There is no end of inspiration when it comes to creating a DIY Activated Charcoal mask that suits your skin type perfectly. The web abounds with many fabulous suggested combinations. Hopefully those DIY suggestions inspire you to blend some of your favourite face mask ingredients too.
DIY Activated Charcoal Face masks can be packed with antioxidants, minerals and active ingredients when you know which ingredients to mix together. A well balanced face mask will help to clear your skin of toxins and grime whilst nourishing and clearing it at the same time. The great news is that it can also help to minimise pores. In addition to its detoxifying effect, activated charcoal is perfect for oily skin. Of course an added bonus is that activated charcoal is a natural ingredient.
The benefits of Matcha Green Tea in a Face Mask
Matcha green tea has antioxidant values. It is a type of high-quality, shade-grown green tea that is specially harvested and ground into a fine powder. Antioxidants are critical for good health. They fight free radicals that are responsible for aging and disease.
Because the entire tea leaf is consumed, matcha green tea contains more antioxidants than regular green tea. Mixing your DIY activated charcoal mask with matcha green tea means that all of those antioxidants work to fight the negative effects of free radicals and UV radiation, and can help repair sun-damaged skin. In addition this powerful antioxidant will stimulate dead skin cells and improve tired and dull skin. Matcha green tea powder has anti-inflammatory qualities and helps to reduce pore size and regenerate new, healthy skin cells.
How to create a knock out DIY Activated Charcoal Mask
Nothing could be easier. Although at this point we always remind activated charcoal lovers that this stuff can be messy! Clear your bench of all things (yep, towels, shoes, socks, clothes nearby – you get the picture) before you try your hand at pulling together your DIY creation.
If you believe that activated charcoal and matcha green tea are a “matcha made in heaven” (sorry, that’s super cheesy but we so rarely get to use ridiculous puns in the world of activated charcoal!) then here is a DIY Face Mask recipe to get you going:
- 1/2 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Activated Charcoal
- 2 teaspoon filtered water (or something more exotic like rose water if you can get your hands on it, but really, don’t stress if you don’t have any)
- 2 drops of an essential oil like tea tree, lavender, peppermint
In a small bowl mix* the matcha green tea, bentonite clay and activated charcoal. Slowly add the water. Stir until you create a paste. Then add the tea tree oil if you have opted to include it.
*It is best to use a glass or ceramic bowl and plastic, wooden or bamboo spoon when mixing ingredients. We will cover an explanation for this in another upcoming post
Pop it on your clean damp face. Now you must rest for 15 minutes (who are we kidding – you can probably get a load of washing on and a half house clean done in that time!) until the mask dries and hardens. Wash off with a warm washcloth. You might feel as though you need a moisturiser after taking off the mask. See what works best for you.
“Ingredient hack” Suggestions
If you are struggling to source green tea powder consider using freshly brewed organic green tea instead. You will probably need to alter the water quantity if you go in this direction
Instead of using loose activated charcoal powder, pop open a couple of activated charcoal capsules instead. They can be less messy especially if you are new to the DIY community
How often can I use an Activated Charcoal Mask?
This will definitely depend on your skin type. You could just use this once a week but some use it up to 2-3 times per week.
The quantity in the above DIY mix is enough for one mask. We definitely recommend you mix each face mask at the time you are going to use it (rather than making a big batch and storing it).
We’d love to hear how you have used matcha green tea and charcoal in your DIY Face Masks. Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below. C&B