Detoxing Charcoal Mask
But first…I have to tell you my ridiculous first experience trying to get this mask just right…..
So, like I’m sure many of you have…. I had been seeing posts about activated charcoal EVERYWHERE – especially on Pinterest. I’m always up for trying something new when it comes to beauty and it was winter so my skin really needed some help.
The most simple combo I had read about for this mask was to mix the charcoal with water and form a paste. So I did just that. I applied it to my face using my hands and hopped in the bath. The black was staining my hands and I was scrubbing aggressively with coconut oil to get it off.
….By now I had it all over my legs and the tub as well.
I would say it took approximately 7 minutes before I thought to my self….
If this is staining my hands….. what is it doing to my FACE!?
I then start scrubbing my face aggressively with coconut oil…makeup remover…anything in sight. When I looked in the mirror, my face was just as black as when I first applied the mask
I’m assuming this is NOT what people mean when they say “Once you go black, you don’t go back” (*wink *wink)
At this point…I’m 80% panicking! (plus, my boyfriend is about to come home from hockey and find me like this) and 20% laughing (because again, my boyfriend is about to come home and find me like this)
It took a LOT of coconut oil to remove it. And well, I was quite worried that after the state of the shower and about half the bathroom… that we wouldn’t be getting the damage deposit back on our place.
SO! Long story short….. apparently this mixture has worked for some, but from my experience, don’t do it. Just don’t.
I’ve seen some recipes that include a clay. I’m excited to try that, and when I do, I will share that with you guys! But for now, here’s what I’ve used (and LOVE)
I simply mix:
approx 6 capsules of activated charcoal
2 tbsp Organic Honey
*Be sure to use a glass jar that is easy to clean, or something you’re not worried about staining.
You can alter it to your desired consistency. Too much honey can make it a little runny (and no, I didn’t mean for that to rhyme). But the honey definitely keeps it from staining your face as well as has so many antibacterial properties!
I find this mask is really best for:
- Pimples! It helps suck the bacteria out and calms redness
- Decongest skin. You know when you’ve been spray tanning? and overloading on moisturizer? and eating poorly? and wearing tons of makeup? and maybe drinking too much? (story of my life?) This helps to just feel CLEAN and NEW again
Now that I have had such a good experience with charcoal, I’m excited to try all the other great uses (teeth whitening anyone?) I’ll be sharing any and all with you and I’d love to hear what you’ve used it for and how!