Activated Charcoal’s popularity has risen over the years. It’s often advertised as a one-stop solution for all kinds of skin woes. Charcoal finds a place in a variety of products, such as face washes, night creams, scrubs, soaps, and also face mask. A charcoal face mask is best to remove deep pore dirt, blackheads and also absorbs excess oil from the face.
Here in this article, there are four ways in which charcoal can be combined with other ingredients to make your own face masks. Before that, let’s have a look at what are the benefits of a charcoal face mask.
Benefits Of Charcoal Face Mask
- Removes impurities: Activated charcoal has the ability to adsorb or bind other substances on its surface. When applied on the skin, it traps the dirt and oil from the pores giving the skin a clearer look.
- Removes blackheads: Blackheads are stubborn, dark (usually black) lesions that appear on the face, usually at the tip of nose and chin. A buildup of sebum and dead skin cells can block pores, which oxidizes and forms blackheads. A charcoal face mask proves effective in unclogging pores and removing the buildup of sebum, thus avoiding blackheads.
- Treats acne: Acne is caused by increased sebum production, accumulation of dead skin cells, and buildup of bacteria in the skin pores. Charcoal has antimicrobial properties that can prevent the buildup of bacteria. It also absorbs excess oil, thus improving acne.
- Removes excess oil: Since oily skin can easily trap germs and dirt, it is prone to acne and breakouts. To prevent this, a charcoal face mask comes to the rescue. It absorbs excess oil from the skin, giving it a cleaner look.
- Even skin tone: charcoal face mask attracts pollutants, toxins, dirt, and oil from the skin; binds to it and then is washed off, removing the impurities in the process. It leaves the skin blemish-free and with an even skin tone.
Now, let’s take a look at the 4 best charcoal face mask for deep pore cleansing.
Homemade Charcoal Face Mask For Deep Pore Cleansing
1. Yogurt And Charcoal Face Mask
What you will need:
- 1 teaspoon Activated charcoal powder
- 1-2 tablespoon Yogurt
What you have to do:
- Mix both the ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply the mask on cleansed face and neck.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a clean damp cotton cloth.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat twice a week.
Benefits:
Charcoal removes impurities such as excess oil and dirt from the pores, while yogurt has lactic acid which helps in tightening the pores to give the skin a firm look. Yogurt also has exfoliating and hydrating properties. Thus, this face mask leaves the skin glowing and youthful.
2. Baking Soda And Charcoal Face Mask
What you will need:
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Activated charcoal powder
What you have to do:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste.
- Apply the mask on a cleansed and wet face.
- Gently massage your face for 30 seconds.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a clean damp cotton cloth.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat once a week.
Caution: Avoid this face mask if you are having sensitive skin or you are having broken skin or active acne.
Benefits:
Baking soda in combination with activated charcoal helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. They prevent blocked pores and cleanses pores deeply. Honey works as a humectant, locking the moisture in. This face mask works against acne, pimples, blackheads, and gives a clear face.
3. Bentonite Clay And Charcoal Face Mask
What you will need:
- 1 teaspoon Bentonite Clay
- 1 teaspoon Activated charcoal powder
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water to make a spreadable paste
What you have to do:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste without lumps.
- Apply the mask on cleansed face and neck.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a clean damp cotton cloth.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat twice a week.
Benefits:
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which removes the build-up of acne-causing bacteria. Bentonite clay is shown to act efficiently in the healing of skin lesions and ulcers. (source) Activated charcoal removes excess oil and impurities, and unclogs pores. Thus this face mask works against acne and scars to make the skin healthy.
4. Aloe Vera And Charcoal Face Mask
What you will need:
- 1 teaspoon Activated charcoal powder
- 2 tablespoon Aloe vera gel
- ½ teaspoon Lemon juice
What you have to do:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a paste.
- Apply the mask on cleansed face and neck.
- Give a gentle massage to your face for 1 minute.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a clean damp cotton cloth.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat twice a week.
Benefits:
Due to the presence of citric acid, lemon juice has detoxifying and skin lightening properties. It is effective against acne as well as fades dark spots. Aloe vera’s healing and anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin and works against scars. The three ingredients work together to provide a blemish-free, even-toned skin.
Earlier, activated charcoal was used to purify water. Now it has seeped into our skincare regime. However, the products available in the market are laced with chemicals that can harm the skin. Therefore, it’s always a better idea to rely on natural ingredients. So try out the amazing and effective DIY masks without burning a hole in your pockets.
