National Ayurveda Day: How Bamboo charcoal act as natural shield against pollution

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers air pollution a major environmental health risk and a significant cause of skin diseases. Exposure to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly impacts skin health, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and barrier damage in the skin.

Scientific research, such as the “Review of Green Synthesis: Activated Charcoal to Reduce Sebum Levels in Oily Facial Skin” by Indonesian researchers, highlights bamboo charcoal’s porous structure, which traps pollutants and keeps them from penetrating the skin. This reinforces Ayurvedic principles, which prioritise natural, detoxifying ingredients to promote overall wellness.

Talking about the properties of Bamboo charcoal, Dr Shweta Manchanda, Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Aakash Healthcare said that Bamboo charcoal is also called ‘black diamond’ as it has various neutralising properties and is also a good detoxifier.

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“It addresses various skincare concerns due to its excellent absorbent and porous nature, capturing negatively charged molecules like toxins, gases, and chemicals. Since bamboo charcoal isn’t absorbed by the body, it carries these toxins out of the skin, thereby helping to cleanse pollution. However, people with sensitive skin should use it cautiously, as excessive use can lead to dryness, redness, and hypersensitivity,” Dr. Shweta advised.

Dr Shweta also highlighted the impact of air pollution on skin health, saying that air pollution can increase skin inflammation, triggering disorders like acne, allergies, Eczema, dermatitis, airborne contact dermatitis, and even psoriasis. “Air pollution can exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions, increase premature skin aging—resulting in wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and loss of moisture and elasticity—and raise the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma,” she added.

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Pollutants accelerate skin aging by damaging collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and age spots, especially in frequently exposed areas, according to studies. The skin’s natural antioxidant defences, including vitamins C and E, are depleted by prolonged pollutant exposure, increasing vulnerability to UV damage and pigmentation issues, such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Dr Sanchit Sharma, Director of Ayouthveda said bamboo charcoal skin products meet skincare needs. “Charcoal skin products are formulated to cleanse deeply, removing impurities and excess oil that accumulate from daily pollution exposure. By creating a barrier that shields the skin from toxins, the product helps preserve natural balance and skin health, he said.

Staying true to Ayurvedic traditions, Ayouthveda combines bamboo charcoal with botanical extracts such as lotus, palash (Butea monosperma), marigold, rose petals, and citrus. “These botanicals amplify bamboo charcoal’s cleansing effects and align with Ayurveda’s focus on balance and wellness,” Dr Sharma added, highlighting the synergy of these ingredients.

With global pollution rising, bamboo charcoal is increasingly sought after in Asian and European skincare markets. However, Dr. Sharma advises moderation, as excessive use can lead to dryness and sensitivity, stressing Ayurveda’s principle of balanced care.

Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund said that the skin is in constant interaction with the external environment. Thus, factors like weather changes, insects, pollen, mosquitoes, allergens, and particulate matter in polluted air all impact the skin, she said.

“Bamboo charcoal in a face mask, face wash or moisturiser would function like any other product of its kind. The effects of air pollution on the skin—and other organs—are much more extensive and profound. We need to remember that the skin is also an excretory organ, so the more toxins it has to manage due to air pollution, the worse the impact on skin health. Moisturisers help reduce dryness caused by pollutants and particulate matter in the air. In this case, even a simple moisturiser like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, or petroleum jelly would suffice,” Dr Smriti added.