Can Beauty Come Out of Ashes?

Celine Dion asked a question in her song "Ashes" - 

Can the beauty come out of ashes?

If we try to answer this question on a literal basis, the answer is Yes. Ashes can indeed be an ingredient in your skincare recipe. Yes, you read it right. Many different types of ashes found all over the world can be utilized to make your skin "better." Don't confuse "better" with "fair," and I think it's high time to avoid using these terms. Anyways, let's talk about what do I mean by better skin without digressing further. 

A significant problem faced mostly by many people is oily skin, and ashes can be a real savior in this problem. Certified dermatologists like Dr. Rachel Nazarian has verified the facts and replenishing effects of different type of ashes on skin. As a matter of fact, this work for both men and women, and proper use of ash products can give outstanding results. 

Many of you might be already using the ashes on your skin through charcoal products like body washes and face washes. These grooming products have covered a large part of the market. Ultimately, charcoal is ash or, more scientifically, carbon residue and uses the same mechanism as any other ash product. Let's move on to our first problem and see how ashes can help you.

Oily Skin & Sebum Pits

A fundamental science powers the working of charcoal or ash products. Charcoal is manufactured by strongly heating wood for a substantial amount of time, which simply implies that all the moisture will be soaked out of the particles, and eventually particles will be highly absorbent (and adsorbent). This super dry material can absorb liquids like oils, and face masks can also help in removing sebum from the skin. Sebum is a waxy kind of substance that is produced within the skin glands and contributes a massive amount to the oils that get deposited on the face. 

Volcanic ashes also work on a similar principle, and they are expelled from the volcanos during volcanic eruptions. Ashes are the result of extreme heat and dehydration, which provides them charcoal's properties. Ash products can also help in recovering from skin problems associated with oil deposition like acne, skin irritation, eczema, etc. Many people have even given reviews regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of Volcanic ashes, which have helped them heal the skin. Many websites have claimed that ashes have antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. 

As you might be already thinking, why do ashes have these unbelievable characteristics? It's simple science. They are filled with minerals, nutrients, etc., which are directly retrieved from nature in raw form through volcanic lava. The least amount of chemicals are used to manufacture these products to retain their natural properties. 

Skin Elasticity & Ageing

Volcanic ashes are also known for their anti-aging and skin elasticity miracles, and this is the reason why many people start using these products at older ages. It can significantly reduce wrinkles from the face without using any strong chemicals on the skin. The reason behind this is that ash enhances the blood circulation in the blood capillaries of the face, which helps in regaining the elasticity and directly affects the number of wrinkles on the face.

Many products that are sold with an "anti-aging" pitch usually have volcanic ash in their composition and provide magical results. The products that exclusively involve volcanic ash have helped people reduce wrinkles. Methods that enhance the skin elasticity directly work towards softening the skin using similar principles. Now, it's your time to shift your preferences.

Efficient Exfoliation

Almost every scrubs or face packs that function in the regime of removing dead cells or exfoliating the skin includes volcanic ash as mandatory ingredients. So, you might be already wondering about how volcanic ash is working as a ghost-dermatologist for you, and it uses the mechanical method for the removal without using some chemical reaction. Some of the scrubs that don't involve volcanic ash use chemical methods and involve the principle of loosening skin pores to scoop out the dirt. The chemical method involves chemicals like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc., which react with the dead cells or other waste to decrease its viscosity and surface tension. In precise, it helps in making them more fluid and move out of the pores. 

There are ample amounts of articles present on the internet that can convince you to minimize the acidic chemical's use on the skin even in small proportion. Products that use mechanical methods use volcanic ash and work pretty efficiently to make your skin better. No chemical reaction takes place on your skin. 

Skin Healing & Scars Removal

Acne is a skin infection whose scars remain for a lifetime in many cases, and not only acne scars but many kinds of injuries leave ever-lasting spots on the skin. According to Dr. Kristina Goldenberg of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York, volcanic ash can revive abnormal tissues and heal wounds. She also said that ashes have such properties due to the minerals and anti-oxidants that formulate their composition. It almost shows nature like medical mud. Ashes have shown mystical results in the regime of scar removals.

I think it's high time to shift from chemical products to biodegradable natural products. It will help in the nourishment of both nature and your skin. Many companies have started producing such products on a mass scale. Five an effort towards searching for some right products online, and making future a better place.