Acne scars and hyperpigmentation causing trouble? Use this DIY skin lightening serum

Serums are one of our favorite skincare products to use. Aren’t they? They are nothing but concentrated concoctions that target specific skin concerns, and at the same time, hydrate and moisturise the skin at the same time. How wonderful! You may find a number of serums in the market, but today we’ve got a DIY serum recipe that can tackle your acne scars and hyperpigmentation. 

These two skin issues are the biggest nightmare of every girl, who simply wants clear skin. But thankfully, there are some ways that can help you deal with all these all at once. And guess what? This DIY serum is your best bet! It can help you achieve glowing, smooth, and scar-free skin. 

Here’s the recipe for this DIY skin lightening serum

Ingredients:

• 10 drops neem oil
• 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 5 drops lemon juice
• 1 tsp kojic acid
• 2 tbsp rose water
• 2 tsp aloe vera gel (optional)
• A glass bottle with a dropper

Here’s why it works:

You can find several other ingredients to use in your skin serum, but this works as the best combination. That’s because it has neem oil and kojic acid as the main ingredients. 

Here are the benefits of each ingredient for your skin:

1. Neem oil

“The ingredients that are present in neem oil include omega fatty acids and vitamin E, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars. The triglycerides along with vitamin E help in keeping the skin moisturised and accelerate skin healing, thereby fading the scars,” says Dr Priyanka Reddy, a dermatologist, trichologist, and founder of DNA Skin Clinic, Bengaluru. 

2. Kojic acid

Kojic acid is famous for its ability to deal with hyperpigmentation. So, if you’ve been looking at reducing the appearance of acne scars, sun spots, or age-related pigmentation, kojic acid can come to your rescue. Additionally, it can help even out your skin tone.

3. Sandalwood oil

Sandalwood oil helps to nourish the skin, improves the elasticity of skin cells, and evens out your skin tone. 

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice naturally contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help reduce skin damage and premature ageing. 

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5. Rose water

Rose water is a staple in many skincare routines, and works well to improve the overall health of the skin. It can lighten or soften dark spots, without irritating your skin. 

6. Aloe vera gel

It is also a great choice among all ingredients. Aloe vera minimises scars and also improves skin texture.

Here’s how you can create this homemade skin lightening serum

Instructions:

Step 1: Add rose water to a bowl and combine it with aloe vera gel. Mix well to ensure that lumps are removed.

Step 2: Once ingredients are completely dissolved, add neem oil and sandalwood essential oil to the bowl. Stir the concoction well.

Note: Essential oils work best, when used in moderation. If used in excess or without dilution, they can cause damage to the skin in the form of burns, redness, and irritability. Hence, don’t add more than a couple of drops of this essential oil to the serum. 

Step 3: Now finally add the lemon juice to the mixture. Next, add kojic acid and stir the mixture well. 

Step 4: Once all the ingredients have been dissolved and mixed well, transfer the serum to a clean glass bottle and store it in the fridge for a day. Post that your serum is ready to be used. 

Tips on how to apply the serum on your skin

Before applying the solution, you must ensure that your skin is product-free. So, wash your face first and then apply the serum. 

• The best time to apply it is at night, so start by cleaning your face.
• Use only 5-6 drops during a single application.
• Now, apply it on your skin and massage the serum lightly on your face and neck area using recurring tapping motions with your fingertips or palms.

Note: Do not rub the serum excessively and let it be absorbed by your skin.

• Avoid going out in the sun after applying it, if you’re using this during the day. 

Also ladies, this serum has a short shelf life, so remember to use it within two weeks of making the batch.