22 years old lady and DIY cosmetics, need Advice
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

Tue Apr 20, 2010 8:37 am

So i just registered here yesterday, after reading the whole thread on Vitamin C serum, I am very interested in the recipe that is on page 8 by Kassie Smile

) the famous one

I asked my question on the thread but it is too long i don't think people are checking it as much.

My question is, am i too early to start applying anti aging ingredients and viamin C serum on my face? I am going to follow the recipe and do the serum for my parents, but i was looking for advice for my age. DO i need to change some ingredients or add something more age appropriate?

I do have a problem with my skin, I get acne and i have acne red marks. So maybe there is something in the serum that can address this problems i have, and still have the benefits of vitamin C?

Please Ladies and gentleman, i know there are some very experienced here. I promise i am going to do my homework as i read all threads on here. I read and take notes:P

Also am i too young to buy a high frequency machine, and a dermaroller?

Thank You so much, and anything you have to say i will greatly appreciate!

free skin care · Tue Apr 20, 2010 11:03 am

I received your PM, but will answer you here instead.

Please know that I am not (nor did I ever claim to be) an "expert" regarding either skincare in general or DIY skincare. I simply share what works out well for myself and others, and offer MHO based on my fairly extensive research on the subject. I also prefer to keep things as *chemical* free as is possible, and use only the actives that really benefit skin.

Please don't do too much, too soon. You will wind up with more problems and lots or irritation if you do. At your age I think a C serum and Retinyl product would be great. I'd also recommend you use just either Jojoba or Macadamia oils for moisturizing, because they will actually help you to *naturally* cut down the excess sebum, that is most likely contributing to your acne outbreaks. I also think a nice microfiber cloth in your cleansing regime would help to keep the pores free of the dead skin + sebum that accumulates there.

And yes, I do think the Derma Wand HF device would be outstanding for you. (Just don't use it after applying the C or Retinyl products!)

Forget about the recipe you mentioned on pg 8, I've learned a thing or 15 in the last year since posting that. I'd recommend this one for you for several reasons. 1.) It has all of the antioxidant/retinyl requirements that you need and 2.) It's a cinch to make if you follow the recipe as I've laid it out.

There are 2 easy changes that you can make to it if you like; 1.) Leave out the expensive THDA and 2.) Replace the Grapeseed oil with either Jojoba or Macadamia oil, which will benefit your skin condition better.

I honestly don't think you need more of an "anti aging" regime than this right now. You mentioned in your PM about 'Derma Rolling', and I would only advise you to do plenty of homework before considering that. It's much more involved than just the "act", and I believe you would be doing yourself a major disservice, unless you spent at least 3 months learning about it through and through, and preparing your skin prior to your 1st roll. (Personally, I think you're too young!)

Read these articles thoroughly that were put together in this thread by Bethany, who researched this subject like nobody else... Wink

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

And of course read/ask questions in the D-R threads also.

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/redirect.php?u=http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=22460

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/redirect.php?u=http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=36278

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/redirect.php?u=http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=29250

VITAMIN A, C (20%) + RETINYL (1%) + E (1%) SERUM 4/5/10

1 tsp L-Ascorbic Acid (15%) (I recommend Lotioncrafter's!)
1.5 ml/cc THDA (5%) Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
.3 ml/cc Vitamin E Oil (I opt for Rosehip Oil for this serum, but any high quality 'E' oil will suffice)
.3 ml/cc Retinyl Palmitate (There is Retinyl Palmitate in the 'Skin Gel' fairly high on the list,) but because it's such a highly degradable active, I choose to add an additional 1% to mine. Feel free to tweak this to your own needs, and yes it is a very expensive active ($32./oz).
1/2 tsp Grapeseed Oil
3 or 4 drops of Tangerine Essential Oil (Optional... I just love the smell of it!)
*3 tsp "Skin Gel"
http://www.vitacost.com/Aloe-Life-Whole-Leaf-Aloe-Vera-Skin-Gel-Unscented See ingredients below! This is a beigy tea colored gel, and it's awesome in this serum. (For those who don't want to use this "exact" product, you will need to research your own choice...This particular product is exactly what I was looking for.)
1/16th tsp Disodium EDTA (This amount is just the very corner of the DIY "spatula" we are all familiar with) A tiny bit is enough!
2 tsp Distilled Water (warmed)

Glass #1:

Measure your L-AA into a shot glass and pour 2 tsp of (warmish) distilled water on it. Stir occasionally while it's set aside. (This will look milky white, and should completely dissolve before you incorporate it into the oil phase.)

Glass #2

Measure in your THDA, add and stir in your vitamin E + grapeseed oil, now add in your Retinyl Palmitate. Stir each addition. (These are all the 'oil' soluble components.) If you are using the 'optional' tangerine EO, you would add it here.

Glass #3 (This is where you'll combine both phases!)

When the L-AA has completely dissolved in the distilled H20, you will then incorporate both phases together. Just add the water phase slowly into the oil phase, while continually stirring and pouring slowly to combine.

This is a fairly thich gel/serum type of emulsion, and is best used in a "dropper" type dark blue or amber bottle. I keep mine in the fridge because vitamin C and Retinyl are both highly degradable... Retinyl products in general are fully potent for about 4 to 5 weeks of when formulated, so don't make more than an ounce of this at a time.... (Sure, the folks who want to take big bucks from you would have you believe diffently, but their full of shittay!

*Please keep in mind that the "Skin Gel" is a light brownish color, and the finished serum will reflect that." For this serum you will either trust me implicitly and know in your heart that I wouldn't steer you wrong, or move on to all the other DIY recipe's that have been posted lately.....

Skin Gel:
http://www.vitacost.com/Aloe-Life-Whole-Leaf-Aloe-Vera-Skin-Gel-Unscented

There is a picture of what this serum looks like finished on pg 28 of this thread;

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=30621

So welcome, I hope that helped, and I hope others will share their advice for you also... Very Happy

Tue Apr 20, 2010 12:02 pm

Kassy,
Thank You so much for your Replay.
I am happy you are still involved and post on this board, For the last couple days while reading I read those stories of the drama and all that. And I must say, you are wonderful woman and we are all so grateful to have you and learn from you. God Bless You!

I want to learn from you 

After reading your replay I have few questions I will ask them in order so there is no confusion.

First you recommend me using jojoba and macadamia oil, I use jojoba oil only for eye make up removed, and as a moisturizer I use emu oil but not every day since I don’t need it, but is emu oil fine for me, or is it more for wrinkle skin more mature skin? I also like rose oil but I am afraid that might be too much for me too as I know rose oil is good for wrinkles and I am too young..? So you advice when I need a moisturizer to use jojoba or macadamia oil?

Also you recommended a microfiber cloth, I never heard of that before, lol thank you I am going to research that as well. I already found one thread on this forum about it, and quickly read it as it was small of one page only. So basically is like scrubbing? Gently with whatever soap I use for face wash to wipe it with the fiber? Do you think its function is like a little microdermabrasion or how else can I visualize it, like scrubbing basically, to exfoliate the top layer?

I am excited for my HF device, do you also use one? May I ask which on you have? I was reading the forum and I am thinking between the Jellens and the Palacia.. any recommendations from personal experience and knowledge.

Now the recipe, So the recipe below you posted is good for my age and problems when I replace it is jojoba oil instead. (I actually just purchased some more organic jojoba oil so it works out great) You recommend me leaving out the THDA I read briefly isn’t this more sable vitamin C? If I leave it in the recipe it will not hurt me right? The reason I may want to keep it is because I travel often, and I will not be able to keep the 1oz bottle in the fridge. You said you keep yours in the fridge in a dropper bottle, but if I am unable to have fridge always near me, should I buy a airless pump? I have researched some and I know they are all clear, which is not good but I was thinking if I can paint it black or something so light don’t go through. Do you think this will help keep the serum stable for 4 5 weeks?

As for the Aloe Skin Gel. I am so happy that’s what I have been looking for also. Pure Aloe with less chemicals in it.. and It has seaweed even better 

And for the dermaroller, thank you for the links I will hold on to It for now, but eventually would love to learn about it. Do you use dermaroller yourself? I was thinking if I buy a HF machine that will help for product penetration as well correct? If I had to choose between one device for now would you say that HF machine is better then dermaroller?

And last quick question, can I make the same serum for my parents age 50+?
Thank You So much Kassy, You are amazing woman.

free skin care · Tue Apr 20, 2010 5:46 pm

LOL!

I answered your PM, but I'll answer here again as well.

1.) God bless you too! Wink

2.) I think your better off using Jojoba and Macadamia oils. Emu is too rich for you IMO. Rosehip oil is great, and loaded with vitamin E, it's also very rich, so just don't use too much, or too often. A little goes a long way.

3.) The microfiber cloth is a great final step to cleansing, and will gently exfoliate your skin. You will control how gentle or aggressive you want to be with it. They are available in most stores, or you can treat yourself to the cream of the crop here; http://www.ncnproskincare.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=18&category_id=4&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

4.) The HF device I have is the 'Derma Wand'. It's the low man on the totem pole for strength, but suits my needs perfectly. If you read the last several pages of the Derma Wand thread, many members are talking about the more powerful devices and loving them for the most part.

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=18205

5.) The recipe I suggested above, is the one I believe will be the very best for you. It's also very easy to make, stable (without refrigeration) and I think it will do your skin a lot of good. You can put it in any dark glass bottle you choose. I've had no problems with 'dropper' bottles at all. Just keep out of sunlight and in a cool spot if possible. If you make it exactly as I have it in the recipe, and don't change the aloe gel base, it will remain stable + effective for a few months..

6.) I don't use the Derma Roller.

7.) Yes, the DW does seem to help my serums penetrate better. Just don't use it with vitamin C. (Oxygen/ozone degrades ascorbic acid.)

8.) Because you suffer from acne, I think you would get the most bang for your buck with a HF device. I'll repeat what I said before, I think you're way too young for a DR.

9.) I suggested you might want to omit the THDA only because it's a bit expensive, and I don't want you going to too much expense from the get go. (Also FYI, Retinyl Palmitate is $32/oz)Also, I've used the THDA here and there this past year, and really don't find that it makes a difference one way or the other.

10.) Yep, your 50 year old parents will love vitamin C serum... Very Happy

***If you print out the recipe with instructions and keep it by you when formulating, it will be eazee peazee***

Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:53 am

Hello Kassy, wonderful advise as usuall. Did you try to get Retinyl Plaminate from makingcosmetics? they have 2 oz for $19. also there is a good cheaper source for microfiber cloth too. merrymicrofiberbath. (just put dot com). I bought from them and they are good and way cheaper than NCN. I made the collagen serum with CeraVe, it turned out really nice. very smooth and just sinks right it. I use it in the morning after Vit c. Thanks again for your help.

Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:11 pm

Thank You So much Kassy i am going to purchase the ingredients i need for my serum.

Can i use Wheat Germ oil? For vitamin E? I believe that one is high in vitamin E? Do you experience with that oil?

Also Kassy, as Nimmi said, can we purchase the Reinyl Plaminate from Makingcosmetics is the same correct? The price is sweet Wink

free skin care · Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:18 pm

nimmi, I didn't know that 'makingcosmetics' carried the RP yet, but will check it out when mine gets low. Not sure why the prices are so different. Hopefully it's just to compete with TPF... Laughing

Loving your microfiber find as well. Thanks for all the great input..

vasi, I think the wheat germ oil would be a very nice alternative. I have lots of oils and love each and every one. And yes, the WGO does have a high vit E content!

Sun Mar 13, 2011 7:02 pm

I would also love to know what everyone thinks of the retinol from makingcosmetics.com $24.50 30mL , vs something like the alltrans retinol from NCNpro skincare.

Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:29 am

Im 22 and a lot of friends of mine acutally use it.. I personally dont think I need it yet but can it also be used to prevent skin from aging? Also i heard some stories about people saying that if you're skin gets used to it at a young age you might get averse effects..? Confused

free skin care · Thu Mar 24, 2011 6:56 pm

l0rrie wrote:

Im 22 and a lot of friends of mine acutally use it.. I personally dont think I need it yet but can it also be used to prevent skin from aging? Also i heard some stories about people saying that if you're skin gets used to it at a young age you might get averse effects..? Confused

The best preventative product on the market for young skin is sunscreen and a healthy diet. The effects of topical vitamin c are to exfoliate the top layer and provide free radical protection for the skin. Something young skin does just fine in it's own. I can't imagine you would have adverse effects from using it but I do think it's waste of money and time for young skin.

Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:05 am

Yeah that's what I thought too.. Im not sure about the contra effects but it's just what I've heard.. Mayb because right now skin is doin it on its own and when you start using those things, skin gets lazy eventually? Laughing

Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:53 pm

I'm looking for a good pure aloe gel for formulating.

Just wondering about the vitacost one that Kassy mentioned- it looks fab but will the vitamin A increase photosensitivity? And would the L-AA in that product be already oxidised (and become pro-oxidant?)

The aloe gel I have at home is dark green.. what colour should it be without artifical colouring?

TIA

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