DIY Activated Charcoal Mask
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I normally do a Women in the Workplace post on Wednesdays, but I unintentionally took a week off from posting on the blog and a āWellness Wednesdayā just seemed more fitting today! Especiallllly as I prep for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to begin Friday. If you get my newsletter, then you probably thought this post would never come! (I send a newsletter once a week, every Wednesday! Sign up here.) Iāve been mentioning activated charcoal for a while now, but over the past 6ish months, Iāve been experimenting with making my own face mask. I was using the One Love Organics Charcoal Mask, but stopped because it had coconut oil in it. (Read why I stopped using coconut oil here.) If you donāt have a coconut issue, I highly recommend theirs. Buuut even if you donāt have a coconut issue like me, my DIY version is much more budget friendly and still works wonderfully!
Before I get into the the actual mask, I want to talk about the benefits of charcoal and why you should consider using it. Activated charcoal has been around for a while, but has become increasingly popular lately, because of its detoxifying powers. I donāt really use it internally, but you can ingest it. Bartenders are using it more and more, in addition to health food and beverage companies. Youāve probably heard of people using it for teeth whitening too. All of those are great, but my favorite way to use it is on my skin. Something that makes it unique is that it can absorb thousands of times its own mass of impurities!! It is known for drawing things like bacteria and dirt out, which is great if you are trying to heal or prevent acne. I try to do it as a face mask once a week and use it as spot treatment overnight as needed. Itās also good to spot treat bug bites too!
DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. If you like a less liquidy mask, add more charcoal powder! I add a little extra charcoal powder, so closer to 2 TBS, but there is a thing as too much charcoal powder. Youāll notice it when you go to wash it off, as there will be so much in the sink/shower! Apply with a brush, similar to this one and donāt forget your neck and dĆ©colletage area! I leave on for at least 20 minutes, but closer to 30-45 minutes if have time. Itās easier to rinse off in the shower, but itās better to apply after a shower, as your pores are open. When you remove if from your skin, rub it a little bit, to get some exfoliation along with your detoxification!
INGREDIENTS
1 TSP Green Tea
1 TSP Apple Cider Vinegar
Optional: 1/2 TSP raw honey
**side note - DO NOT mix in a metal bowl. The metal will deactivate the detoxing ingredients from the charcoal and clay
Now the why behind the ingredients I chose! Healing clay is similar to charcoal regarding benefits, so I wanted to include it to double up, while diversifying the ingredients. Green tea has antioxidants that can fight UV damage, while reducing irritation and redness on trouble areas. Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse and something I already use a ton of. Blog post coming soon! It helps fight bacterial growth (ie what causes breakouts) and is something I already use daily in my toner. (Try it for 10% off w/code ELLEMULENOS.) If I want to add a little something special, Iāll throw 1/2 TSP of honey, which is another natural antibacterial and aids in anti-aging.
Do you use charcoal in anything? Some other activated charcoal products I love are Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant (Get it for 10% off w/code ELLEMULENOS), Hello Charcoal Floss, and toothpaste! We are headed home from LA today and you can bet that I need a good charcoal detox!!
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