbing action makes activated charcoal a popular choice for refining and balancing oily or blemished-looking skin. Now that you know the types of charcoal to look for in your products, let’s take a look at its benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Charcoal In Skin Care?

Charcoal is beneficial in treating pore congestion, a condition often marked by the accumulation of debris, dead skin cells, makeup and other impurities in the pores. You might have congested pores if you notice symptoms such as:

Excess oil
Enlarged pores
Blackheads
Whiteheads
A distressed or dull appearance
Rough, bumpy, uneven skin texture

Charcoal can help with:

Managing Sebum & Enlarged Pores To Remove Impurities

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, activated charcoal can help manage the overproduction of sebum, which is responsible for enlarging pores. Enlarged pores tend to get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, potentially leading to uneven skin texture. By drawing out oil and debris, charcoal may reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged. 

Balancing The Skin Through Oil Regulation

By effectively eliminating debris and excess sebum (the culprits behind clogged pores), charcoal aids in creating a smoother and more refined-looking skin texture. This makes it particularly advantageous for those with oily or combination skin types. 

Detoxification & Deep Cleansing

One of the central claims is that charcoal can act as a magnet for impurities, drawing them out of the skin’s pores. This is based on its highly porous structure, which gives it a large surface area for trapping impurities. This detoxifying property helps improve skin health by removing trapped dirt and reducing congestion by getting rid of bacteria and oil from the pores. 

Exfoliation & Brightening

Activated charcoal is known for its exfoliating power due to its fine, gritty texture, which makes it ideal for use in facial and body scrubs. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, making the skin appear more radiant and refreshed. This texture allows it to gently but effectively polish the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.

Is Charcoal Good For Skin? Considerations & Recommendations

While the benefits of charcoal in skin care are numerous, it’s important to approach its use with certain considerations in mind, as different skin types and sensitivities can have varied responses to charcoal-based products.

Skin Type & Sensitivity

Not all skin is created equal; naturally, this means different skin types have distinct needs. Those with dry or sensitive skin might find charcoal products a little intense, as they could exacerbate dryness or cause irritation. But, this doesn’t mean they’re off limits. It’s important to do a patch test and to introduce any new product gradually to see how your skin reacts. Many find that with the right frequency and product formulation, charcoal can be a beneficial addition to their routine, regardless of the skin type.

Proper Usage & Frequency

Skin care is not one-size-fits-all and this is especially true for charcoal products. The key to harnessing the benefits of charcoal without overdoing it lies in understanding proper usage and frequency. This includes considering other products in your routine, how often you’re using charcoal-infused products and in what form it is used. 

So, back to the burning question — is charcoal good for your skin? It appears that when used correctly and with consideration for individual skin types, charcoal can indeed benefit skin, from aiding in the reduction of imperfections to polishing the skin’s surface. Skin care success relies not on a singular ingredient, but on a thoughtful regimen tailored to your skin’s unique needs. If you’re considering introducing charcoal into your routine, do so with an informed approach. Visit a professional esthetician for an assessment and take the time to understand your skin’s requirements and how it responds. After all, the best skin care routine is one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.

Have you ever used charcoal on your skin? Let us know in the comments below. Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner and an esthetician can professionally diagnose your skin type and recommend products that will help it look and feel its best.