I’ve been making my own skin serum for years. I like knowing that I am not putting unwanted chemicals and additives on my skin. Plus, the act of making my own skin care products is meditative and centering, with results that make me feel good about myself, while nourishing my skin.
Over the years, I’ve adapted my recipe. The original skin serum began simply…a coconut oil base with liquid vitamin E. I tried adding drops of different essential oils, from rosemary to lavendar. I eventually settled on using coconut oil, vitamin E, and lavender and calendula essential oils.
Recently I’ve been reading about the benefits of honey for the skin. According to my research, honey is a wonderful addition to skin care for the following reasons:
- It is naturally antibacterial, making it ideal for acne and blemish control.
- Honey is also full of antioxidants, providing powerful anti-aging properties.
- It is extremely nourishing and moisturizing, boosting the complexion and creating a healthy glow.
- And, honey opens and unclogs pores, clarifying the skin.
I think of honey as being gooey and sticky. And it is if I spill a few drops on the kitchen counter. Although I’ve made honey facial masks, that I applied and then rinsed off, I’ve never added it to my skin serum before. I use my DIY product every morning and evening, after cleaning my face. I don’t rinse it off, but allow the serum to absorb into my skin.
I wouldn’t know how well it worked unless I tried it. Needing to make a new batch of serum, I assembled the ingredients and for the first time, I added a quarter of a teaspoon of raw, local honey.
Here is the simple recipe:
Add pure organic coconut oil to a small jar. Melt oil in microwave, only heating until partially melted, or carefully run hot tap water over the jar, melting the oil. Stir with a toothpick, until the oil becomes liquid. Pierce the ends of two vitamin E capsules and squeeze into the oil. Add 10 drops each of calendula and lavendar esential oils. Add 1/4 teaspoon of raw, local honey. Stir well. Cover and place jar in refrigerator to solidify.
As it cools, the serum becomes solid again and remains that way, except during very warm weather. I keep my jar of serum in the bathroom cabinet. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
I use my fingertip to collect a small amount of the silky product and apply it to my face and neck. The serum immediately liquifies as it comes in contact with the warmth of my skin and absorbs readily.
As the new batch of serum cooled, I washed my face with warm water and a Norwex microfiber cloth. And then the test. Would my serum with honey added feel sticky or goopy? Would it apply easily and would my skin drink it up?
The serum was wonderful, going on smoothly without feeling a bit sticky or goopy. I applied it, as usual, over my entire face, my neck and even my lips. I love the way the serum literally melts into my skin.
Even more, I love the way my simple, DIY serum makes me feel. My skin is soft, moisturized and does indeed have a healthy glow. And I am caring for myself, nuturing myself, at a deep level.
Since this is a new, untried recipe, I’ll give an update in 30 days to report on results. However, tonight I am giving this honey of a skin serum two thumbs up!
