These Charcoal Masks Will Give You Clearer Skin, Stat!

So here’s the problem. As the harsh sun shines down upon us in sweltering Singapore, our faces endure some pretty intense abuse – excessive sun exposure and accompanying sweat can cause congested pores. “Daily pollution can cause low-level irritation in the skin, so it’s best to detox every two weeks,” says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington Medical Centre.

Noted, but how can we go about detoxing our skin? Enter beauty’s favourite skin care ingredient of the moment: Activated charcoal. Touted as one of the most effective treatments for troubled skin, it helps to draw out toxins from clogged pores, keeping shine and blemishes at bay. It’s economical, too – a small pea-sized amount goes a long way, as it’s said to absorb thousands of times its own mass in impurities.

To steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of pampering charcoal masks that promise a clearer and more radiant complexion in minutes.