Homemade Face Serum for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
The following post may contain affiliate links of products I use and love. You can read my full disclosure here.
Do you have Melasma?
I do. It took over many years of my life. You can read all about my melasma story here. I went from hiding my face in public to now, barely wearing sunscreen (don’t judge!)
I truly believe that ditching conventional skincare and making my own simple DIY products had a huge impact on reducing my melasma.
I’ve come a long way, but there are still a few pesky dark spots that need some love.
Why make your own serum for melasma?
Finding a good serum that will actually work for melasma was always tricky. I needed something that would fit the following conditions:
- natural – aka no mysterious, yucky ingredients
- effective – of course, that’s the whole point right?!
- affordable – I can’t spend $100 a week or month on serum
I couldn’t find much out there and when you can’t find something it means you have to make it yourself!
I finally figured out the best combination of oils and essential oils that reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and scarring while at the same time makes my skin GLOW.
Strap on your DIY boots because you need to make this face serum!
The Best Combination of Oils for Melasma
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil is the star of the show!
From Healthline:
“Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is made up of several nutritional compounds, including retinoids. Retinoids are known for their ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and other visible signs of aging with regular use.
Rosehip oil also contains both lycopene and beta carotene. These ingredients are said to have skin-lightening properties, making them staple ingredients in many skin-lightening products”.
I have noticed a difference in my skin since I started incorporating Rosehip Oil in my serum. It’s smoother, softer and best of all my remaining melasma patches are getting lighter!
Tamanu Oil
I love to use Tamanu oil to help reduce acne and acne-related scars and also for wrinkles. The scent takes a little bit of time to get used to, but now I love it! It hasn’t been proven to lighten melasma, but I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin since using it.
Read all about the benefits of Tamanu oil here.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has become the base for the majority of my diy skincare products, body and face. I love the way it quickly absorbs into my skin and balances out my natural sebum. It’s super good for acne-prone skin too!
Lavender Essential oil
When I first looked into natural solutions for melasma, Lavender essential oil kept popping up. I didn’t use essential oils at the time, so I dismissed it because I didn’t feel like doing the research and essential oils were not very popular.
Fast forward a few years. I picked up this essential oil kit and there was Lavender! It was the first essential oil I used on my skin and I found it to be so effective! It’s really gentle and works wonders for all types of skin issues. You can’t beat the calming effect it brings either. I add it to pretty much everything!
You could also add Frankincense essential oil to the serum. It has amazing skin benefits, especially for healing scars. It’s a little pricey though (that’s why I love this kit because you get Frankincense, Lavender and 8 other oils!) so I like to just stick with Lavender for those of us on a budget.
How to Make the Melasma Serum
You will need:
Rosehip Seed Oil
Tamanu Oil
Jojoba Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
1-ounce glass dropper bottle
To make your serum:
Add about 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to your dropper bottle. If you are using Frankincense, add 5 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Frankincense.
Fill half of the bottle with the Rosehip Oil, then add about a quarter Tamanu and a quarter Jojoba. Feel free to experiment with the ratios, I find these amounts work well for my skin.
Shake it up to blend the oils and essential oils together. You’re ready to rock and roll!
How to use your Serum
I use my serum at night after oil cleansing (yes I love oils on my skin!) and in the morning after a quick splash of water.
Let it absorb for a few minutes and then assess whether you need a moisturizer. I am usually good with just the serum, but everyone’s skin is different.
If I need something else (usually during the really cold winter months), I apply a little bit of my anti-aging moisturizer.
Will this serum cure my melasma?
Unfortunately, no, this serum will not “cure” your melasma. I always tell people there is no magic cream or overnight cure for melasma. It takes time. It takes patience.
What this serum will do is give your skin a healthy glow. This serum will support your skin in its innate ability to heal itself.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and cheers to glowing, healthy skin!
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