Best Charcoal Masks for Men

Charcoal isn't just for flipping burgers on the grill. It actually does a lot of good for your skin, too. But before you run out the door and grab a bag of briquettes to give yourself an at-home facial, hold up: There’s a major difference between the kind you cook with and the kind you put on your face to attack a clogged pore (or a few). Unlike the charcoal you use at your barbeques that works as fuel, the kind that's in high demand in the skin care community is activated charcoal, a non-toxic substance that's been used in the medical world for years as a means to treat everything from drug overdoses to alcohol poisoning. When the activated charcoal comes in contact with your combination or oily skin, it works by basically absorbing up all the toxins and pollutants hanging out, getting rid of dirt and oil in your pores. RELATED: Best Shower Gels for Men Since quality charcoal masks dig deep, acting like a magnet to pull out any gunk and grime on your skin, it might be a little uncomfortable or painful as you remove it, but nothing you can’t deal with. Plus, getting to see all your blackheads unclog is so ridiculously worth it. But not all oily skin charcoal masks are designed to be ripped off either. Plenty of these activated wonders are offered a charcoal clay mask or one that uses sea minerals or mud to help the efficacy of charcoal. This allows for guys with just about any skin type to benefit from the smoother skin these various types of masks can offer. When you buy a nice charcoal face mask, you won’t just reap the benefits of charcoal itself: you’ll also come away with other qualities unique to each product. There are charcoal face masks that absorb oil, ones that work to improve your skin's texture, ones that are killer exfoliators, and ones that help get rid of acne. Some varieties are thin and wash away, and others are thick and allow you to peel them right off. After skin type, it becomes a personal preference, and you can always start with something simple and build up to something a little more intense. And if you have a beard or other facial hair, not a problem. Stick to applying the mask to the hair-free areas of your face, such as your T-zone. So, are you ready to get started? Jumping on the charcoal face mask bandwagon might just be the best thing you ever do for your combination skin. These men's face mask picks will not only remove excess dead skin cells and dry skin, but leave your skin looking smooth, radiant, and completely refreshed. Best Charcoal Face Masks for Men Piero Lorenzo Blackhead Remover Mask This potent activated charcoal black mask is designed to remove blackheads, whiteheads, reduce acne - really just upgrade your overall face - with regular use. In addition to its concentration of activated bamboo charcoal, this deep pore cleanser is loaded with green tea, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid. That means while it’s great at cleaning out pores, it’s also great at keeping skin healthy. Whereas this a great mask for most skin types, those with sensitive skin should test a small area before treating the entire face. Not sure? We always recommend checking with your dermatologist if you're not sure. $7.99 at Amazon.com TONYMOLY I'm Real Charcoal Pore Care Mask Sheet If you want a budget option, or don't plan on using face masks often, check out TONYMOLY's Pore Case face mask sheets. Simply apply the face mask to your clean, dried face, wait 20 to 30 minutes, and then gently remove, and you'll see the results on the sheet itself. $3 at Amazon.com L'Oreal Paris Detox & Brighten Pure-Clay Mask For something you can find everywhere from Target to your nearest drugstore, try L'Oreal Paris' clay mask. Combining charcoal with pure clay to capture deep impurities, the non-drying formula is easily removed with water after the 10- to 15-minute wait is up. Your skin will look bright, clean, and totally recharged - all for under $10. $21.95 at Amazon.com Bioré Instant Warming Clay Charcoal Face Mask If waiting 30 minutes to take off your mask sounds like a joke, how about sparing one minute instead? These masks from Bioré heat up under your fingers as you massage them into your face for 60 seconds. After removing, you'll notice a much softer complexion. Although it will undoubtedly make your skin feel good, it isn’t going to do as much good as the more powerful masks. But it definitely makes a difference. $8.49 at Amazon.com Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Face Mask Origins’ famed charcoal mask does exactly what it promises: draws out those pesky pore-cloggers, absorbs toxins, and helps vanish any skin impurities. It’s perfect for those with acne; all you need to do is use it once a week. Just apply, let it dry, and rinse. You can also loosen the mask with a warm, wet washcloth to make removal even easier. Considering more than 95% of reviewers are obsessed with the product, you can't go wrong. $13.65 at Amazon.com Boscia Luminizing Charcoal Peel Mask Great on all skin types — sensitive skin included — this peel-off mask might be one of the more intense. But it's also one of the most effective. It definitely clings to your skin during the 30 minutes you'll leave it on for, but once you remove it and see everything it sucked up, you’ll already get excited to use it again.  $14.16 at Amazon.com Alder New York Clarifying Face Mask This vegan, TSA-approved size mask is great for trips requiring a bit more pampering. Don’t worry though, a four ounce multi use jar is available as well. This activated charcoal mask also features willow bark help reduce blemishes, control oil, detoxify skin, and minimize the look of large pores. Add to that rosemary and zinc oxide, this gentle, unscented mask is free from synthetic fragrance, silicone, parabens and reduces inflammation for a clear, healthy complexion. $10 at AlderNewYork.com GOA Anti-Fatigue Facial Mask This concentrated mask uses the brand's proprietary ingredient, anti-inflammatory dark phyto-protein, to reduce the look of fatigued, tired looking skin while also helping fight acne and intensify the delivery of antioxidants. Using no added water — aloe vera replaces it as the first ingredient — this muddy goodness is rich in amino acids, minerals, polysaccharides, and skin-protective biotechnology to stimulate circulation while removing excess oil, blackheads, acne, and toxins. Additional powerhouse ingredients include wakame seaweed bioferment plus organic witch hazel, vitamin C, lemon peel bioferment, and petite grain to help to de-puff and soothe skin. $55 at GOASkincare.com Clinique All About Clean Charcoal Mask Anyone who hates their oversized pores will love this charcoal mask. Aside from absorbing oil, impurities, and pollutants, it also removes debris deep in your pores, making them appear much smaller after the gunk is out. After using it once or twice a week, you'll have noticeably refreshed skin. $34 at Amazon.com Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask This mask is a favorite for a reason. Using a combination of Irish Moor Mud — aka a natural decomposition of herbs, flowers, and plants over thousands of years — some hijiki seaweed, volcanic ash, and activated charcoal, the mask will remove dirt, oil, and grime while nourishing your skin with vitamins and antioxidants at the same time. In the end, you'll improve fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of your complexion and pores — and it only takes 10 minutes, two to three times per week. $60 at Amazon.com GlamGlow SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask Designed as a purifying treatment for combination or full-on oily skin, this activated charcoal face mask works quickly to fix imperfections. Using not one, not two, but a combined six acid blend – lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid, and pyruvic acid – plus kaolin clay and activated charcoal, results are seen instantly following the tingly application. Since this is a multi-acid product, it may be aggressive for sensitive skin and will increase sun sensitivity, so wearing a quality sunscreen is (always) recommended. $39.98 at Amazon.com You Might Also Dig: Best Sunscreens for Men Best Exfoliating Face Scrubs for Men How to Actually Heal Your Sunscreen