Why is the bottle so small and the price so high?
As a result of being exposed to advertising, I became curious about the campaign to push skin serums. I won't bore you with all my research, but it might be instructive to share these two points:
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- skin serums are meant to be absorbed deeper into the skin; a moisturizer is intended to protect at the surface of the skin. Often it is recommended to follow serum application with a moisturizer.
- skin serums likely contain more ingredients, probably including a highly researched, trending, or patented component. As well, the price may reflect association with a luxury brand and the cost of upscale marketing.
You're smiling. You know how I feel about that.
I am convinced in my heart that a product created in a lab, advertised to make it desirable, and then dispensed through many levels of middlemen, distribution centres, transportation, and retail outlets can be outclassed by a natural alternative you make at home from simple ingredients. After reading many articles and comparing a lot of do-it-yourself formulas, I settled on this custom blend of regenerating and rejuvenating oils. I like it so much that I will never be without it again.
Locating the Ingredients
My collection of essential oils is fairly large, so all of these were already on hand. My supplier is Voyageur Soap & Candle, a Canadian family-run company in Langley. I've been their customer for many years. Since they are a crafters' supply house, their labels are utilitarian and their prices are very reasonable. I also bought the skin oils for this project from them. And they carry almost any container or dispenser you might need.
Soothing Facial Serum Template
My template makes 90 ml (millilitres).
Mix together the following ingredients. You'll need a 100 ml or 4 ounce bottle in which to store your serum.
30 ml jojoba oil
30 ml olive squalane
15 ml rosehip oil
15 ml macadamia oil
12 drops frankincense essential oil
12 drops ylang ylang essential oil
6 drops myrrh essential oil
6 drops rose geranium essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
How to Use: Put a few drops of the serum on your fingers and gently massage it into clean skin. Wait a minute or two for it to be absorbed. Follow with moisturizer if you wish.
Why I Chose These Ingredients
Jojoba Oil
Balancing, softening, soothing jojoba oil balances sebum production so great for oily skin, acne or dry skin. It is also anti-inflammatory, so can be used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Light and well absorbed.
Squalane (olive squalane)
Squalane glides on and doesn’t feel oily. It softens the skin, improves elasticity, reduces signs of aging, and boosts cell regeneration. Squalane is very like squalene which is naturally produced by your skin until your mid-twenties to moisturize and protect it. After your mid-twenties it is helpful to use olive squalane since the similar structure to squalene means it is absorbed well. It is lighter than an oil, leaving the skin silky and smooth. Suitable for all skin types.
Rosehip Oil
Regenerating, rejuvenating and healing, rosehip is a light, non-greasy oil that is quickly absorbed. Rosehip seed oil contains tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, which helps to repair damaged skin and reduce wrinkles and scars. One of the best oils for mature skin, it is a good source of essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 which assist with skin regeneration; linolenic acid which helps with UV damage, fine lines and wrinkles; and beta carotene which is an antioxidant.
Macadamia Oil
A luscious oil extracted from macadamia nuts, it mimics the skin-protective sebum that humans naturally produce. It soaks into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized.
If you've been tempted by the skin serum advertising, I hope you find time to create this delectable skin care product as a treat for yourself. Come to think of it, wouldn't it make a lovely gift?
