🌼 Quick Look: Unclog & Cleanse.
💟 Benefits: Common charcoal is made from peat, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum. “Activated charcoal” is similar to common charcoal, but is made especially for use as a medicine. To make activated charcoal, manufacturers heat common charcoal in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to develop lots of internal spaces or “pores.” These pores help activated charcoal “trap” chemicals.
✅ Traps chemicals and prevents their absorption.
✅ Clears bacteria and unclogs pores
✅ Prevents breakouts
✅ Helps remove dead skin cells
✅ Increases cellular turnover rate
💜 A small 2005 study of 80 women showed an improvement of skin elasticity in participants treated with a combination regimen of topical and oral green tea.
🌿 Treatments: anti-aging, oily or dry skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, blackheads
🌻 Best used as: Mask
💐 Best combined with: Sunflower Oil or oil of your choice.
⚠️ Caution: Can be messy and potentially irritating to sensitive skin.
💲 Approximate cost: $5.00 - $10.00 CAD
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
2 teaspoons water (or aloe vera gel for added soothing)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon bentonite clay (for extra drawing power)
Equipment:
Non-metallic bowl (glass or ceramic)
Non-metallic spoon or spatula (plastic or wooden)
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:
In the non-metallic bowl, combine the activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay (if using).
Gradually add the water or aloe vera gel, stirring continuously until you form a smooth paste.
Apply the Mask:
Apply the mask evenly to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas with blackheads.
Avoid the eye area.
Let it Dry:
Allow the mask to dry for 10-15 minutes. You'll feel it tightening as it dries.
Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse the mask off thoroughly with warm water.
Be prepared for some mess, as the charcoal can stain.
make sure all of the charcoal is removed from your face.
Moisturize:
Apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin after rinsing.
Important Considerations:
Patch Test: Before applying the mask to your entire face, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any irritation or allergic reactions.
Non-Metallic Tools: Activated charcoal can react with metal, so use non-metallic bowls and utensils.
Staining: Activated charcoal can stain fabrics and surfaces, so take precautions to protect your clothing and surroundings.
Dryness: Activated charcoal can be drying, so don't leave the mask on for too long. Always follow with a moisturizer.
Frequency: Use this mask sparingly, no more than once or twice a week, to avoid over-drying your skin.
Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution. Activated charcoal can be abrasive.
Quality: Use food-grade activated charcoal.
Avoid eyes: do not let the mask get into your eyes.
Alternatives and Additions:
Aloe vera gel can be used instead of water for a more soothing mask.
A few drops of tea tree oil (known for its antibacterial properties) can be added, but use it sparingly and with caution, as it can be irritating.
