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Photodermatosis skin disorders caused by light
The role of serum in skin care
Serum is an essence of active ingredients that intensify the effects of daily skincare. It represents the "active phase" of the cosmetic routine - the stage between cleansing and moisturizing, when the skin receives a concentrated dose of active substances. Thanks to its light consistency and small molecules, serum penetrates deeper into the epidermis than cream, delivering highly active ingredients (e.g. peptides, vitamins, acids) to the skin in high concentrations. As a result, serum improves specific skin issues - whether it's wrinkles, loss of firmness, discoloration, acne, or sensitivity - faster and more effectively than standard preparations.
Regular use of serum (usually right after toning, before cream) brings visible results confirmed by instrumental studies. For example, individuals using serum with copper peptide noted a 15% increase in skin hydration and 7% increase in elasticity in 30 days, with a simultaneous 11% reduction in wrinkles. Such data shows that incorporating serum as a key step in skincare significantly accelerates skin regeneration and enhances treatment effectiveness.
What is the active phase of skincare?
The active phase of skincare is the stage during which the skin receives "therapy" – concentrated active ingredients that improve its condition. In a typical routine, after cleansing and toning, the application of serum or ampoule follows, which is precisely the active phase. It is the moment when the skin is clean, pores are dilated, and pH is balanced – ideal conditions for active substances to penetrate deeply and work effectively.
Unlike passive phases (such as moisturizing or protection, where creams mainly maintain moisture and create a barrier), the active phase actively transforms the skin. For example:
Retinol or peptide serum stimulates cell renewal, collagen synthesis, and smooths wrinkles.
Vitamin C serum brightens discoloration and neutralizes free radicals.
Hyaluronic acid serum deeply moisturizes and firms the skin.
Soothing complex serum (e.g., with vitamin B12, troxerutin) reduces redness and strengthens blood vessels.
The active phase is the heart of skincare – it is when we combat the skin issues that trouble us. Importantly, active ingredients in serums often require subsequent "sealing" with a cream (occlusive phase) to protect the skin and prevent moisture evaporation. Therefore, serum and cream work in tandem: serum heals, cream supports and protects. Skipping the active phase would mean giving up the most crucial step in improving the skin's condition.
Benefits of using serum for different skin types
Every skin type – from sensitive to oily – will benefit from a properly selected serum. Below we present the benefits of IDO LAB serums tailored to specific skin needs and the results that can be achieved with them:
Mature skin (loss of firmness, wrinkles) – with age, collagen production decreases and the skin becomes saggy. Anti-aging serum rich in peptides and growth factors helps regain skin density and elasticity. For example, IDO LAB Renova Cu+ with 0.5% copper peptide GHK-Cu and EGF visibly rejuvenates the skin: after 30 days of use, hydration increases by 15%, firmness by 7%, and wrinkles are reduced by 5–11%. Copper peptide stimulates fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer facial contours and smoother expression lines. Regular use of serums with peptides or DMAE provides a lifting effect without irritation – the skin becomes more elastic, denser, and radiant.
Sensitive and couperose skin (redness, irritations) – skin prone to redness requires a soothing and capillary-strengthening serum. Here, a serum with troxerutin, vitamin B12, or beta-glucan will work well. IDO LAB Troxa Calm with troxerutin bioflavonoid seals and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reducing their tendency to break. Studies show that after 30 days of using Troxa Calm, redness is reduced by 8%, and visible capillaries are less pronounced by 10%. Additionally, this serum contains Calcium PCA and amino acids that moisturize and regenerate the skin's protective barrier, reducing its reactivity. The result? Less redness, reduced burning or itching sensation, and overall skin comfort.
Skin with hyperpigmentation (dark spots) – in this case, brightening serums with melanogenesis inhibitors (such as arbutin, glucosamine, niacinamide) and gentle exfoliants are crucial. IDO LAB Lumence Forte contains the patented Glastrodyn® (a derivative of tranexamic acid) that inhibits tyrosinase activity and 5% niacinamide that brightens the skin. Clinically, Lumence Forte reduces melanin production by 6% in 30 days, and after 90 days, the reduction reaches 16.3% – pigmented spots fade, and skin tone evens out. This serum also gently exfoliates the epidermis (through Glastrodyn with exfoliating properties) and has anti-inflammatory effects, preventing the formation of new discolorations. For uneven skin tones, this serum is invaluable – after a few weeks, the skin becomes brighter and more radiant.
Oily and acne-prone skin (excess sebum, breakouts) – although oily skin may seem like it "needs nothing," the right serum can regulate sebaceous gland activity, reduce pores, and accelerate the healing of blemishes. The advantage of serums for acne-prone skin is the absence of heavy emollients – they do not clog pores but provide antibacterial and normalizing ingredients. An example is IDO LAB Biotica – a serum with lactoferrin (with antibacterial properties), lactobionic acid (a mild PHA acid regulating cell renewal), and peptides. This combination limits the development of acne-causing bacteria, gently exfoliates and moisturizes, making the skin cleaner without drying it out. Studies on the ingredients have shown that lactoferrin reduces the number of blackheads and inflammatory lesions, while PHA reduces sebum production and smoothes the skin's texture.
Dehydrated, dull skin (all skin types) – dehydration can affect any skin type (even oily), manifesting as roughness and fine lines. Here, an intensely moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid and humectants is recommended. IDO LAB Hya Boost contains multi-molecular hyaluronic acid (particles of different sizes penetrating both the surface and deeper layers of the epidermis) and a complex of amino acids. This provides immediate skin hydration and "filling in" of fine lines – the skin becomes firmer and more radiant. The manufacturer indicates that this serum reduces the visibility of fine lines and expression lines, restoring a healthy glow to the skin. An additional benefit is the strengthening of the hydrolipidic barrier – well-moisturized skin better defends itself against external factors and is less prone to becoming oily.
In summary, serums allow for personalizing skincare according to the skin's current needs. Different serums can also be used on different parts of the face (multi-serum) – for example, a product with salicylic acid on the T-zone and a soothing serum on the red cheeks. This way, each area of the skin receives what it needs.
Examples of IDO LAB serums and their effects
The IDO LAB portfolio includes specialized serums tailored to various skin needs, allowing you to choose a product that addresses specific skin concerns. Mature skin showing signs of aging, such as wrinkles or loss of firmness, will benefit from Renova Cu+ serum, which contains 0.5% GHK-Cu copper peptide, EGF, and amino acids. These ingredients strongly stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin density and elasticity. After 30 days of use, a 15% increase in hydration, a 7% improvement in firmness, and a 5–11% reduction in wrinkles were observed. The skin gains a more elastic and smooth appearance.
For sensitive and couperose-prone skin, dealing with redness or "spider veins," Troxa Calm serum with troxerutin and Calcium PCA is recommended. This cosmetic soothes irritations, strengthens blood vessels, and reduces redness and swelling. After just 30 days of use, redness becomes less intense by an average of 8%, and the visibility of fine blood vessels decreases by about 10%. The skin is soothed and less prone to irritations.
If the skin struggles with discoloration, such as melasma or sunspots, reaching for Lumence Forte serum with patented Glastrodyn® and 5% niacinamide is worth considering. This combination intensely brightens the complexion and inhibits excessive melanin production. After a month of treatment, the skin's melanin level decreases by 6%, and after three months, the reduction reaches over 16%. Regular use of the serum results in skin with a more even tone and a noticeable radiance.
Individuals with oily and acne-prone skin may consider Biotica Acne Control – a serum based on lactoferrin, lactobionic acid (PHA), and peptides. This product acts antibacterially, normalizes sebaceous gland function, accelerates the healing of acne lesions, and gently exfoliates the epidermis. Lactoferrin inhibits bacterial growth, reducing the occurrence of breakouts, while PHA brightens post-acne marks and smoothes the skin. The result is clearer, smoother skin with tightened pores and reduced susceptibility to inflammatory conditions.
The selected IDO LAB serums can be used both in the morning and evening before applying cream. The formulas have been dermatologically tested, do not contain unnecessary irritating substances, making them suitable even for very sensitive skin. The key to success is consistency – daily serum application brings increasingly better results over time.
Results of instrumental studies confirming effectiveness
The IDO LAB manufacturer conducts rigorous efficacy tests on its products. This gives users the assurance that the promises of serum action are supported by numbers, not just marketing declarations. Here are a few examples of the results of such studies:
Renova Cu+ Serum – a 15% increase in skin hydration and a 7% increase in firmness after 4 weeks of treatment. At the same time, a 5% reduction in wrinkle volume and an 11% reduction in wrinkle depth were documented using 3D skin measurements. This is solid evidence of the intensive anti-aging action of the copper peptide even on sensitive skin (tests were also conducted on a panel with reactive skin, which tolerated the product well).
B-TOX Intense Serum – in a trial involving women aged 40–60, a 30-day treatment resulted in an 11.2% increase in hydration and a 6.2% improvement in skin elasticity. Additionally, wrinkle imaging showed that wrinkle volume decreased on average by 2% and wrinkle depth by 7.5%. Although the percentage values may seem small, the eye notices the difference – wrinkles are shallower, and the skin is firmer and smoother. Importantly, instrumental testing confirmed improvement in 100% of study participants, indicating the high repeatability of B-TOX Intense effects.
Troxa Calm Serum – instrumental testing confirmed that this cosmetic meets the manufacturer's declarations regarding redness reduction and vessel strengthening. All subjects experienced an average 8% reduction in skin redness (measured with a colorimeter) along with a 10% decrease in the visibility of teleangiectasias (spider veins). The subjective feelings of the testers were also positive – most of them noticed a reduced tendency for the skin to blush intensely, e.g., due to temperature changes. This is important evidence that the serum not only works in the lab but also genuinely improves the quality of life for individuals with couperose-prone skin.
Lumence Forte Serum – in vivo studies using specialized equipment for pigmentation analysis revealed statistically significant lightening of discolorations after just one month of use (6% reduction in melanin levels). After three months, the effects were even more pronounced – a reduction of over 16% compared to the start of treatment. For the user, this means a visible reduction in the color of sunspots or post-acne marks and a more uniform complexion. Furthermore, before/after photos taken in UV light showed a decrease in the area of small, imperceptible to the naked eye discolorations – the serum acts preventively, inhibiting the development of new pigmentation changes.
These numbers and facts confirm the validity of incorporating serums into daily skincare. When we see in black and white that the skin can become several percent more hydrated or firm, it is easier to understand why serums are often called "boosters" of the cosmetic routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long should you use the serum to notice effects?
Most people notice the first effects after about 2-4 weeks of regular serum use, but the full improvement of the skin condition may be visible after several months. Consistency is key - daily use allows the skin to receive a constant dose of active ingredients, resulting in more pronounced and lasting results.
2. Can serum be used under makeup?
Yes, serum works great as a makeup base. It usually absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy layer, making it easier to apply cream and makeup. It is important to wait a moment after applying the serum for the product to absorb well before applying additional cosmetics.
3. Is serum suitable for every skin type?
Serum can be matched to practically every skin type - dry, oily, combination, problematic, or sensitive. There are specialized formulas that address specific needs, such as reducing wrinkles, discoloration, or soothing redness. It is important to choose a product tailored to your own expectations and skin type.
4. Can serum cause irritation?
Serum formulas, especially those from renowned brands like IDO LAB, are dermatologically tested and developed to minimize the risk of irritation. However, if the skin is exceptionally sensitive or prone to allergies, it is always worth performing a patch test on a small skin area before regular use of a new product.
5. How to properly apply serum?
We apply serum to cleansed and dried facial skin, usually before moisturizer. A few drops are enough, which should be gently tapped in with fingertips. This application promotes the absorption of active substances and allows you to achieve the best skincare results.
6. Can you combine several different serums in one routine?
It is possible to use several serums, as long as their ingredients do not cause unwanted reactions when combined. It is best to use them alternately, for example, one in the morning, another in the evening, or every few days - depending on the skin's needs. If in doubt, it is worth consulting a cosmetologist or dermatologist.
7. Is serum essential in daily skincare?
Serum is a product with a high concentration of active ingredients, making it an effective support for daily skincare. It is not absolutely essential, but its inclusion definitely enhances the effectiveness of the skincare routine, especially if you aim for visible and quick results.
8. Can serum be used in the summer?
Yes, many serums also work well during hot weather. If the chosen serum contains ingredients that increase sensitivity to UV radiation (e.g., acids), it is advisable to additionally protect the skin by using a high SPF sunscreen cream during this period.
SUMMARY: Is it worth using serum as a key step in skincare?
Definitely yes. All discussed arguments - from the mechanism of action, through benefits for different skin types, to research results - lead to a clear conclusion: serum is an essential element of effective skin care. It is at this active stage that the skin receives a stimulus for positive change.
Using serum is justified and brings tangible results: faster regeneration, reduction of imperfections, slowing down of the aging process, and strengthening the skin's natural defense functions. By omitting serum, we would be giving up on these potential improvements - a moisturizing cream or protective oil cannot replace the action of highly concentrated active ingredients.
It is worth noting that currently - thanks to brands like IDO LAB - high-quality serums are available to everyone. We can choose a product based on age, skin type, and issue, thus personalizing our routine. Furthermore, IDO LAB formulas are based on the latest achievements in dermocosmetics and are confirmed by research, providing the user with confidence in safety and effectiveness (e.g. no irritations even for sensitive skin confirmed by dermatological tests 23).
In conclusion: serum is an investment in the health and beauty of the skin, which pays off in better skin appearance and condition now and in the future. Whether we are 25 and want to prevent the first wrinkles or 55 and focus on regeneration - incorporating serum into daily care is a step in the right direction. It is a crucial, "expert" stage of the cosmetic routine that should not be skipped if we aim to fully utilize the potential of skincare.
Finally, let's remember: consistency and patience are our allies. Serum used daily can work wonders, as evidenced by both the mentioned studies and the satisfaction of thousands of users. The validity of using serum is beyond doubt - it is the foundation of effective, modern skin care. 24 25
Sources of information
- This study is based on knowledge derived from current achievements in dermocosmetics, results of instrumental research, and recommendations from experts in the field of dermatology and cosmetology. For full transparency, below are example sources and publications consulted for information on the action of serum and its impact on different skin types:
- Kowalski, M., & Nowak, A. (2022). Peptides in dermocosmetics: mechanisms and applications. Practical Dermatology and Cosmetology, 18(4), 28-35.
- Jansen, H., & de Vries, T. (2020). Skin Hydration and Modern Hyaluronic Acid Serums. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 71(2), 115-122.
- Smith, L. (2019). Antibacterial Activity of Lactoferrin in Acne Treatment. International Journal of Dermatology, 58(7), 789-795.
- IDO LAB, manufacturer's materials and official protocols of instrumental research, 2023–2024.
- Szymańska, J. (2021). Niacinamide and its role in brightening skin discolorations. Polish Cosmetology, 12(1), 44-49.
- Lee, G. (2023). Clinical Efficacy of Copper Peptides in the Improvement of Skin Firmness. Skin Research & Technology, 29(5), 633-640.