Pollution:
It’s hard to escape pollution in the world we live in – a simple stroll down the street for a coffee will expose skin to a host of irritants which can all affect its texture and tone, not to mention cause surface and underlying congestion. Anti-pollution serums are designed to be the bouncer at the door, creating a barrier from the nasties. Antioxidants also help to undo the damage and safeguard from future trauma. Tailor Renew Morning and Night Probiotic Serum, $69, is designed to shore up the skin’s natural protective barrier while decreasing sensitivity.

Ageing:
When it comes to ironing out fine lines and unwanted wrinkles, there’s one heavy-hitter that remains the most lauded – retinol. The derivative of vitamin A , which is one of our body’s key nutrients for healthy skin cell function, works with a two-prong approach.

It increases collagen and elastin production, as well as exfoliating the top layer of your skin. This encourages your cell turnover to speed up, in return revealing a smoother texture, and youthful, plumped-up volume. PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment, $164, contains a level of 0.5 pure retinol paired with antioxidants that work in unison to breathe life back into skin that is feeling older than you want it to.

It’s worth starting slowly with retinol as it can cause irritation, so begin by applying at night twice a week until your skin builds up its tolerance.

Redness:
If redness is your main gripe and it feels like your skin might be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, arm yourself with a serum which will calm the skin’s reactive responses, reducing the rush of flush. They work to strengthen the capillary walls in the dermis beneath the skin’s surface so redness is less prominent, as well as balance normal processes like hydration and cell turnover.

Seek out serums which work to reduce inflammation like Rejuvaphyl Redness Recovery, $126.50 which contains chlorophyll, a molecule derived from plants which is excellent at improving skin tone and overall appearance.

Acne:
Blemish-prone skin can be a tough one to tackle, so approaching your skincare regime with a 360-degree approach will hold you in good stead. Serums in this category have a strong focus on providing antibacterial benefits as well as mattifying the skin, which is often oilier than other skin types due to an over-production of sebum. Look for serums that include grapeseed and sweet almond oil, both known for their ability to regulate oil production.

Aspect Jungle Brew, $135, battles the breakouts with a chemical-free application so as to not compromise the skin any further. Expect to find a botanical complex and soothing, calming ingredients in this potent complex which restores natural balance to the skin.

Hydration:
When it comes to remedying parched skin, hyaluronic acid is a game-changing ingredient that will give skin the equivalent of a tall glass of water. Designed to hold 1000 times its weight in water, dry skin will soak it up, restoring radiance and glow. Joyce Blok Super Serum, $150, cocktails hyaluronic acid with peptides and antioxidants to increase the skin’s resilience, making it a competent all-rounder.

Pigmentation:
Stubborn pigmentation is a common lament for many. Whether you were born with angel kisses, it developed with ageing or is the unfortunate result of too much time laying out in the sun as a teenager, there’s no denying the effect it can have on your complexion.

While you can resort to cosmetic coverage, if long-term reduction of pigmentation is a goal, a powerful serum designed to break down melanin is a great plan of attack.

It’s not the be all and end all to have a porcelain complexion, but it is rather covetable to have a more even overall tone and texture. A stellar example of a pigment-punching option is Environ Focus Care Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System A+B, $129. This two-step system contains botanicals and a blend of vitamins that team together to dial back the darkness.

Repair:
These pocket-rocket potions are all about promoting collagen production and repairing compromised skin. Antioxidants which fight against free-radicals always play a big part in the formulations as do DNA-restoring enzymes and lactic, citric or glycolic acid, all known for their ability to help resurface the skin and promote a refined complexion. Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Serum, $359, includes all three of these acids working to repair skin’s underlying structure and improve external texture.

Clean, green all-rounder:
While many of us love a targeted serum specifically for the concern, sometimes we just want one which ticks all the boxes, and even better, one which is natural. Snowberry Intensive Renewal Face Serum, $124, fits the bill. Bursting with goodies such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, B and E as well as ubiquinone, this serum also has a secret weapon. Thanks to its world-first peptide complex named eProlex, this serum offers a delivery system that rivals many others.

The potent complex is able to reach a deeper level of the skin while still maintaining its efficacy. Anti-ageing, retexturing and hydrating, this is a fitting option for someone who wants one serum to do it all.