Peel-off facials are becoming more and more popular these days and everyone seems to be trying masks with charcoal in them. When out and about in the world, toxins from the environment get onto our skin. This clogs our pores, putting your complexion at risk. There are several different ways people use to get rid of acne and large pores such as:
- Nose strips,
- Extraction tools,
- Fingers.
Lately many people have been getting behind facials and charcoal scrubs. Activated charcoal pulls the dirt out of your skin which makes your pores less visible. It draws bacteria, poison, chemicals, dirt, and any other micro-particles to the surface of the skin.
Rather than spending $20 on a set of charcoal face masks from Sephora, did you know you can make your own DIY charcoal face mask at home? If you’d like to give it a try check out these 8 steps on how to make your own. Bare in mind that some people find this treatment to be painful . Please exercise caution, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Before you try this, you should test it on a small section of your arm to make sure that it does not cause irritation.
Step 1: Ingredients: The first thing you’re going to do when making your face mask is to make sure that you have all the ingredients and tools. They are pretty common items: two bowls, a brush, measuring spoons, and white non-toxic glue.
Then of course you are going to need the charcoal. Activated charcoal can be purchased at a drugstore or online and usually comes in the form of a puck or pre-crushed powder. Charcoal has several health benefits and is also used to whiten teeth naturally.
Step 2: Preparation: When you’re getting ready to mix your mask, make sure your hands and dishes are clean in order to prevent germs and dirt from getting into your mask and onto your face.
In a bowl, crush about one teaspoon of charcoal until it becomes a fine powder. Set this aside. In a separate bowl add enough white glue to cover the surface of your face. Add the charcoal and mix until it’s blended evenly.
Step 3: It’s important to have a clean face when doing face masks so make sure to wash your face with warm water.
The warm water will also help to open up your pores in preparation for applying the face mask.
Step 4: If you want to have that tingling sensation when you are using your face mask, you can add a little bit of peppermint extract to the mask. This will also give the mask a pleasant fragrance.
Once the mask is mixed, you can tie your hair back and make sure to wear something old in case any of the charcoal glue drips and dries onto your clothing.
Step 5: Using an old brush that you don’t particularly care about, begin to apply the mask onto your face in an even layer.
Make sure to avoid all areas with hair such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and perhaps the upper lip because the glue will pull it out and this can be painful.
Step 6: Once you have finished covering your face in the mask, make sure to wash the brush and dispose of the remaining mask because it will dry quickly.
While you’re washing the tools be careful not to move your face too much. The movement can crack the mask while it’s drying.
Step 7: In approximately 25 minutes to an hour the mask should be completely dry. It might be a little difficult to move your face at this point but this is normal.
Double check that the mask is completely dry by gently patting at it. When you’re ready, you can begin to slowly peel the mask making sure to lift up not pull down.
Step 8: Once you have completely peeled off the mask, you should notice the bits of dirt and blackheads that have come off with the mask. You also may have bits of the mask that didn’t peel off so use a warm towel to wipe the remnants away.
Finally you can tone your face to make sure that the pores close back up. And voila. You have successfully completed a DIY charcoal face mask.
