Have you found your first gray hair yet? A recent inspection of my roots (to determine how long I could put off a highlighting appointment) found a whole crop of them. My head had been invaded!
It was an aging slap in the face. Because, of course, I then went on a wrinkle hunt, and the evidence of my denial mounted.
Let the anti-aging research begin! I've discovered how good natural fruit acids are for reducing age spots [source] and how older skin needs tons of moisture. Where did the oily days go? Now my face always feels like a poor man dying in the desert.
I've even changed my mind about face misters. Aren't people who spritz their faces on planes completely self-absorbed nuts? No! Giving your skin moisture throughout the day is definitely an excellent anti-aging idea.
Searching for an age-defying topical treatment that provides optimum hydration with minimal skin irritation is essential.
Hydrating Face Serum
That's where this homemade serum comes in. It's a light moisturizer that hydrates with only a small amount of oil—your face feels soft and pampered but not greasy. Aloe hydrates and heals skin (though natural versions must be refrigerated) and is rich in vitamins A, C, and E [source].
These vitamins and other natural compounds in aloe vera function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that help protect the skin from damage imposed from outside stressors [source]. Aloe vera further helps to moisturize the skin, protecting the impaired skin barrier.
It has been shown to reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen production [source]. Glycerin functions as a natural humectant, which means that it draws in moisture from the air to work as an effective moisturizer [source].
Hydrating Serum Ingredients
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
- 2–4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile, or rose
Combine ingredients in a small glass pump bottle and shake well to combine. Apply to clean skin at night for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if including the vitamin E capsule. This will last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.
Why jojoba oil?
Jojoba and avocado oil (see below) are two of my favorites for skincare recipes. Jojoba is an oil that's very close to our skin's natural oil, and you can use it for just about anything (much like coconut oil).
It's noncomedogenic, meaning it won't block pores, and in fact, it helps oily skin level out oil production. Plus, it's loaded with vitamin E, linoleic acid, and antioxidants that regenerate skin cells [source].
But if you don't have any jojoba on hand, you can totally make this recipe without it, and it will still be excellent for your skin.
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum
Now for the eyes! You can definitely use a heavier (read: oilier) combination here as the tissue around your eyes is very thin and obviously more prone to wrinkles.
Why avocado oil?
Avocado oil is perfect for your eyes because its abundant fatty acids help balance skin's moisture levels, and the high levels of vitamins A, C, and E rejuvenate dry skin and remove those pesky free radicals that age skin. Rich in fatty acids, avocado oil is excellent for skin hydration [source].
After you apply the facial serum at night, tap a tiny amount of eye cream around the crease of your eye. A little goes a long way—if you go overboard slathering it on, you'll get it in your eyes and it will sting a bit (yep, learned this the hard way!).
Anti-wrinkle eye serum
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
- ⅛–¼ cup aloe vera
- 1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle, preferably one with a dropper. Shake well to combine. Put 3–5 drops onto your finger, and pat into the skin around your eyes before bed. If you add the vitamin E capsule, you'll need to shake before each use.
Note: you can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa butter to the recipe if you prefer a more solid cream. Cocoa butter is another major moisturizer and can make it easier to apply (it won't slide around as much).
DIY Serum FAQ
Do I need to store my serums in a dark amber bottle?
I recommend dark bottles as a way of keeping your oils fresh. But if you store your serum in the refrigerator, you don't necessarily need to use an amber bottle. In that case, a clear bottle should be just fine.
Can I add a preservative to make my eye serum last longer?
Sure. I like this one.
Do I have to store this in the refrigerator? What if I use a preservative?
If you use fresh aloe, then you'll need to keep your serum in the refrigerator unless you use a preservative.
If you use a full-spectrum antimicrobial preservative (see link above), your homemade products should be fine stored at room temperature.
Can I leave out the aloe vera entirely?
Sure! But you might need to adjust the other ingredients until you find a consistency you like.
Do I have to use the vegetable glycerin?
No, you don't have to. But I find that the glycerin adds moisture without feeling greasy like oil-based serums often do.
DIY Hydrating Face Serum + Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Glass dropper bottle
Materials
Hydrating Face Serum
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule optional
- 2–4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile, or rose
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
- ⅛ – ¼ cup aloe vera
- 1 vitamin E capsule optional
Instructions
Hydrating Face Serum
- Combine ingredients in a small glass pump bottle, and shake well to combine. Apply to your clean skin at night for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if using the vitamin E capsule. Will last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum
- Melt the coconut oil, if needed, and combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle, preferably one with a dropper. Shake well to combine. Put 3–5 drops onto your finger and pat into the skin around your eyes before bed. If you add the vitamin E capsule, you’ll need to shake before each use
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and cosmetic 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.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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