make a DIY hyaluronic acid serum

Nourishing from within is the best way to protect your skin from ageing and drying. Through food you can optimise collagen production but as we age the skin requires hydrating assistance to keep it looking healthy and glowing.

Vitamin C increases the level of hyaluronic acid and collagen made by the body. Foods that will support collagen production are fish, egg white, citrus, berries, garlic, kale, broccoli and red peppers to name a few. Pomegranate is also beneficial as it absorbs and penetrates deeply into the dermis ensuring hydration.

Collagen and elastin are the proteins that provide support to skin structure but our body makes less and less over time and the skin loses its natural ability to look firm. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced by the body, is what makes our skin and in particular baby skin look pump , soft and youthful.

Our skin makes less and less of this acid over time and for this reason the skin requires intense hydration as we age.

Collagen cannot be absorbed via topical application despite a lot of marketing claims to the contrary. The molecules of collagen powder are too large to be absorbed by the skin. However, topical hydrating formulations are the solution and can provide intense hydration and do amazing things for the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide ( sugar) and this can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This means that when applied to the skin topically this will help the skin hold in moisture and feel more supple. Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrator and not a moisturiser. It is a humectant ( draws water to the skin from the atmosphere) and forms a barrier to cover and protect the skin from water loss. Our bodies make this acid as a cushioning and lubricating agent and is found in our joints, nerves, skin and eyes. Hyaluronic acid applied externally, can also help with reducing inflammation and assist in repairing tissue

New studies take place all the time and there is a debate between the use of High and Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid and which is the best option. Low has the ability to penetrate the skin surface but can be inflammatory. High is what is naturally produced by our skins ( especially babies) and is therefore thought to be best for skin hydrating.

Suggested dilution . 1% to 12 drops of skin friendly Essential Oils. Lavender, Frankincense and Neroli are good choices but EO is optional. If using close to the eyes rather leave the EO out. If being used in a carrier oil - Avocado, Grape seed, Jojoba, Argan or others - 2% dilution is suggested. Hyaluronic Acid comes in liquid and powder form. The dilution formula remains the same.

YOU WILL NEED:

Makes +_ 50 mls 1 x Serum bottle with a dropper (ideal) for a 50 ml Jar.

• Water - Preferably distilled or boiled water than has been strained and cooled. 45 ml
• High Molecular Hyaluronic Acid ( available at All Kinds of Everything Liquid) 1/2 tsp
• Vegetable Glycerine ( Optional) 1/4 tsp
• A Preservative ( We suggest Euxyl 712 or K100 ) 1/4 tsp

You can double or bulk up the recipe as needed.

Mix the Hyaluronic Acid, Water, Glycerine and Preservative together in a small glass jar. Seal and shake vigorously to mix up all the ingredients.

If using powder Hyaluronic Acid you might get some clumping when you mix up all the ingredients. Don't panic. This will change as the water absorbs into the acid

Refrigerate and allow to thicken overnight.

You can store this for 2 weeks in the refrigerator without a preservative.

If you add a preservative then suggested shelf life at room temperature is 3 months. You can extend this to 6 months if kept in the refrigerator after each use.

HOW TO USE THIS SERUM :

• Wash your face with cleaners or water.
• Pour a bit of serum into your hands.
• Apply a thin layer - not thick otherwise it will cake and be wasted as it will peel off.
• Do not dip hands into the jar. This reduces shelf life. Pour out of the jar into your hands or use a scoop or dropper.
• You can apply this twice daily - morning and evening. You apply the serum after toning but before moisturising.
• Once serum applied it is recommended that you apply a balm of moisturiser to lock in the moisture from the serum and get best results