Activated Charcoal Mask for Acne
The latest craze on the internet is using activated charcoal as a teeth whitening treatment. Yes, it does help whiten teeth, but it can also help clear up acne breakouts! Before you reach for that bag of charcoal that you use in your grill, please note that activated charcoal is not the same as barbecuing charcoal! Activated charcoal typically comes in capsules. Some people use activated charcoal as an internal detox. It is believed that activated charcoal helps absorb and trap toxins within the body which is then eliminated via the digestive process.
So, how can activated charcoal help clear breakouts, you ask? Well, it's detoxifying abilities help to eliminate built up toxins and gunk in the pores which in turn prevents and treats breakouts. It helps draw out oil, bacteria, and dirt from the pores which eliminates clogged pores and bacteria breeding grounds. Aside from using it as a mask, many companies have started to produce activated charcoal soaps and face washes, so if the mask isn't your cup of tea give one of the activated charcoal soaps a try!
To make a face mask out of activated charcoal you can simply mix two tablespoons of powdered activated charcoal with a tablespoon of witch hazel or purified water. It should form a paste-like consistency which can be easily applied to the face. You can adjust the amount of ingredients to meet your unique needs. Allow it to dry completely and then rinse thoroughly. It's best to test a small patch of skin before applying all over the face.
If you aren't thrilled about the idea of breaking apart a bunch of activated charcoal capsules and making a big mess just to make a face mask you can actually purchase activated charcoal masks that are already pre-mixed and ready to apply. My personal favorite is the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask.
So, how can activated charcoal help clear breakouts, you ask? Well, it's detoxifying abilities help to eliminate built up toxins and gunk in the pores which in turn prevents and treats breakouts. It helps draw out oil, bacteria, and dirt from the pores which eliminates clogged pores and bacteria breeding grounds. Aside from using it as a mask, many companies have started to produce activated charcoal soaps and face washes, so if the mask isn't your cup of tea give one of the activated charcoal soaps a try!
To make a face mask out of activated charcoal you can simply mix two tablespoons of powdered activated charcoal with a tablespoon of witch hazel or purified water. It should form a paste-like consistency which can be easily applied to the face. You can adjust the amount of ingredients to meet your unique needs. Allow it to dry completely and then rinse thoroughly. It's best to test a small patch of skin before applying all over the face.
If you aren't thrilled about the idea of breaking apart a bunch of activated charcoal capsules and making a big mess just to make a face mask you can actually purchase activated charcoal masks that are already pre-mixed and ready to apply. My personal favorite is the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask.