Charcoal face masks have received a lot of hype on social media groups. Does it really work? We decided to try it for ourselves. Some charcoal peel off masks on the internet use office glue. It is said to pull out dirt from the pores. I would rather not risk experimenting on my face, so I used food-grade ingredients instead of glue. Here are the results of this all-natural face mask!

Charcoal Mask Ingredients

1)Gelatin powder

2) Activated Charcoal Tablets

3)Bentonite Clay

Stockists: Gelatin powder is available at the baking section of supermarkets, while charcoal tablets can be obtained from any pharmacy.*

This charcoal mask is excellent for removing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and dirt from deep within the pores. Use this mask once a week or fortnightly. It leaves skin feeling soft and clean.

Quantities
½ teaspoon bentonite clay
1 teaspoon or 8 tablets of activated charcoal
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons freshly boiled water

Step 1 – Wash your face
Wash with warm water to open up your pores, and pat dry with a soft towel.

Step 2 – Measure 
Crush the charcoal tablets and measure out required amounts.

Step 3 – Mix 
Mix all the dry ingredients in a non metallic container, then add the water. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Step 4 – Apply 
Check the temperature of the mask prior to putting it on your face. Hot face masks can burn! Use a makeup brush to apply the mask, avoiding the hairline and eyebrows. If you get any paste on your eyebrows, wash it off immediately. The peel off mask can come off with hair. Apply a few layers of mask so that you have a thicker layer on your face. This will be easier to peel off.

Step 5 – Dry
Allow the mask to dry for about 10 – 15 minutes. It will feel very tight as it dries. Do not leave it on for too long otherwise you may feel some pain as you peel it off.

Step 6 – Peel off
When it’s very hard, it’s ready to be peeled off. Gently peel off, taking your time as it can be slightly uncomfortable. If you feel discomfort while peeling, wash gently with water. 

Step 7 – Wipe
Gently wipe your face with a cool towel. This will minimize any redness or irritation.

Step 8 – Moisturize
Use a natural oil such as rosehip or moringa oil. You’ll notice that your skin really glows.

*Charcoal is an important drug to have in your home at all times. The number 1 treatment in Emergency rooms for poisoning (including food poisoning), charcoal is a cheap, non-toxic remedy with superior absorbent properties.One teaspoonful of activated charcoal has about the same total surface area as a football field. This gives it suction power that prevents poisons from being absorbed into your body. In fact, all decent water filters include a layer of charcoal to remove toxins from your tap water.