How to Make Vitamin C Serum at Home: DIY Skincare Recipe

What is vitamin C serum, and how does it work?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that protects your skin against oxidative stress caused by pollutants, UV radiation, and unhealthy diets, among other factors. When applied topically, vitamin C serum penetrates the skin and scavenges free radicals, reducing the damage to your skin structure and DNA.

Vitamin C also regulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. By inhibiting the enzymes that promote melanin formation, vitamin C serum can brighten your skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and age spots.

Another benefit of vitamin C serum is its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, the protein that gives your skin its elasticity and firmness. Collagen production declines with age, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Vitamin C can boost your skin’s collagen production by activating the enzymes responsible for collagen synthesis, resulting in firmer and younger-looking skin.

Gather the ingredients

1. Vitamin C powder

The first ingredient for making vitamin C serum at home is vitamin C powder. You can buy it at most health food stores, drugstores, or online retailers. Look for a high-quality, pure, and water-soluble Vitamin C powder, such as L-Ascorbic Acid. Avoid using tablets, capsules, or effervescent vitamin C, as they contain additional ingredients that may irritate your skin.

2. Distilled Water

Distilled water is pure and free of minerals or impurities that can react with vitamin C and affect its efficacy. You can purchase distilled water at most grocery stores or distill it yourself using a distillation kit, which is available online or at health stores.

3. Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to your skin and prevents dehydration. It also helps to balance the pH of the serum, making it less acidic and more tolerable for sensitive skin. You can buy vegetable glycerin at most health stores or online retailers.

Prepare the serum

1. Cleanse the skin

Before applying the serum, cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry gently with a soft towel. Avoid using harsh or exfoliating products that can damage your skin and interfere with the absorption of vitamin C.

2. Mix the ingredients

Mix 1 tablespoon of vitamin C powder with 3 tablespoons of distilled water in a clean bowl. Stir well until the vitamin C powder dissolves completely. If you prefer a more concentrated serum, you can add more vitamin C powder, but keep in mind that a high concentration can irritate your skin.

3. Add vegetable glycerin

Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin to the vitamin C solution and stir well. The glycerin will help to soothe your skin and improve the serum’s texture and absorption.

4. Pour the serum into a dark glass bottle

After mixing the serum, pour it into a dark glass bottle with a dropper cap. Dark glass protects the serum from sunlight and air, which can degrade vitamin C and reduce its efficacy. Store the serum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.

How to use vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serum is best applied in the morning after cleansing your skin and before moisturizing. You can apply the serum directly to your skin or mix it with your favorite moisturizer to enhance its hydrating and nourishing benefits.

Start by using a small amount of serum and gradually increase the quantity as your skin tolerates it. Vitamin C serum can cause a tingling sensation or mild irritation at first, but this is normal and should subside within a few minutes.

It is also important to wear sunscreen when using vitamin C serum, as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to your face, neck, and other exposed areas.

How to store vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serum is sensitive to light, air, and heat, which can accelerate oxidation and reduce its potency. To preserve the serum’s efficacy, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also refrigerate the serum to prolong its shelf life and soothe your skin.

Make sure to use the serum within two weeks of preparation, as vitamin C can break down rapidly and lose its benefits. You can also make smaller batches of serum to ensure freshness and avoid waste.

The benefits of making vitamin C serum at home

Making vitamin C serum at home offers several benefits for your skin health and overall wellbeing, including:

• Affordability: Homemade vitamin C serum is a cost-effective alternative to commercial products, which can be expensive and contain additional ingredients that may harm your skin.
• Purity: By making your own serum, you can ensure its purity and avoid chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that can irritate your skin.
• Customization: You can customize your vitamin C serum to meet your skin’s needs by adding other beneficial ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or green tea extract.
• Sustainability: Making your own skincare products reduces your carbon footprint and supports sustainable practices that promote environmental protection and social responsibility.

The drawbacks of making vitamin C serum at home

While making vitamin C serum at home has several benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider, such as:

• Complexity: Homemade skincare products require precise measurements, sterile conditions, and adequate equipment, which may be challenging for some users.
• Freshness: Vitamin C serum is most effective when fresh, as it can rapidly degrade and lose its benefits over time. Making small batches of serum can ensure its freshness but may require more frequent preparation.
• Risk of irritation: Vitamin C serum can cause mild irritation or tingling sensations, especially if used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin. It is important to patch test the serum before using it extensively and to avoid using harsh or exfoliating products that can exacerbate irritation.

Conclusion

Vitamin C serum is an excellent skincare product that offers numerous benefits for your skin health and appearance. By making your own vitamin C serum at home, you can enjoy its benefits without breaking the bank or exposing your skin to harmful chemicals. Follow these simple steps, and customize your serum to meet your skin’s needs and preferences.

FAQs

• Q: How long does homemade vitamin C serum last?
• A: Homemade vitamin C serum can last up to two weeks when stored correctly in a cool, dry place with minimal exposure to air, light, or heat. It is best to make smaller batches of serum to ensure its freshness and efficacy.
• Q: Can I use vitamin C serum daily?
• A: Yes, you can use vitamin C serum daily, preferably in the morning after cleansing your skin and before moisturizing. Start with a small amount of serum and gradually increase the quantity as your skin tolerates it. You may experience mild tingling or irritation, which is normal and should subside within a few minutes.
• Q: Can I store vitamin C serum in plastic bottles?
• A: It is not recommended to store vitamin C serum in plastic bottles, as plastic can react with the serum and cause it to degrade or alter its pH. Instead, use a dark glass bottle with a dropper cap to protect the serum from air, light, and heat.
• Q: Can I mix vitamin C serum with other skincare products?
• A: Yes, you can mix vitamin C serum with other skincare products to enhance their benefits and improve their texture and absorption. For example, you can mix vitamin C serum with your regular moisturizer or sunscreen. However, avoid using products that contain retinol or other exfoliating agents, as they may interact with the serum and cause irritation.

References

1. Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 4(2), 143–146. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110593

2. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866

3. Ochuko L. Erukainure; Anofi T. Ashafa; Olusegun A. Oboh , Nokulunga P. Nzimande. 2019. Health benefits of selected plant-derived phenolic secondary metabolites in relation to skin aging. African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 18, No. 43, pp. 1274-1296.