Activated charcoal & bentonite clay face mask

Bene_ ts: Charcoal face masks consist of ingredients that cleans the skin by pulling dirt from pores and helping to eliminate blackheads Activated charcoal is similar to common charcoal, but is made specifically for medicinal use. To make activated charcoal, manufacturers heat common charcoal in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to become very porous. These pores allow activated charcoal to trap chemicals. Activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings, intestinal gas, nausea, and bile _ ow issues (cholestasis) during pregnancy. Activated charcoal also works wonders for the skin when applied topically: it keeps skin clear by acting as a magnet to draw dirt out of pores. It not only clears pores but also improves skin-tone by removing dry patches.

Bentonite clay also acts as a magnet to draw dirt from the pores. High-quality bentonite clay can be ingested to pull toxins from the body. When applied topically, it absorbs toxins, draws out blackheads, and kills acnecausing bacteria. You may recognise this ingredient from my DIY all-natural detoxifying deodorant, which uses bentonite clay to pull toxins from the underarms while keeping you odour-free naturally.

So let’s get started on a DIY charcoal face mask.

2 capsules of activated charcoal (approximately 0.2 grams) opened and emptied. To open gelatin capsules, simply twist the two halves and gently pull them apart.

1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay 1 1/2 teaspoons of water

Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together into a smooth paste, and spot test the mask on your cheek or underside of your wrist to make sure that you do not have any adverse reactions.

Wash face with a mild cleanser and pat partially dry (not dripping wet, yet moist).

Apply the mask evenly avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes and lips, and let sit until dry (about seven to ten minutes). As the mask dries, it feels tight on the skin, which can sometimes feel a little itchy. If you start to feel uncomfortable, wash it off.

After the mask dries, wash it off, pat face gently with a clean towel, and let the skin breath or apply a mild all-natural moisturiser (I usually just apply jojoba oil to any areas that are prone to dryness).

And that’s it. Easy as always.

Be sure to stir this mixture with a plastic or wooden spoon, as both charcoal and clay pull toxins from metals. Also be sure to store your clay in a non-metal container.

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