Charcoal mask vs koyla: Experts decode content creator’s viral skincare hack

A charcoal mask contains activated charcoal, a fine black powder produced after exposure to excessive heat

Charcoal and koyla are not the same when it comes to skincare (Source: Freepik)

The many bizarre hacks and tips that populate social media can easily bamboozle you. This is why we could not believe our eyes and ears when we came across a video by Instagram user Manpreet Kaur stating that koyla or coal is a cheaper alternative for charcoal masks. All you need to do, she suggested, is to go to a washerman and get some coal. Naturally, we wanted to understand what dermatologists had to say about this hack.

“I have never bought a charcoal mask. All you need is to get koyla from your nearby steam press person. Break it into pieces and grind it in the mixer. Take it out in a bowl. Add the juice of half a lemon. Allow it to sundry for 3-4 hours. Keep it covered. Once it is sundried, take a strainer and filter it again,” said the user. She added, “This is the charcoal mask without impurities unlike what brands sell. You can use multani mitti or besan with this powder. See the magic for yourself.”

But before we learn about the truth behind this hack, let’s understand what a charcoal mask is and what it does.

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A charcoal mask contains activated charcoal, a fine black powder produced after exposure to excessive heat, which causes little holes in between, making it highly absorbable, said Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist at Shareefa’s Skin Care Clinic.

According to Dr Chause, the mask helps remove impurities from the skin, treats acne and is good for excessively oily skin. However, “people with sensitive and dry skin should avoid using charcoal masks.”

Always go for expert advice (Source: Freepik)

Is there any semblance of truth to this claim?

Quashing the claim, Dr Jatin Mittal, co-founder, cosmetologist, and skin expert from Abhivrit Aesthetics New Delhi, said, ” Absolutely not.”

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“This is not the right way to do skincare. Applying koyla mixed with lemon to your face, even if sundried, will lead to extreme dermatitis. Activated charcoal is mixed in charcoal sheets mask which effectively removes impurities, toxins and blemishes from the skin,” asserted Dr Mittal.

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A post shared by Manpreet (@manpreetk0urr)

Dr Mittal cautioned against such remedies and urged, “Do not try such influencer-based or Google remedies. Always take expert suggestions. Don’t harm your skin.”

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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