Activated carbon for the face: recipes for the best homemade masks

Activated carbon is an odorless black powder made from regular carbon that has been exposed to heat. The pharmacy sells white and black charcoal.

Research has shown that due to its absorbent nature, activated charcoal can remove toxins from the body. For this reason, it is commonly used to absorb toxins in the stomach to treat poisonings and drug overdoses.

Activated carbon has also become a popular ingredient in beauty and skin care products. While you can always buy charcoal masks, you can also make them at home. In this article, we'll look at the steps to creating a mask and several recipe options you can try.

Useful qualities of activated carbon for the dermis

Before you begin simple manipulations using a pharmaceutical drug at home, it is recommended to understand the qualities of the product. The active elements contained in the tablets affect the following skin problems:

reduce the amount or completely remove sebaceous plugs;
even out color, whiten pigmentation, remove freckles;
relieve signs of fatigue, tighten sagging areas, remove dark bags;
soothe, stop the spread of inflammatory processes;
smooth out fine wrinkles;
remove particles of dirt, dust, fat, dead epidermal cells;
remove toxins from dermal tissues.

Despite the fact that activated carbon brings many benefits, we should not forget about the prohibitions on the use of funds. You should not use homemade formulations for skin injuries (cracks, burns, wounds), or for acne that has been removed mechanically.

Expert opinion

CAREFULLY!

It is also prohibited to carry out procedures using pharmaceutical drugs if the dermis has a negative reaction to the drug.

Indications for the procedure

As a rule, charcoal masks are recommended for use in the presence of a large number of different pathogenic elements, including the inflammatory type, with frequent stress, constant lack of sleep, and with oily or combination skin. In addition, such masks can be used to even out the overall skin tone, eliminate age spots, restore aging dermis and eliminate signs of fatigue.

One of the very important aspects of the correct preparation of masks with charcoal is the mandatory addition of other ingredients containing a large number of elements valuable for the dermis. The fact is that charcoal powder is an active absorbent, absorbing not only dirt, sebum and toxic substances, but also useful elements such as vitamins, mineral compounds and other valuable components. For this reason, you should not overuse such procedures, nor exceed the recommended time for keeping the products on your face.

Gelatin film mask to get rid of blackheads

Against enlarged pores and blackheads that have occupied the face, it is recommended to use a product with gelatin at home, which will effectively cleanse the skin. You should not overuse manipulation - once or twice a week is enough to get rid of defects.

Preparation:

Turn 1-2 tablets of activated carbon into a fine powder.
Add gelatin granules (15 g).
Stir, pour warm water (60 ml) into the loose mixture.
Place in a water bath and wait until the granules are completely dissolved.
Before use, add thyme oil (5 ml).

It is better to start manipulations by steaming the dermis. Use hot water or chamomile decoction (brew a few pinches of dried flowers in 100 ml of boiling water, leave). Soak a towel with herbal liquid and place it on your face. Remove the hot compress after 10 minutes.

Apply the prepared mixture and leave until dry (about half an hour). Remove with one gentle movement (pick up the edge of the gelatin mask with the tips of your nails and carefully remove). Wash off any remaining film with warm water.

With PVA to cleanse pores

A homemade mask, which in addition to the pharmaceutical preparation includes PVA glue, is a real godsend for women who are unable to cope with blackheads and clogged pores on their own.

The effectiveness of the combination of these components, as evidenced by reviews, surpasses even the results after expensive cosmetic procedures. The main advantage that women note is the absence of irritation and discomfort; manipulations can be carried out even on the dermis prone to irritation.

Step by step recipe:

Using a mortar, turn 3-5 tablets of the active ingredient into a fine powder.
Add PVA glue (only 25 ml is enough).
Stir until smooth.

When applying, it is recommended to apply a light massage - using driving movements, distribute the mass in an even layer over the skin. Remove only after complete hardening - the mixture should turn into an elastic film.

Expert opinion

TRY IT!

To remove the mask, just pick it up by one edge (usually starting from the chin) and peel it off in one smooth movement. Finish the procedure by rinsing with cool water.

How charcoal treats skin

Activated carbon face mask is mainly used to cleanse oily or problematic skin. But the positive qualities of this product are not limited to the removal of acne and pimples. Medicinal charcoal has the following properties.

Treats acne. This is the main effect of a charcoal mask. Charcoal relieves inflammation, and clean, smooth areas of skin appear in place of pimples and blackheads.
Deeply cleanses pores. Black tablets play the role of a kind of pump - they literally pump out various dirt, dust and toxins from the pores, making the skin clean and fresh. More air enters the cells, metabolism and blood circulation improve.
Levels the terrain. Small wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin becomes smoother. This occurs by improving metabolism and removing dead particles.
Stimulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous plugs are removed and metabolism improves, glands begin to work more correctly, and oily sheen disappears.
Fights germs. Activated carbon has an antibacterial effect. It soothes irritated skin and prevents the development of skin diseases.

A face mask with charcoal eliminates yellowness and pallor and returns a healthy, natural complexion. The skin “breathes” easier and its general condition improves. A homemade mask with activated carbon is recommended for facial cleansing for all skin types.

With charcoal and water against inflammation

If the skin often suffers from inflammatory processes, it is recommended to resort to the simplest combination of coal and water. This product can be safely placed in the TOP of home cosmetology compositions. Regular manipulations will not only eliminate inflammation, but also relieve their consequences - rashes, acne.

Preparation:

Place several tablets between sheets of paper and crush them into a homogeneous powder with a rolling pin or spoon.
Add mineral water or filtered water in small portions, mix the composition - the consistency should be quite thick.
Leave for about 5 minutes, ready to use.

Apply the resulting slurry in small portions. It is better to do this with your fingertips, while simultaneously massaging problem areas. Rinse after 10 minutes. The only caution is not to use the mixture on sensitive skin near the eyes, as it is easy to injure the upper layer of the epidermis.

Soda masks: indications and contraindications

Considering the aggressive effect of carbonic acid on the skin, you need to know when face masks with baking soda can be used and when it is strictly contraindicated. In the first case, it will help achieve the desired results and become a real assistant in eliminating facial defects. In the second case, everything can end quite sadly. Soda face masks can and should be used to solve the following problems:

for oily skin care ;
to eliminate blackheads ;
to get rid of pimples and blackheads;
for deep cleansing of the face.

So if you feel that your skin is tired from harmful external influences, your pores are clogged, and ordinary scrubs are no longer effective, be sure to use a soda face mask.

However, be extremely careful: the aggressive effects of sodium and carbonic acid can be harmful if you have thin, sensitive skin. They simply traumatize her, and the consequences will be very dire. For flaking, it is also better not to use baking soda, as these spots may begin to bleed under the influence of baking soda.

Dry skin will not be a contraindication for masks with soda only if they contain emollient components. In its pure form, soda cannot be used for this type of skin: its condition will only worsen from such cosmetic procedures.

Honey against acne

Bee honey is a unique product that contains substances that have a beneficial effect on all skin problems. With the help of this component it is easy to get rid of rashes, acne, and cleanse the dermis of inflammation.

At the same time, the bee product saturates the tissues with useful elements, has a positive effect on the external condition of the face - wrinkles begin to smooth out, a layer of fat, dust, and dead cells is removed.

Preparation:

In a mortar, crush 3 tablets of the drug, bee bread (5-7 g).
Bake, wrapping in foil, 1 medium potato, remove the skin, and puree.
Combine both masses, add good honey (5-8 ml), preheated in a steam bath or in the microwave.

Expert opinion

TRY IT!

Be sure to start applying from problem areas covered with acne or rashes. After distributing the composition, rest for a quarter of an hour, rinse with warm liquid (water, herbal decoction).

The use of carbon masks

To obtain the most positive results, products in this category must be used correctly, following some recommendations from cosmetologists, in particular:

For two months, it is necessary to carry out the skin cleansing procedure with a charcoal mask every week (once every 7 days). This rule does not depend on the degree of neglect of a particular person’s skin, but is a general requirement, since such procedures must be carried out in courses.
A repeated course of cleansing, if necessary, is allowed only after a 2-month break.
If your skin is sensitive or allergic rashes often appear on it, then masks must be tested before spreading over the face.
To prepare masks, you need to choose only high-quality charcoal tablets, be sure to check their release date and expiration dates. The tablets must be fresh.
With very dry skin, as well as with dehydration of the dermis, cosmetologists recommend refraining from such cleaning.

Dairy

Using milk products is the most effective way not only to eliminate blackheads, but also to get healthy, velvety skin, cleared of rashes and blemishes. The only requirement is to prepare the formulations using a high-quality homemade product; store-bought milk contains significantly fewer elements useful for the epidermal tissue.

Preparation:

Combine the crushed tablet of the drug and rice flour (10-12 g).
Pour in warm milk (15 ml), leave for a quarter of an hour.
Before use, pour in the nut oil and add a pinch of cinnamon powder.

It is advisable to pre-steam the skin (steam bath, compress soaked in herbal decoction). It is not necessary to scrub the dermis - a milk product will perfectly cleanse the face. Distribute the composition and leave for 10-14 minutes. Be sure to use warm liquid for rinsing.

Egg

Another excellent folk recipe that is suitable for those with problem skin is an egg mask. Simultaneously with cleansing the surface of the face from defects, the product will enrich the epidermal tissue with vitamins, nutrients, and normalize the moisture balance.

Step by step recipe:

Vigorously beat one chicken egg (if the skin is too oily, with enlarged pores, it is better to take only the white).
Crush 2 tablets and add to the egg mixture.
Combine the egg mass with corn starch.
Before using the product, add olive oil (3-5 ml is enough).

Before using the composition, wipe the dermis with micellar water or steam. Distribute the mixture over the skin and remove after a quarter of an hour.

Expert opinion

ATTENTION!

It is not recommended to use cosmetics immediately - you must wait up to three hours.

Black scrub mask with aspirin against acne and pimples

The combination of two pharmaceutical drugs - aspirin and activated carbon allows you to completely cleanse the skin of defects (rashes, blackheads, pimples) in just a few manipulations. At the same time, the complexion will improve and spots will disappear.

Preparation:

In a mortar, crush two tablets of acetylsalicylic acid and charcoal.
Add gelatin granules (10 g) and mix.
Pour the dry mass with warm water or full-fat homemade milk (25 ml).
Dissolve the mixture in a water bath or in the microwave.

Be sure to apply the mixture warm. The mass is quite liquid, so achieving uniform application will be quite difficult - it is better to use a wide cosmetic brush. Leave until dry - an elastic, dense film should form on your face.

Remove, rinse with cool liquid without using detergents. You can complete the manipulations by applying cream or herbal compresses.

With clay for rejuvenation, relief smoothing

To get rid of the first signs of skin aging, it is recommended to use a product based on cosmetic white clay. A self-prepared mask will even out the relief, eliminate folds or wrinkles, and increase elasticity.

At the same time as getting rid of signs of wilting, it will be possible to saturate the epidermal tissues with useful and nutritious elements and effectively moisturize them.

Step by step recipe:

Combine pharmaceutical powder (5 g) with cosmetic clay (15 g).
Put a pinch of powder made from ginger root, pour in ether (ylang-ylang, walnut, almond).
Dilute the product with mineral water, pour the liquid in small parts, make sure that the mass is not too thick and is easily distributed.

The duration of the procedure is 12-17 minutes. Remove the product with a cotton wool pad pre-moistened with warm water or herbal decoction. Be sure to rinse off any remaining residue with cool liquid.

Purifying mask with white charcoal

It often happens that with increased sensitivity of the skin, you have to experiment with different cleansers. Not all formulations have a gentle effect on the dermis; manipulations often result in unwanted complications - irritation, the appearance of a rash, red spots.

A simple scrub mask, in which white charcoal is the active component, is a real lifesaver for such cases, because the combination of harmless components will easily cleanse the skin without causing any harm.

Step by step recipe:

Grind 2 white charcoal pellets, combine with natural homemade yogurt (25 ml), it is not advisable to use a purchased fermented milk product - the presence of additional ingredients reduces the amount of beneficial qualities.
Squeeze the juice from two or three lemon slices into the mass (for the first manipulations, it is better to add fresh juice from just one slice, allowing the skin to get used to it).
Stir and leave to sit for a quarter of an hour at room temperature.

When applying, it is recommended not to forget to lightly massage the dermis. It is better to do this with your fingertips; the duration of the massage is at least three minutes. After this, leave the mixture on your face and remove after half an hour. It is also advisable to massage before washing.

With charcoal

The benefits of purchased products in which charcoal is the active component are known to many women who have already tried the effects of these new products on their faces.

Despite its effectiveness, even the best store-bought mask cannot be compared with self-prepared products based on activated carbon, which is also made from wood.

Regular use of simple, accessible formulations quickly affects the condition of the dermis. The face is cleared of acne, the pores are narrowed, the tone improves, and even the relief begins to even out.

Step by step recipe:

Squeeze the juice from two slices of lemon or lime.
Mix with powder prepared from 3 tablets of the medicine.
Add clay (you will need 10-12 grams, usually black is used).
Before mixing the mass, pour in an alcoholic infusion of calendula (15 ml).

Apply the finished product evenly to the skin; it is better to avoid overly sensitive areas near the lips or eyes. Leave for 20 minutes. Remove the mass, rinse, if irritation bothers you, apply a nourishing soothing preparation.

Properties of charcoal and products based on it

In fact, homemade masks in this category are a very inexpensive, accessible to everyone, but very effective means for caring for and cleansing the dermis. Of course, in this case we are not talking about charcoal used for barbecue and kebabs. To make homemade masks, activated charcoal is used, which is sold in pharmacy chains in tablet form.

The effect of charcoal in masks is explained mainly by the fact that this drug is a very effective absorbent, thanks to which it can be used to quickly cleanse the face of impurities, including sebaceous plugs that form in the pores. In addition, charcoal perfectly removes harmful substances, as well as various pathogenic microorganisms present on the surface of the skin, which helps prevent the development of inflammatory processes.

Everyone knows activated charcoal, which can be used to cleanse the body of various harmful substances, for example, in case of poisoning, but few people know that charcoal powder effectively relieves the dermis of acne, pimples and promotes complete deep cleansing of all layers of the dermis.

With seaweed and bamboo charcoal

Another expensive new product that has rapidly burst into the world of cosmetology and has gained popularity among many women is a mask based on bamboo charcoal. There is a little secret in the product - cosmetic companies use a common pharmaceutical drug - activated carbon - to make the drug.

The medicine also contains bamboo raw materials, which resourceful manufacturers did not fail to take advantage of. You shouldn’t waste a lot of money on buying medications - a bamboo remedy (in other words, a mask based on activated carbon) can be prepared without much hassle at home.

Preparation:

Grind spirulina and pharmaceutical medicine (you need to take 2-3 tablets).
Prepare a decoction of raisins (pour a handful of dry grapes with 100 ml of water, boil for 5 minutes, strain).
Pour warm broth (60-80 ml) over the powder, stir and leave for half an hour.
Place a small slice of Borodino bread into the mixture, first remove the crust.
Mash the mixture with a fork and begin applying.

Distribute the black mass on your face in an even layer. Wait 15-25 minutes. Remove the composition with a cotton wool sponge and rinse the surface of the dermis.

Expert opinion

ATTENTION!

There is no need to complete the manipulations by applying cream or oil - the mask will saturate the dermis with the necessary elements and carefully cleanse it of dirt, dust particles, fat, and dead cells.

Activated carbon for teeth

Another beauty property of activated carbon is its teeth whitening effect. It's a paradox, but it's true. Activated charcoal can be used to clean your teeth.

When used at the right level, it can be a very effective teeth whitener without being too abrasive. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth with a clinically proven toothpaste such as Hello Activated Charcoal Fluoride Free Whitening. This is a toothpaste that helps effectively remove external stains without damaging the enamel and gums. Activated charcoal can also be used to remove bad breath.