New Delhi, Oct 21 (FN Bureau) Amid rising cases of skin ailment due to air pollution, a new study suggests that soaps or skin scrubs made with activated bamboo charcoal may offer an effective solution for absorbing toxins and dirt from the skin. The study titled “The Versatile Bamboo Charcoal” emphasises that bamboo charcoal helps prevent the accumulation of air-pollution-induced toxic elements on the skin. It also acts as a barrier against extreme temperatures, shielding the skin from both heat and cold.
The findings on the facial skin benefits of bamboo charcoal – popularly dubbed as the “black diamond” that has traditionally been used for purifying water – supplements its rich history in natural acne treatments, used by both men and women for centuries in several Asian countries, said a statement. The findings of the study, by Dr Ankur Dwivedi, Neha Jain, Pooja Patel, and Poonam Sharma from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University, also promises to add to Indian firms’ global offering on formulations based on natural and plant-based ingredients.
Director Ayouthveda, Dr. Sanchit Sharma, said bamboo charcoal effectively cleanses the skin by removing dirt and impurities. The process of creating activated bamboo charcoal involves carbonising harvested bamboo at very high temperatures, enhancing its surface area-to-weight ratio of about 1200:1. This method not only maximises its effectiveness in absorbing toxins but also makes it a powerful ally in the fight against acne, the study said. Since bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world, Dr. Sharma calls it a sustainable resource for charcoal. “Unlike traditional wood charcoal, bamboo can be harvested without legal restrictions, making it a more accessible and environment-friendly option,” he said.