Activated charcoal masks are talk of the town these days as we are coming to know more about their detoxifying and blemish removing benefits. The only off point is, these masks are either quite expensive or not too easily available. You would be surprised how effortlessly you can make an activated charcoal mask at home, that too in half the price! So I am sharing with you the DIY mask that I made and now using religiously these days!
First you should know what exactly is activated charcoal and why the world is going head over heel for it!
What in the world is Activated Charcoal?
As I am no expert *even passing my chemistry exam was no less than a miracle*, so I would just put it simply. Activated charcoal is regular carbon which is processed in a way that it absorbs toxins. In simpler words, it’s just carbon which is too active and badass to put up with toxins! Yes, now you understood!
How does Activated Charcoal Benefit the Skin?
Activated charcoal clears clogged pores drawing out dirt and oil. It also traps toxins and other chemicals off the skin leaving the face clean and even. Naturally when your skin is free of toxins, it also remains away from acne! So basically activated charcoal has three main benefits
- Absorbs toxins
- Clears acne and blemishes
- Evens out skin tone
The Ingredients
There are numerous ways in which you can make this mask. You can even simply make activated charcoal paste and apply without any other ingredient, but it is always wise to add complimentary ingredients to get the best results. My version of DIY activated charcoal contains three ingredients.
- Multani Mud (Fuller’s earth clay)
- Activated Charcoal-I bought it online from Ana-our very own beauty blogger. You can reach her here
- Aloe vera
Mostly, activated charcoal comes in capsule but I got my hands on this 50gm powdered form. Both works the same!
How to make the mask?
Find a clean space and spread a newspaper or kitchen cloth to keep the surface off charcoal stains.
Take about 1/4th tablespoon of activated charcoal powder which is enough for a single application.
Add one tablespoon of multani mud powder (fuller’s earth clay)
Take a small piece of Aloe Vera plant, peel it and scoop the gel out with a knife. Now mesh the gel properly and add it in activated charcoal and multani mud (fuller’s earth) mixture.
Add a little water and mix until a fine paste is formed.
Apply it evenly on face and peek-a-boo everyone to scare the shit out of them! Wash with cold water when the mask dries.
It’s always good to test a little mixture on your skin first in case you are allergic to any of the ingredients. You can store the leftover mixture in fridge!
Price Breakdown
Here is the price of each item used in this DIY mask. You will start worshipping the economical power of DIYs skin care products!
Multani Mud (Fuller’s Earth)– Rs 150/
Activated Charcoal– Rs 600/ *I paid 200 delivery charges which might vary location wise*
Aloe Vera– Rs ZERO! Hah I have an Aloe Vera plant at home. If you don’t have one, raid your neighbor’s garden and share this mask with them to later make up for it!
Total Cost: JUST Rs 950 *Happy dance*
So yes, it’s a foolproof, happy and easy skincare product!
How Effective is the Mask?
If you expect to turn instant gora (fair) from this mask, you will be so disappointed! But if you are more like me and value skin deep care, I can promise skin clarity and glow. And yes, acne will subside only after three to four applications, so just be patient and enjoy the magical powers of activated charcoal!
How many of you are already using activated charcoal in your beauty regime? It can be in any other form than face mask! I am always happy to hear about your skincare routine!
She can be reached at https://linktr.ee/hinailyas
Wow. Thank you Hina. 🙂
Wow! Loved reading your post. I didn’t know we can make it at home. Luckily, I have a plant at home too but not sure where to get the other ingredients here in the UK. I’ve used the Body Shop’s Himalayan charcoal mask (£15) and have also heard good reviews about Lush (£7).
Fatima | http://www.blogsbyfa.com
Thanks Fatima. Even I had been looking for activated charcoal for quite a while, now finally got my hand on it. And when you come to Pakistan, I can make a few jars for you! :p
Nicely done Hina. Loved the review and also very impressed with the photography 😉 I’m so glad it worked out for you <3
Thankyou Ana! 🙂