DIY: Make Your Own Facial Serum (Easy Recipe!)

“What does my skin need?”

This is the question I ask when experimenting with my homemade serum creations. When starting a DIY skin care project, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which combination of ingredients works best. Keeping it simple by asking that basic question has proven to be helpful when creating.

The serum we'll be creating today was concocted to soothe and protect your skin. The added bonus here? The lavender in this recipe not only works for my skin, but also induces a level of relaxation that lulled me to sleep. It handled all of the above.

This serum is intended for nighttime use only, but does not need to be used every night. I find my skin responds better when I use this at night before bed, and on nights when my skin a bit more irritated or puffy. This serum can last up to 2 weeks, and should be kept in the refrigerator.

These powerhouse serum ingredients all serve numerous purposes and uses. Here's what we're working with and why we're using them.

Ingredient Benefits

Aloe vera

It’s a moisturizing, nourishing, and helps soothe the skin. It can combat clogged pores, and is packed with Vitamins A – E, Vitamin B12, and other minerals.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil fights dehydration and environmental stressors. It nourishes deeply, and helps with moisturizing the skin, eyebrows, and lashes.

Argan Oil

Has fatty acids and vitamin E, helping to moisturize the skin. Softens as it protects against environmental factors, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Lavender Oil

It’s nourishing to all skin types, is soothing and promotes healthy skin. The aroma is soothing and can act as a sleep aid.

Rose water

As soothing as it is gentle, rose water maintains the skin’s ph levels, and acts as a toner.

How to make your own face serum

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time(optional): 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment needed:

Clean gardening glove
Cooking Shears
Cutting board
Metal Spoon
Knife or Butterknife
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons

Ingredients:

¼ cup aloe vera (If using fresh- 3 medium sized leaves or 1 large leaf)
2 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp argan oil
¼ tsp lavender oil (If you are extremely sensitive to scents, reduce to ⅛ t)
½ tablespoon rosewater

Instructions:

If you're using fresh aloe: carefully pick up your aloe vera with the hand wearing the garden glove, avoiding its thorns. With the other hand, use your cooking shears to trim away the aloe thorns at their base. You should be able to the gel-like inside of the aloe plant once they are removed.

Also, cut off the base of the aloe leaf. You only need to remove the white section. If your aloe leaf has discolored pieces, please trim them away.

Now that all of the thorns have been removed, place your aloe on the cutting board with the concave side facing up. Grab your knife and place it under the aloe skin. Then gently slide the knife under the skin and peel it from the aloe gel. Grab your spoon, scrape out the gel, and put it into your ¼  measuring cup. Repeat this process until the cup is full.

If you're using store bought aloe gel: Simply add to the concoction as instructed below.

Put the aloe in the blender along with all of the remaining ingredients- coconut oil, argan oil, lavender oil, and rose water. Blend until you minimize the chunks, and see suds. Depending on your blender, the maximum time needed to blend is 1 minute. Pour all of your ingredients into the resealable container and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 15 mins.

Note: Be sure do a patch test before applying to your entire face to see how your skin reacts.

Application:

After you’ve gently cleansed your face (we prefer the the Annmarie Skin Care Phytonutrient Cleanser for self care nights!), allow your face to air dry. I do not exfoliate before applying the serum because of the astringent nature of lavender.

Place a time size amount of serum in your hand, and use your finger to apply small amounts onto your face, starting from your cheek bones and applying in gentle, circular motions. You only need to apply a thin layer to your skin, creating a sheen on your face. The serum should not feel thick or heavy in your skin.

In the morning, your skin will feel soft, and you should see a reduction in the appearance of pore size and the appearance of puffiness. You can also follow our detailed guide on how to use a face serum for best results.

Have you experimented with making your own DIY face serum? We're excited to hear your results. Or you can share your experience with our products in the Serum Collection in the comments below.