Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are the new it couple. You can find this duo on many store shelves in pricey little bottles, jars, serums, packs and pastes. The benefits of this star couple are actually quite impressive. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant, however, it also aids in healing the skin, suppresses melanin and helps lighten hyperpigmentation (age spots, acne discoloration, etc.), strengthens capillary walls and supports healthy collagen formation.

There are several different vitamin C serums online, one of which is from blogger and esthetician Jenni from Jenni Rain Cloud. She had the brilliant idea to only make enough serum to last 3 to 5 days. Not only does this remove the need for it to be refrigerated like other online recipes but it also ensures that the Vitamin C in your serum stays active. Vitamin C has a very short shelf life and all those amazing benefits are literally dead in the water after a few days. That means all of those expensive Vitamin C creams that you are trying to make last a few months is nothing but a glorified emulsion of water and oil. My recipe below is based off of Jenni's with a few exceptions, one being the addition of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a strong water binder that helps the skin to retain water, making it look moist and smooth with the added benefit of helping to temporarily plump fine lines and wrinkles. Along with the Vitamin C, this serum is your anti-aging Hercules and it only takes minutes to make!

Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum By: Living Life Granola Printable recipe here.

1 tsp Collagen Replenish with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C (Find here.) 1 1/2 tsp distilled water 1/4 tsp glycerin 1 capsule Vitamin E 1 dark colored glass dropper bottle Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until the powder dissolves. Carefully pour the liquid into the glass dropper bottle. Vitamin C oxidizes quickly in air and light so keep the cap on when not in use and store in a dark cabinet. Shelf stable for 3 to 5 days or 1 week in the fridge. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first to check for any possible irritations.

The jar of Collagen Replenish costs a little under $15 and will cover over 2 months worth of serum-making. One bottle of a store bought serum that only lasted for about a month, without the benefit of active Vitamin C, cost me close to $20. No matter how you look at it, the homemade is the better bargain all around. Not having to trudge to the fridge morning and night in the middle of your cleansing routine is another bonus. Don't forget to follow up with Cheaters Face Lotion. Here's to youthful, beautiful skin... naturally!


Linked with the Homemade Monday blog series.