The Ultimate DIY Peel Off Face Mask

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ on your body? Its functions are like that of your bestie’s in that it keeps you put together and protects you. It also functions as a sponge and absorbs anything you put on it within 26 seconds. Be it pollutants or minerals it’s all the same to that sexy skin of yours. However, all the toxins floating around our environment can leave it looking dull. The antidote? Peel off masks. After experimenting for weeks with different homemade peel off face masks I created one that is next level, and today is your lucky day because I’m going to share it with you.

What do peel off masks do?

Whether you spend most of your time indoors or outdoors makes no difference, the air
is full of contaminants and your poor skin is working OT, year-round. Believe it or not,
the air inside your home can be more toxic than the air outside. That is why it’s a good idea to reap the benefits of a peel off mask, twice a week. Depending on the ingredients used, peel off masks can help detox, exfoliate, brighten, and can even help get rid of blackheads. I will share more of my favorite homemade face masks in the weeks to come but for now, I’ll start with what I call “the ultimate peel off face mask”. It is made up of coconut activated charcoal, calcium bentonite and gelatin. It’s easy to make, takes about 3 minutes to mix, and a little goes a long way. If you make too much (which I often do) you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This divine concoction sucks out all the gross stuff your pore skin endures (pun intended) including our little unwelcomed friends, blackheads. I could have very well called it the ultimate homemade peel off face mask for blackheads, because it’s just that good!

What’s so special about this activated charcoal peel off face mask? Where should I start?!?

Here’s the Breakdown:

Green Calcium Bentonite - is a clay that can both absorb and adsorb, which makes it great for detoxing. We all know what absorbing means, but what’s adsorbing? In short, adsorption means to attract and bind, kind of like magnets do metal but better. Calcium bentonite has been used for over 30,000 years in many parts of the world for its many health benefits. It’s so good for you that tribesmen even make little pellets out of it and throw it into their meals. It is found near volcanoes and contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium, silica, sodium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. This is the same green mud those fancy spas use on your face, so you know it is top notch.

Bonus Tip: get an edible grade and use it in your water to help alkaline your body and
clean the walls of your intestinal tract. This one is definitely worth googling as there are
a few more things its good for that has nothing to do with your skin, so be sure to read up on it.

Activated Coconut Charcoal – I bought this premixed, but you could by the ingredients separately as well, it’s just a matter of preference. If you take this route just make sure the coconut oil is raw, cold pressed, non-GMO.

Coconut: when used topically it's great for fighting off acne inducing bacteria. Its anti-microbial properties inhibit these ugly little dudes from getting too comfy on your skin, all the while softening your skin with natural oils.
Activated Charcoal: There’s been quite a hype on activated charcoal in recent years and for good reasons. Charcoal has purifying properties and can help clear up acne as well, think of it as one of nature’s best filtration tools.

The Recipe:

*Avoid metal of any kind when working with Calcium Bentonite; it weakens its adsorption power*
 
You will need a small glass bowl or cup (about 8oz.), calcium bentonite, activated charcoal, and coconut oil. I used a product that already came with coconut charcoal mixed in together, but either way works, and vegan gelatin (colorless/flavorless), a small wooden or plastic spoon and hot water (100 degrees or less works great), again avoid metal for this recipe.

Step 1: ½ tsp calcium bentonite clay, 1 teaspoon activated charcoal, and 1
tablespoon vegan gelatin into a glass.

Side note: I also tried this with no gelatin, instead I substituted the gelatin for a second-half tsp of calcium bentonite. It still sucks out all the toxins and leaves your skin smooth, but it does not peel off. This formula you’d have to wash off, all the other steps stay the same including keeping it off desired hair.

Step 2: Then add two tablespoons of hot filtered water (I like to use Kangen water due to its
high alkalinity) and mix everything well together until it turns into a black smooth paste
and set aside.

Step 3: Open your pores by wash your face with filtered warm water or you can use a
steamer and dry your face. (for best results DO NOT skip this step)

Step 4: Apply a generous amount of the mixture (preferably with a small non-metal spatula)
and leave it on until it’s completely dry. It usually takes about 25-35 minutes. If I’m in a
hurry, I’ll stand in the sun to help it along or use the blow dryer. It’s all fair game!

Step 5: Finally, wash your face with warm water, followed by a splash of cold water to close
the pores... pat dry with a clean towel and use your favorite moisturizer for a glow even
J-Lo would envy! You’re welcome!

WARNING!!!
Ok ladies heed my warning, avoid all hair because this mask is just that good! I will not be held responsible should you end up looking like the main character from that 90’s flick Powder. IJS*

For more homemade DIY beauty recipes follow me on IG and Tiktok.

Until next time!