One of our best selling soaps is our Acne Soap or our Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Soap.
So we thought it would be good to explain why Activated Charcoal is so good at keeping Acne at bay.
Firstly, let's be clear, our Acne Soap is designed to complement not replace medicated Acne treatment and here's why.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs due to the build-up of Sebum, an oily substance that keeps your skin moisturised.
Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous gland which is located next to small hair follicles located all over your body. The purpose of Sebum is to keep your skin soft and moisturised as well as acting as a waterproofing mechanism. Basically stopping water from leaving your body.
It also acts as a barrier to keep harmful bacteria and fungal infections from your skin.
When these glands (also called pores) are blocked by dirt or oil, the sebum continues to build up. This build-up of sebum, along with dead skin cells and bacteria build and cannot get out because of the blockage.
Pretty soon this build-up becomes a nasty bulge in the skin which we call Acne.
The body tries to help fight these blockages by sending extra blood and chemicals to the area which then is seen as inflammation.
Generally, Acne is characterised in two ways:
Blackheads
These are blocked pores or glands that are not fully sealed. The bacteria is exposed to the air and turns a very dark grey colour
Whiteheads
These are fully closed and blocked pores. These are the ones that become inflamed and grow as more and more blood and sebum are products.
Acne is particularly prevalent during puberty when the sebaceous glands are enlarged and hormones produce more sebum. This means that this is a higher chance of pores being clogged and blocked and for spots to be produced.
What does Activated Charcoal do?
Activated Charcoal is obtained by burning materials such as woods, coal, or in the case of the Activated Charcoal used in Soapoman's soap, the husks of coconuts.
It is burnt at very high temperatures to form a lightweight, carbonaceous charcoal which means that all of the oxygen is removed from the material.
Thanks to this method, the charcoal expands and creates a very porous surface which really effective at trapping toxins.
It is when it is in this stated that it is called "Activated Charcoal".
The charcoals ability to absorb toxins has been given superpowers and boosted.
In addition, as a fine black powder, it also has a large surface area which means that can absorb more and thus is one of the most effective and efficient ways to clear your skin and pores of toxins.
By adding activated charcoal to our soap, when you wash your face and skin, the activated charcoal gets into the pores and clears out the bacteria, dirt and germs. By helping to keep your press clean and clear of dirt and bacteria our soap can help complement your daily acne routine.
It also looks cool!
Finally, we infuse the soap with Tea Tree oil. With natural anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Oil will also help to keep the redness and soreness of the skin surrounding the spot or pimple and soften the skin to help keep the acne at bay.
Click here for a link to our Activated Charcoal Soap.