Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that’s processed to make it more porous. This porous texture is what distinguishes it from other types of charcoals, including the type used for barbecuing. Activated charcoal‘s negatively charged porous texture helps trap toxins, preventing your body from absorbing them. Because activated charcoal is not absorbed by your body, it can carry the toxins bound to its surface out of your body in feces.
Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores. It works to whiten teeth by adsorbing plaque and microscopic tidbits that stain teeth. This activated charcoal use is cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile.
When applied to the face, activated charcoal will help to absorb toxins and impurities on the skin. Applying activated charcoal to the skin is also an effective treatment for acne and insect or snake bites.
DIY Charcoal Face Mask Ingredients
- 1 tsp bentonite clay
- 1 tsp activated charcoal powder
- 2 tsp water
- ½ tsp raw honey
- 1 drop each tea tree and lavender essential oil (optional)
How To Make A Charcoal Face Mask
- In a small glass bowl add the water and essential oil.
- Sprinkle the bentonite clay over the top of the water mixture in the bow. Allow it to absorb for a about 10 seconds before adding the Activated Charcoal . This makes the mixture easier to combine.
- Use a small rubber spatula to mash and mix everything together. The clay will want to stay lumpy, so this takes a few minutes to mix thoroughly. You’ll have enough mixture here for 2 face masks.
- Once your mask is mixed, apply it liberally to your face. Allow it to dry, about 10 minutes, before washing off with soap and warm water.
Note: This mask is meant to be used in one use and will not store well, as it does not contain preservatives.
Charcoal Mask Tips
- Activated Charcoal can and will stain light colored fabrics, and possibly your sink. Be sure to avoid getting it on your clothes, and immediately clean it off of your sink when using.
- This activated charcoal face mask can be tough to get off, and gentle soap helps to get the rest of the charcoal off of your skin. Using a napkin helps too, but it may permanently stain, so use an old one. A napkin also scrubs the charcoal across the skin, which may be too irritating for sensitive skin types.
- This activated charcoal face mask may be too drying for dry-skin types, especially after using soap to remove it. If you find your skin needs it, then apply a thin layer of oil, like sweet almond or pumpkin seed oil, or your favorite natural face lotion afterward.