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Activated charcoal facial

Medical expert of the article

Dermatologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

Most of us only know about activated carbon that it is a very useful drug for poisoning and some intestinal problems. In such cases, black tablets are taken internally. It turns out that they can also be used externally - for cleaning the face with activated carbon. What comes out of this, read below.

Indications for the procedure

Since black tablets are a medicine, facial cleansing with activated charcoal should be carried out taking into account the condition of the skin. [ 1 ] Indications for the procedure are as follows:

  • intense inflammation: rash, acne;
  • to regulate fat secretion;
  • to prevent dehydration and aging;
  • to reduce hormonal manifestations during puberty;
  • to improve skin respiration and metabolism;
  • for better absorption of cosmetic creams;
  • to cleanse clogged pores;
  • to enhance protective properties;
  • neglected condition, clogged pores;
  • abundance of blackheads;
  • dullness;
  • wrinkles, unclear facial contours.

Activated carbon is a substance with high adsorbing properties. It is formed after processing certain types of wood, organic coke. Today, pharmacies sell a modified white version containing additives, including powdered sugar. The drugs are similar in action, but the white substance absorbs poisons and dirty secretions faster.

Preparation

Before cleaning your face with activated carbon, you need to properly organize the work and prepare your skin. Plan the procedure so that you do not go outdoors for six hours after its completion. Freshly cleansed skin does not like this.

First, long hair should be gathered with an elastic band, the roots should be protected with a bandage made of natural moisture-absorbing fabric. Remove makeup, prepare ingredients and tools (flat brush). If you haven't bought one, then use your fingers. Sequence of actions:

  • An hour before the start, conduct a test for individual sensitivity. If there is no typical reaction (itching, hyperemia, peeling), continue preparation.
  • Degrease your face with a toner, then steam it with a bath of medicinal herbal infusion (chamomile, St. John's wort, sage).
  • Wipe your face dry.
  • Lubricate your eyelids and lips with a thick cream or petroleum jelly.
  • Masks are not applied near the lips so as not to stimulate the growth of unwanted hair.

When preparing, pay attention to some nuances. If it is not possible to buy powder, then tablets or pressed coal must be crushed to a powdery state. You can do it this way: crush the preparation on paper, for example, with a glass, then roll it out to the smallest grains.

If you have a mortar, crush it in a ceramic bowl. Add the ingredients according to the recipe and mix thoroughly so that the mask is applied evenly and acts on the dermis.

Who to contact?

Technique activated charcoal scrubs

The black mass is applied to the entire face or locally, in areas where acne is concentrated (T-zone). If desired, when cleaning the face with activated carbon, you can smear the neck and décolleté area. The technique for performing the manipulation is simple and does not require special equipment. It is enough to buy a flat wide brush and a good quality carbon preparation.

  • The procedure is started after making sure there is no intolerance, after the manipulation field has been properly prepared. The first layer is lightly driven in, and the next one is applied on top.

Depending on the indications, the mass is distributed everywhere or pointwise, in places where rashes or hyperfat are concentrated. But "everywhere" also has exceptions: this is the area of the lips and eyes. The exposure is up to 15 minutes, then thoroughly rinsed with water and the epidermis is saturated with a nourishing cream.

  • Charcoal is used in cosmetology due to its high absorbency.

But the action of the substance is not selective, that is, it absorbs from the skin not only excess, but also useful components. To prevent deficiency, the necessary ingredients are added to replenish their shortage.

An additional result can be obtained by taking the tablets orally. The substance absorbs and removes toxins from the intestines, which has the most beneficial effect on the appearance and condition of the skin, especially the face. The daily dose calculated depending on weight is swallowed three times, before main meals.

Facial cleansing with activated charcoal and gelatin

To cleanse the face with activated carbon and gelatin, prepare a film mask. According to reviews, the miraculous remedy gets rid of multiple small blackheads even in cases where other methods are powerless. It is easy to prepare for a self-administered procedure.

To cleanse your face with activated charcoal based on gelatin, one crushed tablet is enough. The fresh preparation crumbles easily. Together with a spoon of gelatin, the powder is combined with 2 teaspoons of cold milk or filtered water, mixed well and placed in a microwave oven for a few seconds (up to 15). If you don’t have one, use a water bath. With milk, the mass acts more gently than with water. And in combination, the effect of all the components is enhanced.

Action of ingredients:

  • Gelatin is easily absorbed by skin cells, increasing turgor and elasticity, exfoliating unnecessary elements, and refreshing the face.
  • Activated carbon dries, tightens pores, dissolves plugged contents, and soothes inflammation.
  • Milk whitens, rejuvenates, softens the aggressive action of other components and the surface of the skin.

The resulting mass is applied to problem areas of the face, making sure that it is not too hot. After about 15 minutes, everything dries. The resulting film is carefully removed from the bottom up, that is, from the chin (if the mask is solid). By the way, it is applied in the same order. The dirty contents of the pores are removed along with it.

When preparing for the procedure, keep the following in mind:

  1. Choose fresh produce.
  2. Practice preliminary allergy testing on your wrist.
  3. Avoid applying the product near the eyes to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
  4. Steam your face as much as possible.
  5. During the procedure, relax your muscles, do not talk or grimace.
  6. After removing the film, lubricate the surface of the face with cream.

The frequency of film procedures is approximately once a week, the course is 6 weeks. The course can be repeated in a few months. The unique coal-milk-gelatin mask becomes a favorite for everyone who has tried it on themselves at least once.

Activated Charcoal Facial Cleansing Mask

The purpose of activated carbon facial cleansing is to free the pores from the oily contents that interfere with skin breathing. The other components are designed to soften the effect of the coal and bring enhanced positivity: soothe, moisturize, nourish, rejuvenate the epidermal layer. For this purpose, gelatin, clay, ice, rose water, aromatic oils, lemons, cocoa powder, yogurts, milk, and aloe are included in activated carbon facial cleansing masks.

Since the coal is made solid, it is ground into powder for each case.

  • Added gelatin is considered the best remedy for eliminating black spots.
  • If black coal is combined with the same clay, the resulting mass can easily be used for deep facial cleansing.
  • Freezer-made charcoal ice cubes provide effective rejuvenation.
  • The aromatic charcoal-ether mass perfectly soothes the skin.
  • Lemon-yogurt composition with charcoal gently cleanses.
  • Adding aloe and sea salt helps clear up acne.

The classic recipe is simple: mix the powder with milk or water until thick enough to prevent it from running off your face. Rinse with water. The procedure takes a little time, and the effect exceeds all expectations. The only inconvenience is the unaesthetic appearance, but this is not relevant at home.

Contraindications to the procedure

Tableted charcoal is a fairly neutral preparation. Perhaps that is why facial cleansing with activated charcoal has few contraindications.

In addition to individual intolerance, the prohibited list includes purulent and ulcerative lesions, open injuries, bleeding, and contagious skin pathologies.

You cannot use a charcoal mask if you have rosacea, severe dryness, allergies, or after mechanical cleaning or surgical manipulations on your face.

Consequences after the procedure

With regular facial cleansing with activated carbon, the face is cleared of comedones, does not shine, the skin becomes even, smooth, healthy. Inflammations are reduced and disappear.

To enhance the positive effects after the procedure, experts advise using the drug not only for masks, but also internally. Porous tablets absorb and remove poisons from the gastrointestinal tract, cleanse the blood and lymph. The dosage depends on the person's weight: 1 piece is needed for 10 kg. Swallow three times a day before meals.

Complications after the procedure

Despite the fact that the carbon preparation is non-aggressive, minor complications after the procedure are possible. But only if the rules for cleaning the face with activated carbon are not followed.

To avoid an "earthy" skin tone, do not keep the black mass longer than 15 minutes. Just in case, set a timer. White coal, of course, is not dangerous in this sense.

The skin dried by the mass must be brought to a normal state, that is, saturated with moisture and given plenty of nutrients. All this is provided for in the rules of care after the procedure.

Care after the procedure

After each facial cleansing with activated carbon, the skin needs care. After the procedure, the washed face is wiped dry and moisturized. The applied cream should be absorbed before you need to leave the house.

Self-cleaning is done weekly for one and a half months or more. That is, at least 6 times. With a minimum of problems - once every 2 weeks. The course can be repeated after a 2-month break.

Reviews

Activated carbon is an affordable and safe product, which all women like. Facial cleansing with activated carbon takes little time and gives a good result, this is what women note in their reviews.

Many people are pleased that the result is visible immediately and that one procedure solves several problems at once: blackheads are removed, pores are narrowed, and the color and texture are evened out.

Using the beneficial properties of available products, you can get results no worse than with expensive cosmetics. Facial cleansing with activated carbon is one of these methods, effective and safe. And adding useful ingredients to the carbon evens out the balance of moisture and nutrients in the skin.


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