Oh, these oriental women! How beautiful their skin is, well-groomed and without blemishes! Did you know that it was Chinese cosmetologists who were the first to use activated charcoal in the fight against acne and comedones? In the article: cleansing recipes for face masks made from activated carbon.
How does activated carbon work?
Activated carbon is a neutral substance, i.e. can neither improve nor worsen the general condition of the body. It is characterized by a high absorption coefficient due to its developed porous structure, which makes it a highly effective sorbent. In medicine and cosmetology it is used as an adsorbent.
In the photo: a greatly enlarged structure of activated carbon and the principle of carbon adsorption
The substance adsorbs well
- plant and microbial toxins
- many organic and inorganic compounds
- fats
Thanks to this, activated carbon is indispensable in the care of problem skin.
Black mask: secrets of proper facial cleansing with charcoal
Activated carbon is an important component of many care products: soaps, masks, compresses
- Don’t forget, activated carbon is a medical product and it has its own shelf life.
- For cosmetic and medical purposes only fresh adsorbent is used
- Be sure to check the mask for a possible allergic reaction
For this
- apply the mixture to the skin on the wrist or on the inner bend of the elbow for 10-15 minutes
- remove any remaining mixture using a cotton sponge/cosmetic tissue
- look at the condition of the skin where the mask is applied
- The purpose of medical activated carbon is to cleanse the skin. But coal adsorbs absolutely all substances from the upper layers of the epidermis: both harmful and beneficial. That is why masks with tableted activated carbon powder are most often multi-component, saturating the skin with essential microelements
- Pre-steaming your facial skin with a steam bath will enhance the effect of charcoal treatments. The video “Facial cleansing at home (steam bath)” will show you how to properly prepare your skin.
Important: DO NOT squeeze out pimples before applying a charcoal mask !
- Which areas are treated with the coal mixture:
- whole face - once a month
- chin, nose, forehead - once a week
Important: Charcoal masks are never applied to the skin in the area of the lips, eyes/eyebrows.
- Coal therapy is carried out for 1.5 months. Then you need to take a break
- Application time for charcoal masks is no more than 10 minutes. Charcoal, even medically activated one, can eat into the skin, giving it a grayish tint. To avoid this, do not exceed the application time of the mask.
- After removing the remnants of the mask, be sure to apply a nourishing cream to your facial skin.
- It is advisable not to go outside for 45-60 minutes after finishing cosmetic procedures. The skin should cool down, rest and “come to its senses”
Contraindications for coal therapy may include:
- individual intolerance to activated carbon
- open bleeding wounds
Application in cosmetology
The use of activated carbon for cosmetic purposes is due to its low cost and powerful cleansing effect. The natural composition of the substance allows you to use home remedies based on it to improve the condition of any skin type. Activated carbon in the form of masks:
- Deeply cleanses pores, removes plugs and acne.
- Normalizes the oiliness of the skin layer, eliminating excess sebum and unpleasant shine.
- Eliminates dirt particles settling on the surface of the skin and provides deep oxygen saturation.
- Eliminates point inflammatory processes leading to the appearance of pimples and acne (especially important during adolescence).
- Gives the skin freshness and radiance.
- Slows down the natural aging process.
- Smoothes out fine wrinkles and improves facial texture.
The product should not be used if there are open wounds on the face, severe acne or pimples. Those with sensitive skin with pronounced spider veins should be careful, as there is a risk of irritation.
How to prepare a black face mask from activated carbon for acne?
Important: a classic activated carbon mask is applied only to problem areas of the skin
Proportions:
- 0.5 g tableted activated carbon (2 tablets)
- 18 ml distilled water. Can be replaced with regular bottled water or fresh milk
- Grind the charcoal tablets into a fine powder. This is easy to do with two spoons
How to grind a tablet into powder
- Pour the powder into a convenient container
- Dilute with water/milk to a smooth paste.
- Apply to well cleansed, steamed facial skin
- Remove any remaining mask after 7-10 minutes
- Rinse your face with water or herbal infusion. If your facial skin is oily, you can wipe your face with any fresh low-fat fermented milk product
- At the end of the cleansing procedure, be sure to apply a nourishing cream to the skin.
Secret Key Black Out Pore Peel-Off Pack
Price: from 800 rubles
And again a representative of protection against “black imperfections”, now from a South Korean brand. The color is due to the content of charcoal, which is added for gentle cleansing, removing toxic substances, absorbing impurities and stagnant secretions of the sebaceous glands. For parallel hydration, the composition contains an interesting complex of sesame, black rice and soybeans. To speed up cell renewal, lighten age spots and acne marks, the product contains papaya extract, and centella extract will help tone and maintain skin elasticity.
The mask is presented in a black design: from the box and tube to the cleansing mass itself. Compared to other film masks, it is more liquid, deep charcoal in color with shiny tints. Once on the skin, it quickly sticks and sinks into uneven areas. It spreads without special effort, and can also be removed if applied in a layer of a certain thickness. For some, it causes unpleasant painful sensations when removed. Along with the film, various impurities, sebum from the pores, peeling, as well as small vellus hairs come off.
Pros:
- a good film mask for powerful cleaning;
- neutral smell;
- easy-to-distribute texture;
- after removal, the face is matte, clean, brightened;
- economically used.
Minuses:
- It’s a bit painful to take off;
- high price.
How to make a black mask with activated carbon without gelatin?
Gelatin masks are a wonderful skin care product that cleanses and nourishes the skin. However, if you don't like gelatin in cosmetics, you can do without it. Modern cosmetology offers a huge number of effective recipes without a gelatin component.
Recipe for a black scrub mask with activated charcoal and aloe juice
- 10 ml clean water
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil or any other essential oil that suits your skin. Oil is not a key component of the mask and its presence can be neglected
- 5 g fine sea salt. Coarse sea salt can be ground using a coffee grinder or blender.
- 5 g aloe juice
- 8 g tableted activated carbon powder
Charcoal mask with aloe and essential oils not only cleanses, but also nourishes problematic facial skin
- Mix all the ingredients until the mixture has a uniform paste-like consistency. If the mask is too thick, add a little water
- Apply the mask to steamed facial skin with light movements, massage problem areas of the skin for 3-5 minutes.
- Leave the mask on the skin for another 5-10 minutes
- Rinse off the mask with water or herbal infusion at a comfortable temperature.
Important: During the procedure, consider the secrets of proper facial cleansing with charcoal
Recipe for a black scrub mask made from activated carbon and honey
Honey is not only a storehouse of vitamins and microelements, but also a natural antiseptic that fights inflammatory processes
- 0.5 g tableted activated carbon powder
- 5 ml clean water
- 12 g honey
- 8 g sugar
A mask with activated carbon and honey will not only cleanse, but also restore the skin after winter “heavy” cosmetics
- Mix all ingredients until the mixture has a uniform paste-like consistency. If the mask is too thick, add a little water
- Apply the mask to steamed facial skin with light movements, massage problem areas of the skin for 3-5 minutes.
- Leave the mask on the skin for another 5-10 minutes
- Rinse off the mask with water or herbal infusion at a comfortable temperature.
Important: During the procedure, consider the secrets of proper facial cleansing with charcoal
Black activated carbon mask with egg
For problem skin, use the white part of a fresh homemade egg. Egg white is a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent with a huge supply of vitamins and microelements
- 0.5 g activated carbon powder
- 1 protein
Thoroughly whisk the components of the mask and apply to steamed facial skin, taking into account the secrets of proper charcoal cleansing
Black activated carbon mask with clay
Types of clay that help improve the condition of problematic facial skin
- green
- yellow
- blue
- white
- black
For the mask, choose clay that suits your skin
Each type of cosmetic clay has its own characteristic properties. Consider this when choosing a component for an activated carbon mask with clay
- 0.5 g tableted activated carbon powder
- 25 g clay
- pure water
- Mix coal and clay
- Gradually adding water, mix all ingredients until the mixture has a uniform paste-like consistency.
- Apply the mixture to steamed facial skin, taking into account the secrets of proper charcoal cleansing
Black mask with activated carbon and aspirin, benefits
Acetylsalicylic acid, known in everyday life as aspirin, is not only a wonderful remedy for the prevention of heart problems and an analgesic and antipyretic agent. Aspirin is an indispensable assistant in the fight for clear problem skin
- 1.5 g tablet aspirin powder
- 2 g tableted activated carbon powder
- 90-100 ml of fresh low-fat fermented milk product (yogurt / kefir) at room temperature. The drier the skin, the fattier the fermented milk product should be
Mix all the components of the mask. Apply the mixture to steamed facial skin, taking into account the secrets of proper charcoal cleansing
Shiseido Waso Purifying Peel Off Mask
Price: from 1,900 rubles
This cosmetic product has oriental “roots”. Its formula was developed by cosmetologists from the land of the rising sun. A delightful design in glamorous pink tones complements the excellent quality and working composition. Japanese basil (red perilla) refreshes and makes the skin radiant, whole medlar cells soften and draw out sebum stored in the pores, powder particles absorb surface impurities, and peony in combination with glycyrrhizinate soothes the skin and fights inflammatory manifestations.
The mask is packaged in a glossy raspberry tube with a flip-top cap. The design feature of the Shiseido brand is a plastic loop on the lid. The mass itself is viscous with a subtle “alcohol” smell. Aesthetes will definitely be pleased with the color – red-crimson with shiny tints. The mask is difficult to spread on the surface of the face. That is why (and for better effectiveness too) it is recommended to drive it into the skin with your fingertips. It takes about thirty minutes to convert to elastic film.
Pros:
- delightful color of the film mask against blackheads;
- interesting composition;
- the film does not tear when removed;
- the surface becomes refreshed and clean;
- removes oily shine.
Minuses:
- dries the skin a little;
- expensive.
What is activated carbon?
Initially, the product consisted entirely of charcoal. Over time, the composition became more complex. Now one tablet contains:
- activated carbon is the active ingredient;
- potato starch is an auxiliary component;
- black salt is an auxiliary ingredient.
Black salt is not always contained, and tablets based on activated carbon and starch are suitable for cosmetic purposes. For internal use, you should choose the option with black salt. This drug will partially replenish calcium, magnesium and potassium reserves.
Directions for use and precautions
To avoid negative consequences after the cleansing procedure, it is important to remove the mask correctly. Carefully grab the edges of the film and separate it from the surface of the skin, centimeter by centimeter. If the film is torn off like a wax strip, red spots may appear on the face.
After using the gelatin mask, your face should be carefully blotted with soft paper towels and lubricated with nourishing cream. After the procedure, the epidermis is cleansed and more sensitive to external irritants.
No need to dry yourself with a rough towel, even just rub with your fingers. To moisturize and complete the caring procedure, apply a cosmetic product (cream, soothing gel care) by squeezing a small amount onto the pads of the index and middle fingers and distributing it over the surface with light movements without pressure.
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.
Final advice
If blackheads are a consequence of the active activity of the sebaceous glands and are a permanent phenomenon, not a single mechanical cleaning by a cosmetologist will help you solve the problem forever. Be patient and carefully, and most importantly, regularly care for your skin using the products listed above - with each passing month the problem will bother you less and less. Remember, without meticulous care it will not be possible to maintain your face in impeccable condition.
Thank you for your attention! With best wishes, Vorobyova Nastya.
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A'pieu Silver Foil Pack
Price: from 450 rubles
For those who want something unusual, here is a Korean film mask for blackheads. Its main difference is in color - the cleansing mass is not traditionally black, but light metallic (silver). This shade is due to the lack of different types of coal. According to the manufacturer, the main component is silver particles, the composition is complemented by an extract from rosemary leaves and lavender extract. Thanks to a unique combination of components, the complex softens sebaceous plugs, normalizes the secretion of sebaceous glands, tones and cleanses the skin on the face.
The mask is packaged in a soft tube with a hinged lid that closes tightly and opens effortlessly. The design is made in matching silver tones. The consistency is thick and spreads across the skin with effort. Once it dries it becomes funny, foil-like. In order for the mask to be removed easily, it must be applied in a fairly thick layer. Can be removed in one piece. If small particles remain, they can be removed with a cotton pad soaked in tonic or just warm water.
Pros:
- an effective mask with a good composition;
- interesting color of the frozen film;
- cleanses pores well;
- After the session, the skin is fresh and matte.
Minuses:
- contains alcohol components;
- does not provide sufficient cleansing;
- smells bad.
Pilaten Black Head
Price: from 140 rubles
Another Korean mask for blackheads, based on healing mineral mud. It not only effectively dissolves sebaceous deposits and liquefies old sebum, but also removes toxins accumulated in cells due to exposure to the environment. According to the developer, the mask will rid the skin of blackheads and keratinized epidermis, reduce pores, nourish the tissues with moisture, relieve irritation and get rid of acne.
The mask is sold in a traditional soft tube or disposable bag. The consistency is quite liquid and flows a little when applied. Therefore, you need to apply it with quick, confident movements in a dense, but not thick layer. It smells like a lot of herbs mixed with alcohol, the smell is not very pleasant, but tolerable.
After application it hardens on the face, this process usually takes from 20 minutes to half an hour. It all depends on the thickness of the applied layer. After removal, elongated dirt, “columns” of sebum from greasy pores and small hairs from the face are clearly visible on the black film.
Pros:
- easy-to-apply consistency;
- economical option;
- good result;
- the skin does not become oily, looks cleansed and fresh;
- removes sebum and tightens pores.
Minuses:
- dries the epidermal layer;
- single pores are cleaned.
