HOMEMADE VITAMIN C SERUM

Of all the buzz beauty ingredients out there, Vitamin C is one that has stood the test of time and science. Yep, it actually works to combat the signs of aging, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, age spots and sun damage! Yay!

It is a powerful antioxidant and helps in the synthesis of collagen - a protein that gives your skin its elasticity. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but as we age we naturally loose it over time. Other factors like sun exposure, pollutants and cigarette smoke contribute to declining levels of vitamin C in the skin.

Taking vit C in a supplement or with food is great for your health, but topical application is by far the most effective way to improve your skin. The beauty industry are onto this, and topical vitamin C is sold in a wide range of products from serum to lotions containing between 3% and 10% of powdered vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid. You often pay a hefty price, and they work well, but there's a catch.

Vitamin C is a volatile antioxidant which deteriorates in the presence of air and light. Even the most expensive serums must use artificial preservatives and fillers to extend their shelf life. Many products are coloured yellow so that the tell tale discoloration of oxidised Vitamin C can go unnoticed. Don't buy pre-coloured serums! When antioxidants oxidise, they not only don't work, they can actually contribute to free radical damage.

Method

The solution? Homemade. It's cheap as chips, outrageously simple to do and you can make it in batches at a time so you always have fresh Vitamin C that you can use liberally without feeling guilty!

There are a few diy recipes that use Glycerin as a base, but I'm not a fan. Vit C powder can be sticky when moist and add glycerin to the mix and its a tacky texture that's rather impractical. I prefer Aloe, because it absorbs deep into the skin and is an excellent soother and healer in it's own right.

You'll need:

• A dark colored glass dripper bottle with a secure lid. I used an empty serum bottle.
• Vitamin C powder (L-ascorbic powder). You can find this at your local health food store or through an online pharmacy. 
• Aloe Vera Gel (as pure as you can find) 
  
  

Directions: 

1. In a small bowl mix 1/4 tsp of Vitamin C powder with 2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel. When your skin adjusts you can increase the ratio to 1/2 tsp if you wish.
   
2. Mix the crystals up until they are completely dissolved
   
3. Carefully pour your serum into your glass bottle.
4. It'll last 1-2 weeks before making another fresh batch.
   
   

Use daily after cleansing and prior to moisturising, for at least 4 weeks, making a fresh batch every 1-2 weeks - you will see the difference! Keep in a cool dry place.