Throughout my acne-riddled teenage years, my skincare routine was a cycle of bewilderment and exasperation. I conceded defeat to the constellations of spots across my face. But now in my 20s, in a job that relies on my face not looking its worst, the laissez-faire attitude I had has gone. Activated charcoal products have been a dependable oil-banishing addition to my washbag for years. Using carbon that has been treated to increase its absorbency, they claim to attract dirt and oil like a magnet – unclogging pores and dispelling acne. But do they work?
L’Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Charcoal Face Wash (£6.35) is effective at stripping away grease, although the wash can be rather harsh and leaves skin feeling dry, so it would be best coupled with a good moisturiser.
A much milder cleanse, Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash (£18) may not deliver an immediate sense of oil-relief, but after a few weeks my skin felt well-balanced and not at all dehydrated.
The facial sponge has long been a skincare staple in Asia, gently buffing away dead skin cells. Konjac Facial Puff Sponge With Bamboo Charcoal (£8.99) is a neutralising, all-natural exfoliator. A week with the sponge revealed that I am an impatient scrubber who has no time for gentle exfoliation.
Luckily, I found Origins Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder (£25), which can be a cleanser or a deep exfoliator. Easy, efficient and portable.
• Next week: Elee Nova on nude lipsticks
