DIY Repair Serum for Scars, Burns, and Discoloration

Serums are super helpful for improving skin suppleness, repairing its lipid barrier function, and reducing dryness. And this homemade repair serum, in particular, has quickly become a staple in my daily skincare routine.

Thanks to a blend of rosehip, frankincense, and pumpkin seed oils, it helps combat free radicals and soothes irritation while also fading scars, sun spots, and discoloration over time.

Repair Serum Benefits

I’m not sure when it happened, but I’ve officially become a hoarder of serums, salves, and other skincare potions. Okay, I’m not being completely honest—I know exactly when it happened (6 weeks, 12 days, and oh… about 8 hours ago, if you’re wondering).

I was at a restaurant with my mom, and after ordering a cocktail, I went to pull my ID from my wallet. Before I could get it out, the 19-year-old waitress laughed awkwardly and said, “Oh, no… that’s okay,” before hurrying away.

And then, as if my ego wasn’t damaged enough, my mom uttered the words that will forever be etched in my brain, “she must think we’re sisters.”

That, my friends, was the not-so-subtle sign from the universe that I need a quality face serum. Like, yesterday.

Repair Serum Ingredients

While you can always buy a pricey one at the store, I love making my own. I’ve seen what oil cleansing can do for skin, so I’m fully confident that slathering myself in brightening oils will do the trick on the cheap. 

This serum packs a punch in the form of rosehip seed oil, which is chock full of vitamin C and other antioxidants [source], and pumpkin seed oil, which is loaded with vitamin E and carotenoids [source]. They both contain rich and essential fatty acids. Together, they help to hydrate skin, rejuvenate skin cells, and reduce discoloration.

Add in a little frankincense essential oil as a powerful anti-inflammatory [source] to lighten dark spots and heal sun damage. Then pour in some carrot seed [source] and lavender [source] essential oils for their antioxidant potential to reduce inflammation and brighten lackluster skin.

I also like to use vegetable glycerin to give this more of a serum-like consistency. To simplify things, you can leave the glycerin out and simply add more oils.

There you have it: an all-purpose skin serum that’ll make you look radiant and rejuvenated—and fingers crossed, 10 years younger!

How to Make a DIY Repair Serum

Homemade facial serums sound pricey and complicated, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This recipe involves little more than mixing a bunch of nourishing oils with some glycerin and pouring it into a dropper bottle.

While these ingredients add a little rejuvenating power to your serum, you don’t need them all to get good results. Feel free to leave out oils or add others depending on what you can easily find. And if an oil is out of your price range, leave it out altogether. 

I find it best to apply this serum to clean and slightly damp skin twice a day. Since my skin is naturally dry, I slather it on right after rinsing my face in the morning and as part of my p.m. routine. I also swear by it after spending time in the sun.

Not only does the oil help trap moisture in the skin, but the water actually helps the oil absorb better, so it doesn’t just sit on my face, giving it a nice, oily sheen). For even better results, apply after using a toner like witch hazel, green tea, or apple cider vinegar to shrink pores and lock in vitamins and minerals.

And if you have a particular trouble spot, like a scar or burn, apply it 1 to 2 times a day directly to the area and massage it in. Massaging may help break down scar tissue and improve healing [source].

Repair Serum FAQs

Can I use almond oil as my carrier oil?

Yes, feel free to use almond oil or any other plant-sourced carrier oil you have on hand [source].

Will this repair serum make me break out?

It shouldn’t. But if you have sensitive skin, test the serum on a small patch of skin before applying it to your entire face.

What other essential oils are good for scars?

Anecdotally, hyssop, tea tree, geranium, and helichrysum oils may be helpful for scars.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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