BLOG: Glow Serum

A glow serum is a great way to nourish and care for your skin. Often composed on the basis of nourishing plant oil(s), possibly in combination with essential oil. Depending on the ingredients used, you can apply a glow serum to, among other things, reduce skin irritations, cleanse and nourish an unsettled skin and reduce fine lines. In this blog I will show you the effect of different carrier oils and which essential oils you can use as skin care for making your glow serum.

Vegetable carrier oils

Most glow serums have a base of a neutral carrier oil, from which the serum is further built up. For example:

• Fractionated coconut oil , provides hydration and care for the skin and is very similar to the fat in human skin, which means the oil is absorbed into the skin quite quickly without leaving a greasy layer.
• Grape seed oil has a soothing and protective effect on the skin and because this oil is very neutral, it is very suitable for people who are sensitive to allergic (skin) reactions.

Once you have chosen a base, you can also add other plant oil(s) based on the purpose for which you want to make a serum. Think of plant oils such as:

• Sweet Almond Oil , for example for softening, caring for and nourishing the skin.
• Calendula oil , for example for soothing damaged, irritated skin and wounds.
• Castor oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, frees the skin from bacteria and supports the skin's ability to recover.
• Jojoba oil , for example for treating acne (regulates sebum) or nourishing and supplening dry, chapped skin.
• Rosehip oil , has an anti-inflammatory effect, refines lines and softens scars.
  
  

Essential oil

To really finish your glow serum, you can add essential oils. Examples of essential oils you can use:

• Cedarwood , has an astringent, antifungal effect.
• Clary Sage , has anti-inflammatory, wound healing and sebum regulating properties.
• Copaiba , has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Frankincense , has an astringent, skin-restoring, disinfecting effect and refines lines.
• Geranium , has an astringent, skin-strengthening, restorative and calming effect.
• Helichrysum , has anti-inflammatory, calming and skin-restoring properties.
• Lavender has a calming effect, relieves itching and purifies the skin.
• Myrrh has anti-inflammatory, astringent and skin-protective properties.
• Patchouli has an anti-inflammatory, disinfecting and restorative effect and regenerates the skin.
• Rosemary , has a skin strengthening and restorative effect.
• Tea Tree has an antibacterial, antifungal effect and protects the skin.
• Ylang Ylang , has a strengthening effect and balances sebum production.
  

Overview by skin type - Plant oils / Carrier oils

* When combining, use max. 50%
** When combining, use max. 25%
*** When combining use 10% - 50%

Overview by skin type - Essential oils

Please note: Using essential oils on sensitive skin is very personal and depends on how sensitive your skin actually is. Lavender essential oil is often a safe option. If you have sensitive skin, always test a small amount of (diluted) essential oil on your skin first and see how you react.

Let's get started!

For making a serum for your body, keep a maximum of 3% dilution of your essential oils. For 10 ml, this is a maximum of 8 drops of essential oil.

Your face is more sensitive than the rest of your body, so keep a maximum of 1.5% dilution. For 10 ml, this is a maximum of 4 drops of essential oil.

1. Choose the essential oils you would like to use and mix them in a pipette bottle. Use the table above as a guide.
2. Choose your desired carrier oil(s) and fill your pipette bottle with it. Use the table above as a guide.
3. Shake/swirl gently to mix everything well and your serum is ready.

You can use your serum daily on cleansed skin. If you use oils that are a bit darker in color, be careful with light clothing (collar) and white/light bedding.

Examples of essential oil combinations:

• Caring : Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang.
• Impurities : Copaiba, Lavender and Tea Tree.
• Mature skin : Frankincense, Geranium and Patchouli.

Hydrolates

If you want to give your skin extra care, use a hydrolate before applying a serum, for example:

• Chamomile water , works anti-allergic, calming and restorative. Note: less suitable for dry and/or mature skin.
• Lavender water has a cooling, anti-itch, restorative and relaxing effect.
• Rose water , has a soothing, cell-renewing, moisturizing, sebum-regulating and astringent effect.
• Witch Hazel , has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, emollient and antioxidant properties.

Apply the hydrolate to the (cleansed) face, let it soak in for a while and then apply the glow serum on top.

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Sources:
- Essential Oil Safety, Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
- Modern Essentials Handbook
- Aromecum, drs. Harmen Rijpkema

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Disclaimer:

It is very important that you use 100% pure essential oils and that you are well informed about which oils you can take responsibly and which oils you cannot take.

There is a potential interaction between medications and essential oils, including an increase in the side effects of medications. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about implementing essential oils into your daily routine. Pay particular attention in the event of a (possible) pregnancy and in the event of use of blood thinners, which essential oil is safe to use. Special guidelines also apply to children. Consult a qualified physician for this.

This information has been compiled with the utmost care. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice from professional physicians and medicines. Anyone suffering from illness or injury should consult a qualified physician.
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