Photo: Boldsky.com

The internet has recently gone into meltdown over the new craze sweeping the world. The charcoal face mask! They are said to have many benefits, such as cleansing deep down, making the Skin soft and leaving a luscious glow. But are the masks all they’re cracked up to be? LUXE Models investigates how good the face mask of the moment actually is…

A little bit of background

So, what is the charcoal face mask? As if you’d have to ask! The charcoal face mask is made from skin purifying charcoal powder (hence why the masks are black), and is the latest beauty trend of 2017. Popular amongst beauty bloggers and celebrities, there are hundreds of YouTube videos featuring the phenomenon. However, many facialists have warned against the use of the charcoal masks, emphasising their damaging effect they have to the skin. Among the videos raving about the new trend, there are numerous that show the pain staking task of getting the mask off – along with the screams of pain and squirms to rip it off. OUCH!

Photo: Read Unwritten

 Beauty necessity or beauty disaster?

Facialist Andy Millward warns against the use of charcoal face masks, he says “the reason why the skin feels so soft and smooth is because the mask is effectively ripping off the surface area of the skin along with the vellus hair” and stresses “the long-term damage outweighs the benefits”.

The blackheads that people believe to be removing are not the only thing the masks are ripping off. The majority of oils pulled from the skin will be sebaceous filaments and are needed by the skin so will return within 30 days. Blackheads (blocked pores) are different to sebum pores, a common misunderstanding with people investing in the masks.

Youtubers have also started making DIY variations of the masks, using charcoal powder and PVA glue. However, the masks may be having the reverse effect of what they are meant to do – by clogging pores the masks are said to cause breakouts and blemishes.

 Photo: The Skin Care Reviews

The verdict

So, the final conclusion? The mask ultimately removes essential oils and protective cells which keep the skin healthy and protect against bacteria. What does this mean in the long run? It leaves the skin open to harmful pollutants and the end result leaves dry and damaged skin. If you have sensitive skin, the mask may irritate the skin causing rashes and dryness. Continued use of the masks will cause long-term damage to the skin, however if a mask has been used as a one-off the skin will recover in its own time. So you can breathe a sigh of relief!

Our top tips for recovering skin? Use a gentle cleanser whilst waiting for the skin to repair; as well as this use hydrating, antioxidant-rich serum to help repair the skin. Using sun cream will also be beneficial as the skin will be extra sensitive for the first 30 days after using the mask. You have our verdict, our last piece of advice? STOP USING THE CHARCOAL MASKS!