Activated Charcoal Face Mask With Essential Oils!

Activated charcoal is one of the items that we always have on hand at the house! We use it internally to soothe stomach discomfort and bloating, and to aid in our body’s natural detoxing. It’s also great for teeth whitening, water filtration, deodorant, and SKIN CARE!

What is Activated Charcoal?

“Activated charcoal is a special form of carbon that can bind other substances on its surface (adsorption). That is why it is used for water filtration. It is also used to adsorb drugs in the gut so the drugs don’t enter the body. Activated charcoal is made by burning carbon-rich materials, such as wood, at very high temperatures to create charcoal. The resulting product is a black, odorless powder. The charcoal is then “activated” through a special process that makes lots of holes and crevices on the charcoal particles to increase surface area and available binding sites. One teaspoonful of activated charcoal has about the same total surface area as a football field! In the emergency room, the black powder is mixed with a liquid and given to a poisoned patient to drink.” – Poison Control

Activated Charcoal for Skin Health

Activated charcoal actually binds to dirt in our pores, pulls it out, and helps to make our pores less visible!

Activated charcoal also helps to balance oily skin by pulling the excess oils out. 

It makes a great face mask for those who deal with acne because dirt + excess oil on the skin is a contributing factor and activated charcoal helps with both!

Activated Charcoal Face Mask

Making an activated charcoal face mask is super easy and leaves your face feeling AMAZING! I would only recommend using this mask 2-3 times per week.

What you’ll need (makes a mask for 1 person):

– 1/2 tsp. Activated Charcoal
– 1/2 tsp. Bentonite Clay (optional, but I love adding it!)
– 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
– 4-8 drops of your favorite essential oils for skin health (see suggestions below)

What to do:

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and apply to face. Let dry and then rinse off.

Essential Oils for Skin Health

Essential oils for Dry Skin:

Myrrh, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood

Essential oils for Oily Skin:

Clary Sage, Rosemary, Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Citrus oils, Juniper

Essential oils for Sensitive Skin:

Lavender, Frankincense, Sandalwood

Essential oils for Acne-prone Skin:

Helichrysum, Lemon, Cinnamon, Tea Tree, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Juniper

Essential oils for Aging Skin:

Frankincense, Rose, Sandalwood, Carrot Seed, Neroli, Myrrh

If you’re not a DIYer or simply don’t feel like making your own face masks, be sure to check out the ART Beauty Mask by Young Living. Each mask is formulated with anti-aging essential oils, promotes a youthful looking complexion, improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plums and refreshes dull, tired skin, and more!