Volcanic ash is a familiar ingredient to those who are interested in skin care, especially those who are looking for optimal facial cleansing products. Today’s article helps you understand them and consider whether to use them for yourself or not.

Nowadays, the use of natural ingredients in cosmetics is increasingly popular, and volcanic ash is becoming a “valuable” ingredient in the field of skin care. With outstanding properties such as oil absorption, deep cleansing and antibacterial properties, volcanic ash is loved by many people because of the benefits it brings. So specifically, what are they and how does it work for the skin? Let’s find out!

What is volcanic ash?

This is a natural compound formed after a volcanic eruption. It is a mixture of many minerals, rock fragments and small glass particles, very small in size – only about 2mm in diameter. The formation of volcanic ash is due to the interaction of gases, water and chemical compounds when a volcano erupts, pushing large amounts of ash, water and gases out of the Earth’s surface.

Volcanic ash is a very popular ingredient in beauty products.

The main ingredients in volcanic ash include Bentonite clay and sulfur, which help create porous properties and superior absorbency. In addition, they also contain many other chemical elements such as iron, magnesium, sulfate, and halides. Each volcanic region in the world has a type of ash with different characteristics and ingredients, for example, volcanic ash from Jeju Island (Korea) is different from volcanic ash from Hawaii – which contains rare microlites crystals.

What are the effects of volcanic ash in beauty?

This ingredient is not only a natural compound but also has extremely effective skin care capabilities. Below are the outstanding effects that this ingredient brings:

Absorbs excess oil on the skin

Thanks to the absorbent properties of Bentonite clay and sulfur, volcanic ash has the ability to effectively absorb excess oil and sebum on the skin. When using products containing volcanic ash, you will find that your skin is deeply cleansed down to each pore, removing both dirt and accumulated oil. This is especially useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as reducing sebum will help prevent clogged pores and acne.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

This ingredient also contains many minerals with antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which help in treating skin problems such as inflammation, acne or skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. In particular, for skin damaged by acne or inflammation, volcanic ash can help soothe and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.

Mineral-rich volcanic ash has antibacterial properties

Firming Skin

Another benefit of volcanic ash is its ability to help firm the skin and improve elasticity. Thanks to its silica content, it stimulates collagen synthesis in the skin, supporting the skin in the recovery and regeneration process. This helps the skin become firmer, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and prevents aging.

In addition, ash also has the ability to activate enzymatic hydroxylation reactions, helping to exfoliate and brighten the skin naturally. With its rich nutrients, it helps your skin stay youthful and healthy for a long time.

Volcanic ash applications in cosmetics

Currently, this ingredient is widely used in beauty products, especially deep cleansing products such as cleansers, scrubs and masks. You can see this ingredient in daily skin care products:

Cleansers

Volcanic ash cleansers are currently on the market with the goal of deep cleansing the skin. Thanks to their ability to absorb oil, remove dirt and clean pores, these products are very suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. However, when choosing a facial cleanser containing volcanic ash, you should pay attention to the accompanying moisturizing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin to avoid making the skin too dry.

Facial cleanser with volcanic ash for deep cleansing

Exfoliation

Volcanic ash is also commonly used in exfoliating products. With tiny particles, it has the ability to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin without damaging the skin. However, if you have acne or sensitive skin, avoid using exfoliants that contain a lot of physical particles because they can damage the skin and make acne worse.

Volcanic ash mask

Applying a mask containing volcanic ash is also a great way to absorb excess oil and effectively cleanse the skin. This mask is often used on oily areas such as the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). However, when using this mask, you should note that you should only apply it for the prescribed time and avoid applying it to dry skin areas, as it can dry out the skin too much.

Volcanic ash clay mask is loved by many women

Although the above products bring many benefits to the skin, overuse can cause the skin to lose its natural moisture. Therefore, you should only use products containing volcanic ash about 1-2 times per week and always make sure to moisturize thoroughly after use to keep your skin from drying out and becoming unbalanced.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you need to be careful when using these products and always monitor your skin’s reaction to adjust the appropriate amount of use. In particular, when choosing a product, read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that the product contains moisturizing ingredients to maintain the necessary moisture for the skin.

Volcanic ash is a natural ingredient with many benefits for the skin, from deep cleansing, absorbing excess oil to antibacterial and firming the skin. However, using it correctly is extremely important to ensure that your skin is always taken care of in the best way without drying or irritating. If you are looking for an effective and natural skin cleansing solution, try the mentioned products and feel the visible change in your skin!