Is it worth the hype? : Charcoal skincare

Over the past month, 
I've tried three different products with charcoal as a main ingredient.  
(weird, I know.)

Apparently, (activated) charcoal has natural qualities to it that help to detoxify skin, open and cleanse pores, and leave your face glowing. 
Charcoal products, from what I've read, work best on oily/acne prone skin. 
Like mine. SO, here we go.

I decided to test three products out, 
and have had amazing results with two of them.

Here's how I did it.

Each week, I would incorporate a new charcoal product into my normal skin regime, based on the directions each gave. Normally, I use a makeup wipe to remove face makeup, an oil based remover for any liner/mascara I'm wearing, then use an apricot scrub and cleanser in the shower to make sure any oil is removed before bed, and in the morning as well.

First, I tried the Garnier Clean plus "Blackhead eliminating scrub" 

with salicylic acid and charcoal.

After about three days, I honestly saw no results at all. My skin felt the same as it did before I used the product, and my pores were still very visible. 

Next, I tried my favorite out of all three. It's the Biore "deep pore charcoal cleanser", and it is AMAZING. I put two pumps in my hands, lathered it with warm water, then applied it to my faced, and rinsed. My skin felt SO clean after I used it, and every day that week,
 I noticed my skin looking a bit brighter, and had no spots or breakouts at all.
OBSESSED.

Finally, I used the Freeman Feeling Beautiful facial polishing mask with Charcoal and Black Sugar. This was the product I was most skeptical of, because a mask typically won't have any type of grain or grit to it. I used it twice a week, and left it on damp skin for about 8 minutes each time. My skin was extremely soft after using it even once, and I found that I had a lot less oil the next day than before using. 

Overall, I think the charcoal craze is worth the hype if you have oily/combination/acne prone skin. I'm still going to use the mask, and the cleanser each week, because I honestly fell in love with both of these products. 

What is your go to skin product?

Let me know!

xo, 

k.