Serums play a major role in many areas of our lives. Whenever the term is used, it's meant to express that there's no better active ingredient. Doctors administer serums to treat illnesses or toxins (wonderful), intelligence agencies use them to extract the truth from agents (creepy), and beauty specialists use them to stop (or at least slow down) skin aging (brilliant). Since there are neither doctors nor agents in the 48grams editorial team, this article refers to the dermatological benefits that skincare serums can achieve. And of course, we're proud that... Antioxidant Booster Serum It's our absolute bestseller. But more on that later.
How a serum works in the skin
First, a few general remarks: Serums are comparable to a concentrate of valuable ingredients. This mostly oily liquid penetrates deep into the tissue and sustainably improves the complexion after only a short period of use. But how exactly does this miracle product work? To understand how it functions, let's take a brief look at the skin itself. The skin is, as we know, our largest organ and consists of several layers: among others, the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (middle layer). The outermost layer, the so-called stratum corneum, serves as a protective barrier; it prevents the penetration of foreign substances. This barrier consists mainly of dead skin cells that slowly shed and renew themselves.
The magic of the serum: Small molecules
This is where serums come into play. Their formulations (colloquially: prescriptions) are designed to contain tiny molecules that can more easily penetrate this barrier. Hyaluronic acid (specifically: hyaluronic acid) is one example. Oligo), peptides, or retinol. Research has yielded innovative technologies that further improve this penetration. These are called liposomes. They are truly tiny fat molecules that encapsulate active ingredients within their structure, enabling targeted release. Liposomes are therefore the sharpshooters of dermatological research.
Serum – better water-soluble or fat-soluble?
However, there are also significant differences in the composition of serums. Research focuses on both water-soluble and oil-soluble serums. Generally speaking, the type of formulation influences how well the liquid can penetrate the skin. Water-soluble serums, which consist mainly of water-based ingredients (z.B. Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid) migrate more easily into the tissue (because the molecules are smaller). The fat-soluble ones Serums (meaning they have an oily base) take a little longer to penetrate the skin. However, the effect is longer-lasting hydration and nutrient delivery. In other words, both types of serums are good and important. Ultimately, only the customer can define their goals.
The Science of Serum
Want to get a little more scientific? Here you go! You might even be able to impress your friends at the next party. The key to success – as mentioned before – lies in the optimal molecule size. Studies have shown that molecules smaller than 500 Daltons (the unit for measuring molecular mass) are the most effective. An example of this is the oligo-hyaluronic acid molecule. It penetrates deeply and lasts a long time, thus hydrating and plumping the skin.Here are a few more examples of deeply penetrating serums and their effects:
The miracle called OPC
In the vast world of skincare, it is considered a true star: OPC. This skin tonic (an extract from grape seeds) has secured a permanent place on beauty product shelves and is celebrated as a miracle cure for a youthful complexion and radiant skin. OPC is an antioxidant with exceptional power; a potent defender against so-called free radicals, which are generated by environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. These "radicals" can damage cells and lead to premature skin aging. Through its antioxidant effect, OPC counteracts these problems and protects the skin from visible signs of aging. Another impressive effect lies in its ability to stimulate collagen production. With increasing age, the natural production of this endogenous substance decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Thus, it is clear why... Antioxidant Booster Serum The bestseller from 48grams is (We apologize for this somewhat lame advertisement – but we had to get that off our chests).
Skin renewal with retinol
When it comes to effective active ingredients in skincare, retinol, a form of vitamin A, also holds a top position. This active ingredient has the outstanding ability to boost the rate of skin renewal. It influences the activity of keratinocytes (the main cells of the epidermis) and thus promotes the process of shedding dead skin cells. The result: accelerated turnover leads to a radiant and smooth complexion. In addition to stimulating collagen production (yes, really!) and improving skin texture, retinol has the ability to reduce pigmentation irregularities and even out skin tone. The active ingredient can even minimize pore size and improve the appearance of acne scars.
Peptides ensure firmer skin.
Tiny amino acid chains, known as peptides, have become true heroes in the world of skincare. These minuscule molecules are able to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and specifically target collagen production. By stimulating synthesis, peptides help combat the loss of skin firmness and elasticity. They essentially act as signaling molecules for the skin to produce more collagen, thus strengthening its supporting structure. The result? Firmer, plumper tissue. Some peptides can even cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they can also be used on the scalp: peptides promote the growth of healthy hair.
