Activated carbon is a natural sorbent that helps cleanse the body of poisons, toxins and other chemical elements. It is obtained by burning certain wood species, so it is an absolutely natural and safe product.
Coal is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. It is used to deeply cleanse the epidermis, reduce inflammation and eliminate oily sheen. Homemade cleansing masks with activated carbon can solve more than 90% of skin problems.
Useful properties of the ingredient
The secret of the benefits of this ingredient lies in its basic properties. Coal is able to absorb a variety of toxins and harmful substances, cleansing the body and epidermis as a whole. The product is absolutely safe and hypoallergenic, so it can be used for any type of dermis. A mask with activated carbon will be especially useful for girls with oily and combination skin.
Features of obtaining activated carbon
This medicine has the following beneficial properties:
- Natural natural absorbent. Due to its porous and absorbent structure, the product draws out impurities and toxins from the deep layers of the epidermis, cleanses and refreshes the skin.
- Antibacterial effect. The product is effective in combating various types of bacteria and germs that can cause serious skin diseases.
- Normalization of the sebaceous glands, elimination of oily sheen. Activated carbon is included in many cosmetic products intended for oily epidermis. This is due to its ability to penetrate deep into the dermis, which narrows enlarged pores, normalizes sebum production, and eliminates oily sheen.
- Smoothing skin texture. Coal is an indispensable assistant in the fight against unevenness and roughness of the epidermis. With its help, you can significantly reduce scars, scars and acne marks.
Important! Activated carbon in a homemade face mask can serve as a sorbent and a soft scrub, so regular use of the cosmetic product is recommended to achieve the best result.
Cleaning efficiency
The main feature of this procedure is not the instant “WOW” effect, but safety. It is difficult to trace how toxins and radicals are removed from the skin.
But charcoal is not a placebo; its properties as an antidote have been proven many times. just shouldn’t perceive activated carbon as a universal component “for everything.”
Acid and enzyme peels provide a more pronounced effect of renewal, tone and relief, and exfoliation. But, if they are contraindicated, you can keep your skin clean with carbon masks.
Attention! Carbon cleaning is a symptomatic treatment. The drug absorbs toxins and excess sebum here and now. It does not provide a prolonged effect, either externally or internally. Therefore, there is no real need for a course of treatment.
The benefits of activated carbon cleansing masks for facial skin
Activated carbon in a cosmetic mask has a positive effect on the skin:
- prevents the spread of infection, blocks the source of inflammation in acne, relieves acne;
- cleanses the epidermis of impurities, dead cells, sebaceous plugs;
- improves microcirculation in cells, the skin begins to breathe, becomes fresh and healthy;
- regulates sebum production, normalizes gland function, thereby reducing blackheads and enlarged pores;
- eliminates age spots, evens out complexion;
- prevents premature aging of the dermis;
- smoothes out fine wrinkles, unevenness and bumps, making the face look younger and fresher.
Attention! Other components for preparing a mask at home should be chosen thoughtfully and expediently. Otherwise, the procedure may do more harm than good.
Precautionary measures
There is hardly a specialist who is ready to call charcoal the most magical and effective SOS product for the skin. But it is one of the safest and most versatile. Coal has virtually no direct contraindications.
The popular science magazine Authority Nutrition provides the following explanation for the safety of the substance:
“Carbon is not absorbed by the body, does not penetrate the pores, does not enter the bloodstream, and acts exclusively on the surface. It binds and removes toxins without changing their chemical structure.”
Indications for use
Charcoal masks are indicated for use in the following cases:
- to cleanse excessively oily dermis;
- when the sebaceous glands are clogged;
- to eliminate blackheads, comedones and acne;
- to eliminate fine wrinkles and skin creases;
- for dull or gray complexion associated with malaise, stress and irregular sleep;
- for the treatment and elimination of acne and closed abscesses.
The cosmetic product is recommended for use by girls of any age; it is especially useful to carry out charcoal procedures for women aged 30+.
Release form, composition and description of the dosage form
The product is available in tablet form.
Standard packaging contains 10 or 50 tablets. The concentration of activated carbon in one tablet is 0.25 g, and the excipient is potato starch.
Activated carbon is prescribed for oral administration for the following indications:
- Disorders of the digestive system, regardless of the causes of their occurrence;
- Acute poisoning;
- Intoxication of the body;
- Some forms of allergies;
- Increased concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach;
- Overdose of pharmacological drugs.
Taking activated carbon orally can reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of most medications.
To treat acne and various skin irritations, activated carbon is used not only internally, but also externally. Crushed tablets most often become a component of various masks and scrubs.
Recipes for the best homemade masks
There are a lot of recipes for effective masks with charcoal. You should choose the option that suits your skin type, the ingredients are known and available to you:
With gelatin
A homemade gelatin mask has a softening effect on the dermis, has a pronounced tightening effect, and in combination with activated carbon helps eliminate black spots, cleanse pores and whiten age spots. The product is recommended for use by girls over 20 years old with any skin type, especially oily. Ingredients: 1 tablet of coal, 1 tsp. gelatin, 2 tsp. dairy product (milk, yogurt, kefir). The tablet must be crushed, mixed with gelatin, diluted with milk or kefir, then mixed until smooth. The resulting mixture should be left for 10-15 seconds. in the microwave, heat, then cool and apply to cleansed face. The mass is kept on the face for no more than 15 minutes, then removed with gentle movements.
From blackheads
Using a cleansing charcoal mask, you can get rid of rashes, blackheads and pimples for a long time. As a result, the face looks radiant, cleansed, without greasy shine and red spots. The product is approved for use by girls over 20 years of age with any skin type. You will need: 1 tablet of coal, 30 ml. milk, 10 gr. rice flour, a little ground cinnamon, 3 ml. nut butter. First you need to crush the tablet, mix it with flour and dilute with warm milk. After this, add cinnamon and oil. Before applying the product, it is best to steam the dermis, then spread the mixture onto the epidermis, spread over the entire face, and leave for no more than 8 minutes. At the end of the procedure, wash your face with warm or cool water, then apply a nourishing cream suitable for your skin type.
For acne
The medicinal composition of the mask helps to stop the source of inflammation, relieve redness and unpleasant painful sensations. Charcoal, like a sponge, absorbs all impurities, infections and germs, blocks the further spread of inflammation, dries out papules and gets rid of acne. The product can be used by women over 18 years of age with oily or combination skin types. The cleanser contains: 1 tablet of charcoal, 1 tablet of spirulina, a few drops of tea tree oil, 20 g. Borodino bread, raisin decoction. First you need to crush and mix charcoal and spirulina tablets, pour in warm broth, and after 10 minutes add bread crumb and butter. Mix the mixture until smooth, then apply a thick layer to your face. Keep the mixture for at least 10-15 minutes, then rinse with clean water and moisturize with a light cream.
Benefits of spirulina for skin
With honey
A cosmetic product with honey helps remove dead skin cells of the epidermis, cleanse the upper layers of the dermis, tone it and saturate it with useful vitamins and microelements that are part of the beekeeping product. The mask can be made for girls of any type of epidermis over the age of 25. Cosmetic components: 2 charcoal tablets, 5 ml. honey, 5 gr. pollen, 1 baked potato. First you need to crush activated carbon tablets, add pollen and honey. Peel the baked potatoes, chop and mix with the prepared mixture. Apply the resulting mass onto a cleansed face along massage lines. The composition should be kept for at least 10 minutes, then wash with clean water, and after 25 minutes apply a nourishing facial product.
With aspirin
This version of the mask can be compared to a chemical peeling of the face, since aspirin deeply cleanses the epidermis, removes all impurities and dead cells, allows the skin to breathe, and saturates it with oxygen. The product is well suited for problem skin types. The mask contains: 2 units of activated carbon, 1 tablet of acetylsalicylic acid, 3 g. rye flour, 5 ml. pomegranate oil, 1 ml. coconut oil. The tablets need to be crushed into powder, combined with flour and filled with green tea infusion. After this, carefully introduce the oils, mix the resulting composition, and apply to a steamed face. After 5 minutes, the mask can be removed. Moisturizers can be applied after 8 hours.
Beneficial cosmetic properties of aspirin
With milk
The mask helps get rid of oily shine, makes the dermis matte, smooth and elastic. Using this product you can reduce the number of freckles and age spots. The composition is recommended for use over the age of 20, for girls of any skin type. Ingredients included: 1 unit of activated carbon, 25 ml. milk, 7 gr. dry yeast, 10 gr. thyme, plantain and chamomile. The coal must be crushed and mixed with yeast in milk. Grind the herb to a powdery state, mix with other ingredients, bring to a homogeneous state, then apply to a cleansed face. Keep the mixture for no more than 5 minutes, then wash with cool mineral water.
Film mask
This option is suitable for absolutely any skin, since it can be used to cleanse pores, give the dermis a matte appearance, and make the complexion even and healthy. The film mask is approved for use at any age: young skin will be cleared of acne, and a rejuvenating effect will be visible on mature skin. Mask components: 1 unit of coal, 1 tsp. gelatin. The tablet must be crushed, mixed with gelatin and diluted with warm water. Then the mixture needs to be warmed up a little and applied to a clean face with gentle movements. As soon as the composition hardens on the face and turns into a film, it can be removed.
Another film mask recipe
With PVA glue
This product is recommended for acne, blackheads and other skin inflammations. The effectiveness of the procedure is noticeable after the first use, and the result can be compared with hardware and chemical cleansing of the epidermis. The cleanser contains: 3 tablets of charcoal, 1 tbsp. PVA glue. The components must be mixed together, brought to a thick sour cream, then applied to a steamed and cleansed face. The composition is kept on the face for no more than 15 minutes, then the resulting crust is removed and washed with cool water.
With cosmetic clay
A clay mask with activated carbon improves the relief of the dermis, increases the elasticity of the skin, and makes the epidermis smooth and soft. After several procedures, a lasting lifting effect is observed, so the mask can be used against wrinkles. It is recommended to use a charcoal mask for girls over 30 years old. The product contains: 1 unit of activated carbon, 12 g. blue or white clay, 5 ml. olive oil, ground ginger. The charcoal tablet needs to be crushed and combined with cosmetic clay, then add oil and a little ginger, mix everything. Apply the mixture to a clean face from bottom to top, leave until the composition begins to dry out. After this, rinse with warm water.
Beneficial properties of blue clay for skin
With rose water
The mask is perfect for oily epidermis, as rose water works well to remove excess oil from the skin, making the skin matte and clean. Ingredients for preparation: 1 tablet of coal, 2 tbsp. rose water, 2 drops of tea tree oil. The coal needs to be crushed, filled with water and added oil. Mix everything well and apply to a clean face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
With aloe
This version of the cosmetic product is suitable for any type of epidermis, especially oily and combination dermis. As a result of using a cleanser, the skin becomes clean, well-groomed, blackheads are reduced, the epidermis is nourished, and pimples are reduced. Ingredients: 1 g crushed coal, 5 ml. aloe juice, 15 ml. boiled water, 2 drops tea tree oil, half tsp. sea salt. The sorbent should be mixed with aloe leaf juice, add other components, mix thoroughly and apply to a cleansed face for 20 minutes. It is best to wash off the mask with a herbal decoction.
Interaction and incompatibility with other drugs
When using activated carbon, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of its interaction with other substances.
Main interactions:
- Incompatibility with other products intended to remove waste and toxins and cleanse the body. Their combined effect puts too much stress on the body, increases the risk of adverse reactions, contributes to a deficiency of useful elements and vitamins, and provokes dehydration;
- Reduced effectiveness of other pharmacological drugs , since their active substances are eliminated from the body at an accelerated rate. Between taking them and using activated carbon, you must take a break of at least 1.5-2 hours.
How to cook properly
The cosmetic product should be prepared according to certain rules and regulations. If you neglect the following rules, the desired effect from the procedure may not be achieved:
- To prepare a charcoal mask, you need to take only the tablet form of charcoal, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- It is imperative to check the expiration date of the medicine, it must be normal.
- It is better to take fresh tablets, the quality of which can be checked by breaking them: when broken, a fresh tablet crumbles into pieces.
- Before using a cosmetic mask, you need to grind the charcoal tablets into powder. This can be done using a spoon or a special mortar. Do not throw the tablet into liquid and dissolve it - all the beneficial properties of the drug will be lost.
- The composition must be stirred until smooth, so that there are no lumps or grains of sand, otherwise the epidermis can be injured.
A properly prepared cosmetic product will provide maximum positive effects.
Important! Before applying the mass to your face, it is recommended to do an allergic reaction test.
Reception regimens
The internal use of charcoal tablets should not be uncontrolled; it is not such a harmless drug. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, activated carbon absorbs on its surface not only toxins, but also beneficial substances, and improper use of tablets can have a negative impact on the intestinal microflora, which will lead to a malfunction of the digestive system.
There are several different dosage regimens, but they all have something in common: the use of the drug should be a course. In most cases, the daily dosage is identical: 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. That is, if you weigh 60 kg per day, you are allowed to take no more than 6 tablets.
Basic schemes:
- 2 hours after eating you need to take 2-3 tablets (three times a day). Course duration: 7-10 days.
- The required number of tablets (2-3) must be taken 1 hour before meals. The course of treatment is a maximum of 10 days.
- Before each meal, take 3 tablets, regardless of weight. The intensive course lasts 5-7 days.
- The entire number of tablets (calculated at 1 piece per 10 kg of weight) should be taken in the morning, after waking up, with plenty of water. This procedure is performed daily for a week.
- If body weight exceeds 70 kg, then administration is carried out according to the following scheme: on the first day you should take a “standard” number of tablets (1 pc. per 10 kg of weight), then the daily dosage is increased by 1 tablet. The course cannot exceed two weeks. The drug is taken on an empty stomach, in crushed form and must be washed down with water.
Rules for applying masks
At first glance, it may seem that applying a mask is not difficult. In fact, you need to adhere to some nuances:
- It is necessary to apply the finished product to previously prepared skin: first remove makeup, then cleanse from impurities, then steam.
- The mass is applied to the face by massaging the pads with your finger or using a spatula. Particular attention should be paid to the T-zone and chin.
- After applying the mask, it is recommended to refrain from excessive facial activity and remain calm and relaxed.
- There is no need to keep the composition on your face for longer than the prescribed time. Usually the procedure takes no more than 10-30 minutes.
- The maximum course of charcoal treatments is 6 weeks. Re-use of coal is possible only after 2 months.
- It is recommended to make a face mask with activated carbon no more than 1-2 times a week.
- It is recommended to remove the mask along the massage lines, rolling from top to bottom. After removing the composition, wash with warm or cool water.
Important! You should not go out into the sun immediately after the charcoal procedure for at least two to three hours. It is also necessary to refrain from leaving the house if there is high humidity or elevated air temperature outside.
Skin care after cleansing
After the “film”, slight redness is possible. But even sensitive skin tolerates the cleansing procedure well.
The treated area should be thoroughly disinfected with chlorhexidine or miramistin, and a soothing cream with aloe, chamomile or snail extract should be applied.
After the procedure, it is necessary to minimize surface contamination of the skin: do not touch your face with dirty hands, wash off makeup in 2 stages (oils + cleansers), sleep on a clean pillow.
Contraindications
Despite the safety of the drug, charcoal masks should not be used if:
- there is a predisposition to allergic rashes or intolerance to the components of the mask;
- there are abrasions and cuts, as well as open wounds and ulcers;
- there is a rosacea network on the face;
- there was a surgical intervention on the skin, and the stitches had not yet dissolved and healed.
If you have undergone chemical or mechanical facial cleansing before undergoing a cosmetic procedure, it is recommended to postpone the application of a charcoal mask for a week.
Features of the procedure
When cleaning with film, the only rule you need to follow is to apply the mask only to areas where there are actually clogged pores (mainly the forehead, nose and T zone). It is not recommended to use such a mask around the eyes, lips, or around the perimeter of the face, as it stretches the skin when removed.
It is recommended to apply the product locally, to small areas, and not as a continuous “cake”, so as not to stretch the skin unnecessarily.
Wash off the remnants of a film mask or clay mask delicately with a soft, porous sponge.
