DIY Beauty: Activated Charcoal Face Mask

Today's post is my recipe for an activated charcoal facial mask.  I use this mask when my skin is breaking out because charcoal pulls out impurities from the skin.  Using this mask twice a week helps to slowly reduce breakouts, the natural way!

I purchased my charcoal from a local health food store.  Activated charcoal can be found in capsule format as well, and they can also be used for this mask.  Just make sure that you are using activated charcoal. 

Just a few tips/disclaimers ... 

CHARCOAL IS VERY MESSY!!! Be careful with the powder around your carpets and clothing.  It does come out with some washing, but who wants to have charcoal stains on their carpets, even just for a little while? 

CHARCOAL CAN STAIN!!!  It has never stained my skin, but someone with a lighter complexion may have a problem.  If you are worried, test the mask on your hand or on a small spot on your face BEFORE applying the mask to your entire face.

DON'T EXFOLIATE BEFOREHAND to make sure that the charcoal does not stain your skin.  Feel free to exfoliate after if you wish.

For this mask you will need:

1-2 tablespoons of Activated Charcoal powder

1-1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice/Aloe Vera juice (unsweetened)/distilled water

1 Q-Tip (to apply mask)
Bowl to mix mask in

1. Put 1-2 tablespoons of the activated charcoal powder in a bowl.  The amount of charcoal will depend on how thick you want your mask, and how much of your face you want to cover.  I suggest mixing a little at first and then deciding how much you want later.

2. Slowly add the lemon/aloe juice/water until you have a creamy paste.  You want the consistence of nice thick Nivea lotion!  Don't add all your liquid at once, add a few drops at a time.  Stir slowly to ensure your powder doesn't make a mess.  I suggest doing this in your bathroom in the sink, just in case.

3. Once you have your desired consistency, use your Q-Tip and apply the mixture to your face in an even layer, making sure there are no lumps of charcoal. 

4. Once the mask is applied, leave it on your face until it dries completely.  Again, BE CAREFUL at the point.  Once the mask hardens it will start to crack and crumble as you move your face.  It would be a good idea to keep the bowl you used to mix your mask close by (like in your lap) so as the mask crumbles it can fall back into the bowl.

5. After your mask has dried, go into the bathroom and move your face around.  Go ahead, smile and scrunch your nose!! The mask will crumble and fall off INTO THE SINK.  Brush the remainder of the mask off INTO THE SINK and then wash off with warm water.  Use your daily moisturizer to remove all traces of the mask from your skin.

Moisturize, and enjoy your fresh skin!!!

Looking for other activated charcoal cleansers?  Check out my charcoal face wash and my 2-in-1 charcoal facial scrub and mask!

- xo, Jay