DIY Activated Charcoal Mask

In December, I created a beautiful black soap for the holidays that I playfully named; “Chunk of Coal” soap that was coloured with activated charcoal. I’ve been playing a bit with charcoal and plan to create a face cleansing soap that contains charcoal in the near future. In the meantime, here is some information on Activated Charcoal benefits and also a recipe for you to make at home any day, so that you can enjoy the benefits  of this fantastic ingredient!

While derived from common charcoal, activated charcoal differs because it is made specifically for medicinal use and is porous. These pores allow activated charcoal to trap chemicals and is used to treat poisonings, intestinal gas, nausea, and bile flow issues. It is also used in water filters to absorb the yucky flavors from the water and help purify drinking water. Activated charcoal also works wonders for the skin when applied topically: it keeps skin clear by drawing dirt out of pores and improves skin-tone by removing dry patches. Perfect for your dry winter or sun-stressed skin!

Another ingredient we will use for this mask is clay. Clay also acts as a magnet to draw dirt from the pores. In this recipe, we are going to use Rhassoul Clay, but any high-quality facial clay can be used. When applied topically, Rhassoul clay also absorbs toxins, draws out blackheads and smooths out the skins appearance. You may recognize this mineral-rich ingredient from my Skin Brightening Face Polish and Mask  for Oily skin, which uses Rhassoul clay as a key ingredient.

 

DIY Activated Charcoal mask recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 capsule of activated charcoal (approximately 0.1 grams) opened and emptied. (Note: be sure to charcoal carefully as it can stain clothing and carpet if dropped – but it will not stain skin)
• 1/2 teaspoon rhassoul clay
• 1 1/2 teaspoons  water

Directions:

1. Just before application, with a wooden or plastic spoon and small wooden, plastic or glass bowl*, mix all of the ingredients together into a smooth paste.
2. Wash face with a mild cleanser and pat partially dry.
3. Apply the mask evenly avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes and lips, and let sit until dry. The mask will start feeling tight on the skin as it dries, if it is uncomfortable, wash it off.
4. After the mask is dry ( 7-10 minutes), wash the mask off and gently pat dry the skin. Optionally, follow with a moisturiser or a face oil.
5. This mask can be used 1-2 times per week.

That’s it! Enjoy the smooth soft skin of this beautifying mask. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

Naturally yours,

Susan

*Charcoal and clay pull toxins from metals so use a plastic or wooden spoon, inside a plastic, wooden or glass bowl to make this mask.

***These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease***

Advertisement