Activated charcoal is an ingredient in many personal care products, including cleansers and masks. Known for its ability to absorb toxins, charcoal is becoming more popular in the skincare industry.
Charcoal has a sponge-like texture, so it is able to ‘pick up’ substances on the surface of your skin. This means that it can also be used to clean pores and remove blackheads.
The problem with charcoal masks, however, is that they can clog pores. This is because they bind to everything on your face, including sebaceous filaments, hair, and dirt.
In order to prevent this from happening, you should make sure that you only use a charcoal mask once. After that, it is advisable to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a toner or a moisturizing cream.
This way, you will ensure that your skin is squeaky clean and that all of the dirt is removed from your pores.
To make the mask, you will need to mix together three ingredients. These are activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and gelatin. You can also add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender oil.
You will need a glass bowl and a wooden spoon or bamboo skewer to help you mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to use metal objects because the mixture will be very hot.
Place the dry ingredients into the bowl and pour the water on top. Using the wooden spoon, stir the mixture until it becomes a paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a few drops of water until it has the consistency that you desire.
Now, you will need to let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Once it has cooled down, apply it to your face in an even layer and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes before removing it with a warm cloth.
After removing the mask, your skin should be free of blackheads and dead skin cells. To clean your face, you will need to use a paper towel or a dark face cloth (charcoal powder stains). Fold the towel in half and dampen it with water, then wipe your face thoroughly. Repeat until you have completely cleaned your skin.
For a more powerful cleansing effect, try mixing some rose water into the mask. This will help to balance the pore-tightening and cleansing ingredients and it will also act as an anti-inflammatory.
Another option is to use hibiscus powder as an exfoliating agent. Hibiscus powder contains flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps to stimulate the skin’s cell renewal.
You can also add a drop of essential oil to the mask to help it smell nice and work better for your skin. You can use rose, orange, lemongrass, or tea tree oil.
This DIY charcoal face mask will be a great addition to your natural beauty routine. Not only will it clean your pores, but it will also give you soft and clear skin that is a lot more healthy and glowing.