How these face-changing 'super serums' can be your one quick step to better-looking skin

By  Celia Walden
The Telegraph

Whenever experts get on to ‘step four’ of their skincare ‘regimen’,  I have to stop them. Not only is the word ‘regimen’ a uniquely joy-sapping Americanism that can only ever be spoken in a Californian whine, but step three is as far as I’ll go with daily skincare.

[post_ads]I don’t want to look like human potpourri any more than anyone else, but once you start getting into fourth and fifth steps it means forfeiting something that’s important to me – whether that’s time with my husband or child, time with a book, or simply time existing in the now and not some vaguely desperate and unrealistic hope of what the future could be, if only I were to put the hours in. I care about my skin, but I will never care enough for step four.

I also refuse to buy into the ‘layering’ marketing myth used in both the bedding and beauty worlds: the mattress toppers and mattress-topper protectors (and their dermatological equivalents) that have us living Princess and the Pea-style existences, all in the vain hope that step four, five or six will be the game changer. If a beauty product is efficient it should work alone, save you time and slow down time – since halting it may be a little too much to ask.  Step one of any three-step regime (followed by an SPF moisturiser and an eye cream) is of course the super-serum.

[post_ads]The best can do everything from protecting against pollutants and free radicals to repairing and reconstructing collagen, brightening skin tone and restoring elasticity, to providing a primer-like base for make-up – making step four completely redundant.

Superhero serums

Velvet Skin Brightening Serum, £90, Su-man 

This potent formula forms a protective barrier while reversing environmental damage.

Hydrance Intense Serum,  £18, Avène

Seven years in the making, this product for sensitive skin gives visible plumping results in weeks.  

Alumience AGE, £100, Alumier 

Used by dermatologists, this milky serum melts  into the skin, providing lasting hydration.

Revitalising Facial Serum, £38, SkinSense by Abi Cleeve

Has patented technology that locks ingredients into the skin for lasting effects.

Super Serum Advance +, £72, iS Clinical

 Packed with antioxidants, this will smooth fine lines, protect, and  last you for months.