The internet really loves their beauty fads, and one of them being the charcoal mask as of lately.
This mask has been trending on Instagram and is being loved by women and men worldwide thanks to its antibacterial properties. It is a perfect option for any skin type and is suitable even for women who have acne-prone skin, or those who have blemishes. The mask can remove dirt, leave you looking radiant, and is not expensive to buy, or even make on your own!
Want to know what are the perks of using it and how to DIY charcoal mask on your own? Keep on reading.
What Is a Charcoal Mask?
The mask is made out of an activated charcoal. This substance has been used on women as a treatment for problematic areas in years.
Charcoal can increase the absorbency level of unwanted toxins on your face. Charcoal can absorb the substance before it enters your bloodstream. It can draw away any bacteria, dirt, oil, or chemicals that are on the surface, and then carry it away when you rip it off the face.
However, note that this process can be painful and is not the best option for women who have super sensitive skin.
When Should You Use a Charcoal Mask?
If you are someone who has problematic skin and you want to make a difference, you should use a charcoal mask. Also, the mask should be used if you want to achieve any of the following things:
- Clean the pores
- Exfoliate your face
- Remove dirt
- Remove blackheads
- End up with a radiant finish
How Often Should You Use a Charcoal Mask?
You can use it at any given point of the day (day or night), but not more than once a week. Your skin shouldn’t be exposed to charcoal or ripping motions more often than that. Charcoal masks are very powerful, and they shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you want to have the best results and if you want to avoid pain, don’t apply it more often than once a week.
Why You Should DIY Charcoal Mask
If you want to make your own homemade solution, know that you won’t need a lot of ingredients. Homemade options are always the best since you know exactly what has been used as an active ingredient, and what tools were used during the process of the making.
Believe it or not, many acne clearing face masks use acids as an active ingredient which can harm your skin. Some companies also use parabens which can mess up your hormones. If you want to avoid any harsh ingredients and you want to take matters into your own hands, you should definitely DIY.
How to Make Your Own Charcoal Mask
You won’t need a lot of ingredients, only some bentonite clay, raw honey, essential oils, and an activated charcoal.
Why these products, you might ask?
Well, bentonite clay is made out of aged volcano ash sediment. This might sound scary since you’ve read the word volcano, but that is so not the case. This ingredient is perfect for attracting and removing toxins from your face and body. It should never be used on its own since it can feel a little dry. However, once mixed with water, it is a perfect concoction. Works great with added honey as well.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is great for soothing burns and can be used as an antibacterial substance. Once added to your mask, it will soften the skin and leave it looking dewy and healthy. Also, it is great for acne-prone skin and those who have blemishes. It can be used on its own since it can moisturize dry skin.
Charcoal
Charcoal, as previously mentioned, removes any unwanted toxins from the skin. Some studies believe that it can remove even up to 60% of unwanted toxins. When making your o2n charcoal mask, know that you can use it on your face, chest, and neck.
Essential Oils
These oils are mostly made out of tea tree or lavender oil. These two can fight and prevent acne the best. In fact, tea tree oil is mostly used for problematic skin. Lavender, on the other hand, adds a nice shine and smells really lovely on the skin, so it is often found as an active ingredient in many lotions and creams.
DIY Charcoal Mask: The Step-by-Step Process
When it comes to ingredients, make sure you use:
- 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay
- 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder
- 2 teaspoons of water
- Half a teaspoon of raw honey
- Per 1 drop of tea tree and lavender oil
DIY charcoal mask steps:
- Add all of your ingredients into a small glass bowl along with water and oils.
- Apply bentonite clay on top of your watery mixture and allow it to absorb before proceeding.
- Use a smaller spoon or even a rubber spatula and mix the bowl.
- Smash the ingredients and mix it for at least two minutes.
Once you are done, you will notice that there is a lot of paste, perfect for 2 face masks.
You should apply it straight away to the face since it is fresh. Once you apply it, leave it on for 10 minutes and then remove with warm water and soap.
The End Result
Once you remove your DIY charcoal mask (carefully), you should be left with radiant and glowy skin. If you’ve made a mess during the making process no worries, a little bit of warm water and soap will get the job done.
Make sure you remove any unwanted residue out of your clothes, sink, and face before proceeding with your everyday skincare routine.
It would be the best if you applied a little bit of a cream in order to restore any lost moisture. Don’t forget, only do this mask once a week and you will love the outcome.
