For Vitamin C Serum DIYers
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

free skin care · Sun Apr 03, 2011 11:05 am

DarkMoon wrote:

That's very true, Kassy about the "glow" from LAA, whether due to expediting cell turnover or just that magic LAA gives our skin, or both? That's one of the first things I noticed when I first started using a C serum years ago. Smile

So true!

Since you are also a long time user of C serum, and also utilize DIY recipes, would you agree with me that keeping the C serum fairly basic, (say C, E + FA)is really a very effective *worker* serum?

I ask you this, because so many folks ask me about adding *many* other actives to their C serum, and I am totally against that... My thoughts are to keep the C serum water based with a team of antioxidants (C,E +FA), and then use other great actives in separate serums of creams for a separate application... So as not to have too many *things* competing for *cell* space all at once.. Laughing

I'd appreciate your thoughts... Idea

Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:28 am

Now you guys have me wooried about my recipe! This is what I've been using...

Part 1
1 t LAA
3 T water

Part 2
1/2 t vodka
1/4 t Ferulic Acid
dissolve then add
1/4 t Vit E
1/2 t Hyaluronic Adic

Then combine parts 1 and 2.

Should I omit the Hyaluronic Adic? I found this recipe here a couple years ago, and I thought it checked out ok. I just started using it again about 6 weeks ago. If I should stop adding the Hyaluronic Adic, what else can I use it for? Thank you for your suggestions!!

Wed Apr 06, 2011 1:32 pm

ok finally made my 1st batch of C serum but when I checked the PH level it was 2.0, is that to low? Can I fix it or do I need to start over? Thx!!

free skin care · Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:02 pm

Quote:

If I should stop adding the Hyaluronic Adic, what else can I use it for? Thank you for your suggestions!!

Sea emollient is my first choice, then SKB or aloe vera.

Quote:

ok finally made my 1st batch of C serum but when I checked the PH level it was 2.0, is that to low? Can I fix it or do I need to start over? Thx!!

My skin screams at pH 2.8...if you can tolerate it, then it should be fine...if not, you can bring the pH up, but try not to go over 3.2, by using a bit of sodium bicarbonate/ baking soda.

free skin care · Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:16 pm

Kassy_A wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

That's very true, Kassy about the "glow" from LAA, whether due to expediting cell turnover or just that magic LAA gives our skin, or both? That's one of the first things I noticed when I first started using a C serum years ago. Smile

So true!

Since you are also a long time user of C serum, and also utilize DIY recipes, would you agree with me that keeping the C serum fairly basic, (say C, E + FA)is really a very effective *worker* serum?

I ask you this, because so many folks ask me about adding *many* other actives to their C serum, and I am totally against that... My thoughts are to keep the C serum water based with a team of antioxidants (C,E +FA), and then use other great actives in separate serums of creams for a separate application... So as not to have too many *things* competing for *cell* space all at once.. Laughing

I'd appreciate your thoughts... Idea

I promise, it wasn't a trick question... I honestly thought some folks would appreciate and/or benefit from your input..

My mistake...

free skin care · Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:28 pm

Kassy_A wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

That's very true, Kassy about the "glow" from LAA, whether due to expediting cell turnover or just that magic LAA gives our skin, or both? That's one of the first things I noticed when I first started using a C serum years ago. Smile

So true!

Since you are also a long time user of C serum, and also utilize DIY recipes, would you agree with me that keeping the C serum fairly basic, (say C, E + FA)is really a very effective *worker* serum?

I ask you this, because so many folks ask me about adding *many* other actives to their C serum, and I am totally against that... My thoughts are to keep the C serum water based with a team of antioxidants (C,E +FA), and then use other great actives in separate serums of creams for a separate application... So as not to have too many *things* competing for *cell* space all at once.. Laughing

I'd appreciate your thoughts... Idea

I promise, it wasn't a trick question... I honestly thought some folks would appreciate and/or benefit from your input..

My mistake...

Sorry I missed that, Yes I agree I do prefer to keep it more simple rather than overloading one serum with multiple actives. I feel it's best to have a few separete serums honestly.

Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:55 pm

Are there any recipe concerns for people with acne?
Are there any better recipes for people with acne?

free skin care · Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:45 pm

Hi everyone,

I have just put everything I need for Kassy_A's vit c serum listed a page or so back on this thread in a basket on lotioncrafter to get.
I am new to DIY and really want to stick to what she has in her formula and that means it has to come from lotioncrafter I think as the other places don't have all the same stuff.

The problem is when I went to check out the postage came to USD78.00!! That's on top of a the total for the products which comes to USD127.89.. Sad

The shipping is to Australia where I am.

I am wondering if there is an angel out there who would send on the package for me, I presume the postage cost doesn't have to be so high..
Either I could send someone in the US a screenshot with what needs to be got and they could order it and send it on or I could order it myself to a US address and they could send it on? I'm sure smthng could be worked out.
Of course I would pay for it all, via paypal if preferred, up front and also I don't mind rounding up to take in to account the person's time in doing this for me..

I hope someone can help.. DIY is so daunting to me at this stage and I feel nervous about changing up Kassy_A's formula that's all..

free skin care · Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:19 am

Hi TTD

I personally wouldn't bother with DIY if I had to pay that much! Confused

Try using a mail forwarding service like vpost or shipito? Here's a thread on others' experience: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=39291

Otherwise try other sites with better shipping options. Bulkactives is located in Taiwan and shipping costs to Australia should be better. Garden of wisdom ships internationally for usd14. Also another new DIY supplier here: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=41831

I don't think any ingredient is exclusive to only lotioncrafter? Smile

free skin care · Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:32 am

The site is Skin Essential Actives, very reasonable on shipping including international and great customer service. Here is the link to the store. Very Happy

http://www.skinessentialactives.com/StoreFront.bok

Tue May 03, 2011 8:45 pm

SO ladies, what is the latest working recipe for Vit C cerium ?

I think i want to give it a try, Wink

)
I am running low on Jojoba oil ( i use it mainly for eye makeup remover) i buy from makingcosmetics website.
So i am thinking to buy few more things from that website all in one order Smile

Any recommendations Smile

I am 23 years old, occasional breakouts, using high frequency machine

What is your favorite Vit C recipe and what are your favorite ingredients from makingcosmetics website?

free skin care · Tue May 03, 2011 9:01 pm

My prefered recipe, strong version.

http://www.bulkactives.com/formulations/ceferulic1.htm

Wed May 04, 2011 8:34 pm

DarkMoon
thank you for the quick replay,

however i am such a newbie, all those percentage and ingredients are so confusing.
I do want to learn, and was wondering if you or anybody knows where to start from lol.

I did read few pages behind someone asked also about the differences in the recipes,

i am going to try to read the whole thread..as i am full with questions..

free skin care · Wed May 04, 2011 8:48 pm

vasilenka wrote:

DarkMoon
thank you for the quick replay,

however i am such a newbie, all those percentage and ingredients are so confusing.
I do want to learn, and was wondering if you or anybody knows where to start from lol.

I did read few pages behind someone asked also about the differences in the recipes,

i am going to try to read the whole thread..as i am full with questions..

There is a thread with a load of sites for information on ingredients, if you scroll down there are a few links to online calculators which make figuring out all those percentages much easier. HTH

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=39428

Wed May 04, 2011 9:30 pm

Its me again Smile

ok i found this thread and it is really helping
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=11902

I figured that i should start somewhere instead of waiting until i finish all 60 pages.
So i am thinking to place a order very soon.

Few questions though

I want to make it simple and combine shipment, if anybody from their own experience share with me "the best" website money and value wise for purchasing all ingredients needed for a Vit C serum?
And also what do i keep the serum in i am sure it has been asked before like i said i am going to read all 60 pages and it take notes Smile

but i want to purchase and start using it.
will be greatly appreciated.
and lastly at age of 23, am i too early or too late to start using Vit C serum ? just curious

Thu May 05, 2011 1:45 pm

i would also like to know what is the "best" and "simplest" DIY formula and perhaps direction on getting the items? I guess i could get the dark bottle from pharmacy?

Another question.... how do i know if i mixed the stuff correctly - will there be any noticeable effects?

and finally, when is the best time to use this (AM?) and if i am planning to use Finacea, pigment regulator and Retino would that be really bad combo and if yes how should i approach it? thanks!

free skin care · Thu May 05, 2011 4:49 pm

vasilenka wrote:

Its me again Smile

ok i found this thread and it is really helping
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=11902

I figured that i should start somewhere instead of waiting until i finish all 60 pages.
So i am thinking to place a order very soon.

Few questions though

I want to make it simple and combine shipment, if anybody from their own experience share with me "the best" website money and value wise for purchasing all ingredients needed for a Vit C serum?
And also what do i keep the serum in i am sure it has been asked before like i said i am going to read all 60 pages and it take notes Smile

but i want to purchase and start using it.
will be greatly appreciated.
and lastly at age of 23, am i too early or too late to start using Vit C serum ? just curious

Where you buy would depend on a few things, where you live, which recipe you are going with, the ingredients needed for that recipe. at the bottom of the recipe index you linked to are also list of suppliers, including some in the UK, Canada and Australia. many but from Lotioncrafters, bulkactives and skinactives. The last has a sister site in the UK that is listed in the recipe index, sorry the name escapes me at the moment. Smile

No it isn't too late by a long shot to begin Vitamin C, many woman my age didn't start until 30's-40's. I don't personally believe it is too early, ages ago it was recommended to begin in your 40's but I would start younger if it was around when I was that age.

free skin care · Thu May 05, 2011 8:24 pm

shaselai wrote:

i would also like to know what is the "best" and "simplest" DIY formula and perhaps direction on getting the items? I guess i could get the dark bottle from pharmacy?

Another question.... how do i know if i mixed the stuff correctly - will there be any noticeable effects?

and finally, when is the best time to use this (AM?) and if i am planning to use Finacea, pigment regulator and Retino would that be really bad combo and if yes how should i approach it? thanks!

Simplest and best aren't necessarily the same the addition of Ferulic Acid makes a world of difference in efficacy IMO. that does require vodka or everclear to dissolve.

Simple (aside from just LAA and water) is usually made with Distilled water, LAA, Glycerin or Propylene Glycol, and a bit of Vitamin E.

Retin A or any retinols PM use, Vitamin C AM use.

Without knowing the recipe of choice, it is hard to say how you tell if your mixture turns out correctly.

As far as seeing results, that varies with each individual.

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 4:31 am

Well I have finally made up a batch of serum!!
Thank you Kassy.
I had to change it a bit as I couldent get everything, but here it is, any comments would be gladly accepted!!

MAP ( couldnt get the L version) Vit C
Ferulic acid
Retinyl Acetate
Vit E
Seaklelp Ultramarine
Rosehip oil
vodka and filtered water for dissolving (no distilled water)

It made a lovely but thick blueish cream,absorbs very well, I could feel it tightening on my skin like a mask, then a bit of flaking but nice actually.
I think it is more one to use at night, but I couldnt wait and slapped it on anyway!!
Will be putting on ssfor when I go out. Smile

I kind of feel Ive grown up a bit joining all you Professional DIYERS Its going to be the rolling next!!! Shock

Fri May 06, 2011 10:43 am

DarkMoon wrote:

shaselai wrote:

i would also like to know what is the "best" and "simplest" DIY formula and perhaps direction on getting the items? I guess i could get the dark bottle from pharmacy?

Another question.... how do i know if i mixed the stuff correctly - will there be any noticeable effects?

and finally, when is the best time to use this (AM?) and if i am planning to use Finacea, pigment regulator and Retino would that be really bad combo and if yes how should i approach it? thanks!

Simplest and best aren't necessarily the same the addition of Ferulic Acid makes a world of difference in efficacy IMO. that does require vodka or everclear to dissolve.

Simple (aside from just LAA and water) is usually made with Distilled water, LAA, Glycerin or Propylene Glycol, and a bit of Vitamin E.

Retin A or any retinols PM use, Vitamin C AM use.

Without knowing the recipe of choice, it is hard to say how you tell if your mixture turns out correctly.

As far as seeing results, that varies with each individual.

can you give a step by step of the simple yet effective formula you mentioned? and is there a product that is as good as the ones in DIY?

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 11:04 am

DarkMoon wrote:

shaselai wrote:

i would also like to know what is the "best" and "simplest" DIY formula and perhaps direction on getting the items? I guess i could get the dark bottle from pharmacy?

Another question.... how do i know if i mixed the stuff correctly - will there be any noticeable effects?

and finally, when is the best time to use this (AM?) and if i am planning to use Finacea, pigment regulator and Retino would that be really bad combo and if yes how should i approach it? thanks!

Simplest and best aren't necessarily the same the addition of Ferulic Acid makes a world of difference in efficacy IMO. that does require vodka or everclear to dissolve.

Simple (aside from just LAA and water) is usually made with Distilled water, LAA, Glycerin or Propylene Glycol, and a bit of Vitamin E.

Retin A or any retinols PM use, Vitamin C AM use.

Without knowing the recipe of choice, it is hard to say how you tell if your mixture turns out correctly.

As far as seeing results, that varies with each individual.

I totally agree with this!

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 11:19 am

10Sylvia5 wrote:

Well I have finally made up a batch of serum!!
Thank you Kassy.
I had to change it a bit as I couldent get everything, but here it is, any comments would be gladly accepted!!

MAP ( couldnt get the L version) Vit C
Ferulic acid
Retinyl Acetate
Vit E
Seaklelp Ultramarine
Rosehip oil
vodka and filtered water for dissolving (no distilled water)

It made a lovely but thick blueish cream,absorbs very well, I could feel it tightening on my skin like a mask, then a bit of flaking but nice actually.
I think it is more one to use at night, but I couldnt wait and slapped it on anyway!!
Will be putting on ssfor when I go out. Smile

I kind of feel Ive grown up a bit joining all you Professional DIYERS Its going to be the rolling next!!! Shock

The 'seakelp ultramarine' is probably causing the tightness + flaking.. Next time try reducing the seakelp amount and increasing the water.

In my experience anything I've made with Map or Retinyl products, tends to not enjoy a very long shelf life.. Keeping it refrigerated is a good idea!

You're a braver girl than I to take on the "rolling".. (I'm a sissy! Laughing

)

Please don't miss out on this great info from "Bethany", and many other members, well before attempting your 1st roll; (Knowledge can only begin with learning after all, so arm yourself with all that's available to you.)

This link is a good start;

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=29860

And this link will bring you to everything DIY, that "havana8" has so graciously organized for all of us..(Scroll toward the bottom for the section on 'Dermarolling')

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=11902

Good luck in all of your DIY ventures! Very Happy

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 11:44 am

vasilenka wrote:

Its me again Smile

ok i found this thread and it is really helping
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=11902

I figured that i should start somewhere instead of waiting until i finish all 60 pages.
So i am thinking to place a order very soon.

Few questions though

I want to make it simple and combine shipment, if anybody from their own experience share with me "the best" website money and value wise for purchasing all ingredients needed for a Vit C serum?
And also what do i keep the serum in i am sure it has been asked before like i said i am going to read all 60 pages and it take notes Smile

but i want to purchase and start using it.
will be greatly appreciated.
and lastly at age of 23, am i too early or too late to start using Vit C serum ? just curious

I don't think you really need to read all 60 pages... Much of what's best, is probably in the last 15 or so pages, because while we all learn as we go, the latest *stuff* is probably best.

Lotioncrafter has listened to our pleas, and has stocked just about everything we talk about and use for C serum (and just about everything else!

http://www.lotioncrafter.com

The "best" bottle to keep ascorbic acid serum in is an opaque or dark glass 'pump' bottle, BUT, I don't think it's really necessary for folks who DIY regularly.. I use the 1oz cobalt bottles mostly, and find them perfectly fine... (To date, I have never had a C serum reach the 2nd stage of oxidation (yellowing), and many have sat around for up to 6 months.

Using C serum at 23 is fine and dandy..(Wish I knew about it all those years ago Sad

)

It's a wonderful antioxidant for your skin, and the serum is a great way to be sure it's always in abundance.. You can use it a few times per week, and still get a huge benefit.. Each application will be retained in your skin up to 72 hours!

Many people are under the impression that they should expect to see miraculous things happen to the skin with use, but in fact it's the things that you can't see that are the miraculous bit... Squelching free radicals are now the main goal for me, and if it helps to keep the collagen healthy and growing, well that's great too. And yes, some of us are enjoying a lovely glow from it's use, but personally I can't give just C serum all the credit..

For some reason (which I haven't been able to find a definitive answer for), the down side is only about 60% of users enjoy visible benefit from it's use..

Hope that helped!

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 3:22 pm

thanks Kassy,
I'll reduce the seakelp and increase the water, luckiily I only made about 2oz one for me and a friend ( we have a"girly " pm each frid, bubbly, food and then I get to try out all my skincare things I have learned here, clarisonic, microdermabrasion, facepacks,and now Diy Vit C serum!!) Oh it is now in the fridge.
Next time i'll try it with the LAA when it finally arrives

thanks Very Happy

free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 3:30 pm

thanks for the links I have a bit more reading to do Embarassed

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