DIY Versatile Face Serum
Natural Skin Care
This serum is one of those things that is made with one purpose in mind, but then ends up being used for a whole gamut of things because it is just so versatile, light and beneficial..
Let's start off by saying, no I do not make all my own skincare and cosmetics. However, wherever I can, I try to balance out the commercial indulgences with the naturally based products. By base products, I'm referring to the things that are on our skin directly, for prolonged periods of time, or used daily. So this serum is one that I found made me comfortable with knowing they were all natural ingredients, found in my cupboard and using my plants, something that works so well, and can be made and used by everyone.
The ingredients you see in the picture are ones that I had available in my home. You can certainly purchase other brands, and there are Vitamin E's available that are less viscous than the Life Brand shown.
I think it's important to understand what these ingredients do for our skin:
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO is high in Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA) an Omega 6 fatty acid that promotes skin rejuvenation. It has researched benefits for age-related skin concerns such as elasticity, firmness and redness. It's naturally anti-inflammatory properties make it great for not
only the skin, but for acne blemishes. This can be taken orally or applied topically, as it has many hormonal benefits when consumed. The fatty acid is an important carrier for the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K and assists as well in keeping the skin hydrated.
I happened to have this bottle from when I was in my last trimester of pregnancy, as I took it orally daily from week 36, to help soften the cervix in preparation for labour. It has hormone balancing effects as well, and because I had a whole bunch left over, I ended up cutting the soft gel, and using that oil in my serum. However, you can certainly purchase organic EPO from various local health food stores!
Vitamin E (aka. Tocopherol)
Vitamin E we know is a potent antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals, and assists topically with hyperpigmentation and scarring issues. This is a key anti-aging vitamin, or as I like to think of it, a supporting-healthy-glowy-skin vitamin. This vitamin can be purchased in many forms, and a liquid for topical use is readily available and inexpensive. I used a tocopherol form, that is actually a light brown in color, but like the ones shown in the picture, you can use the commercial ones, or puncture gel capsules.
Aloe Vera gel
Now this is actually optional, as this is the only water soluble ingredient in the mix. I actually used Aloe arborescens, which is home grown, and very liquidy. This medicinal plant can cause irritation in rare cases, so I would recommend patch testing before using in the under eye or face region. A viable alternative is using Aloe Vera, which you can buy as a leaf, plant or in bottled form. If you are using the crude plant, then it is always advisable to remove the yellow residue that you may see around the gel. Then take the jelly portion and throw it into a mixer to liquify. This will make it easier to use with the oils. This is rich in so many minerals, is a cooling agent, anti-inflammatory and nutritive for the skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree resin, and has a potent smell, good for many different things. It has many benefits including disinfectant, digestion aid, stretch mark/acne scar remover, cold medication and pain reliever. This oil is one of the pricier ones available, and it is extremely important to make sure that you buy the pure essential oil and not one that is in a carrier oil.
Combining these together, and placing it into a small glass jar will make it ready to use for under eye care, lip care, and blemishes. The oils are so light that they will keep breathing room for the skin, even if applied all over the face. I absolutely love this mix, and if you have any experiences with the recipe, please send me a comment below.
Happy mixing!!
Dr. Sharlini, ND
