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If you know anything about natural skincare, then you will have heard about activated charcoal. No, this is not the black, gritty stuff you put on your BBQ in the summer to help cook your burgers, but it is a derived version of that very substance.
Activated charcoal has been used in hospitals for years, mainly to help treat poisoning. This is because toxins stick to the charcoal naturally, almost like a magnet. The chemicals within the charcoal bind the toxins together and helps your body to rid themselves of the nasty stuff, leaving your body detoxed, cleansed, and purified. It’s the skincare version of colonic irrigation, but much more pleasant!
Now, if you’re applying an activated charcoal face mask, it might be best to do this when you’re not expecting to be interrupted. This is because of the appearance, but a moment’s less than perfect look is more than worth the end result!
Activated charcoal is now big business in the health and beauty world, and it is being used to soften, cleanse, and moisturize hair, skin, as a body detox treatment, and also for whitening teeth – yes, really! But, why? Basically, activated charcoal has the following beneficial effects for your skin:
- Pores are made smaller and cleaner
- Oily skin is balanced
- Acne symptoms are reduced and can also help with scarring
- Soothes inflammation
- Gives a deep clean
[Read: 5 Ways you can use Activated Charcoal for your Beauty Efforts]
So now you’re convinced that charcoal has far more uses than cooking your hot dogs, how can you make your own face masks, and grab the significant skin benefits for yourself?
Activated Charcoal Face Mask Recipes
Recipe 1
- 1 tsp of activated charcoal powder
- 0.5 tsp of Bentonite clay
- 0.5 tsp of honey
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil
- 1 tsp of water
Mix all the ingredients together and then apply to the face, as you would a regular face mask. Let the mask dry completely for about 10 minutes, and then wash off with warm water, patting dry.
Recipe 2
- 3 tbsp of Bentonite clay
- 1 tsp of activated charcoal
- 3 tbsp of Witch Hazel
- 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
To make this face mask, first, mix the Witch Hazel and the water until combined. Then, in another bowl, mix the activated charcoal and the Bentonite clay, remembering not to use metal. Combine the water mixture into the clay, mixing it in bit by bit. Stir and make sure everything is combined. Add the tea tree essential oil and combine once more.
Apply in the same way as the last face mask, making sure it is completely dry before removing it.
Recipe 3
- 0.5 tsp of activated charcoal
- 0.5 tsp of Bentonite clay
- 0.25 tsp of baking soda
- 0.25 tsp of coconut oil
In a glass bowl, mix all ingredients until totally combined. Add a teaspoon of water to the mixture and combine once more, until a smooth, thick mixture is formed. Remember – don’t use a metal spoon, stick to plastic or wood.
Recipe 4
- 0.5 tsp of raw honey
- 1.5 tbsp of activated charcoal
- 1.5 tsp of water
Again, in a large bowl (not metal), mix together all ingredients. Add the water little by little, to control the consistency – ideally, it should be thick, but not too much, and not watery either.
Recipe 5
- 0.5 tsp of aloe vera gel
- 1.5 tbsp of activated charcoal
- 1.5 tsp of water
Mix together all ingredients in a large plastic bowl, adding the water bit by bit. You may find that you need a little less water for this particular recipe, but control the consistency yourself, according to your need – it totally depends on how watery the aloe vera gel you choose is.
These five activated charcoal recipes are all fantastic for your skin, but the last recipe in particular is ideal for anyone who has acne or regularly suffers from inflamed skin conditions. The aloe vera will be ultra-soothing, and when combined with the charcoal’s fantastic effects, you get a really soothing and deep cleansing treatment.
We mentioned a few times about the importance of not using metal spoons or bowls when creating activated charcoal recipes, and this is something you should pay attention to. This is because the metal has the power to lower the effectiveness of the healing properties of the ingredients, especially if you are using Bentonite clay. To be on the safe side, just avoid metal.
Happy Masking!
Nicola
Great post. Thank for sharing. Dona’s Kitchen