When it comes to skincare, we all want that effortless, radiant glow. But with so many products out there, it’s easy to feel lost.
One step that often goes unnoticed but can make all the difference is essence. If you’ve never used it before, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into what essence is, why it’s a game-changer, and how we can seamlessly add it to our routine.
Think of essence as a lightweight, super-hydrating liquid that preps our skin to absorb all the goodness from the rest of our skincare routine. It’s packed with powerful active ingredients that restore hydration, balance, and nourishment to our skin.
Unlike toners, which mainly cleanse and refresh, or serums, which target specific skin concerns, essence sits in the middle—it hydrates like a dream and enhances everything else we apply afterward.
We often underestimate how much hydration impacts our skin’s health. Dehydrated skin can look dull, rough, and tired. Here’s where essence works its magic:
Deep Hydration: It floods our skin with moisture, making it plumper and smoother.
Boosts Absorption: It helps our skin drink up serums and moisturizers more effectively.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier: It reinforces our skin’s natural defenses, keeping it resilient.
Balances pH Levels: It restores the skin’s optimal balance after cleansing.
Softens and Prepares the Skin: It smooths the surface, allowing other products to work even better.
A 12-week study even showed that using essence improved hydration, firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health. So, if we’re after that bouncy, youthful look, essence is a must-have!
Every essence is different, but many share some powerhouse ingredients:
• Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration hero that plumps up our skin.
• Glycerin & Glycol: Moisturizing agents that lock in hydration.
• Botanical Extracts: Antioxidant-rich plant extracts that soothe and protect.
• Yeast Ferments: Known for brightening and strengthening the skin.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Essential nutrients that promote a healthy glow.
If we’re dealing with dryness, dullness, or early signs of aging, finding an essence rich in these ingredients can be a game-changer.
Now that we know how amazing essence is, how do we use it correctly? Here’s a simple step-by-step routine:
• Cleanse – Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil.
• Tone – Use a toner to further cleanse and refine our pores.
• Apply Essence – Pour a few drops into our hands, then gently pat it into our skin. No rubbing—just soft pats to let it absorb!
• Serum & Moisturizer – Follow up with a serum for targeted treatment and lock everything in with a good moisturizer.
Following this order ensures our skin absorbs every layer of nourishment effectively.
Toners and essences may look similar, but they have distinct roles. While toners focus on cleansing and tightening pores, essences focus on hydration and skin health. If we use both, toner comes first, then essence.
Not quite! Serums are thicker and contain concentrated ingredients for specific skin concerns, like acne or pigmentation. Essence, on the other hand, is lighter and preps the skin so serums can work better. Using them together? A perfect duo!
Essence might just be the missing piece in our skincare routine. By adding this step, we’re giving our skin the hydration and nourishment it craves. So, if we’re looking for a way to level up our glow, why not give essence a try?
What do you think, Lykkers? Have you tried using essence before, or are you excited to add it to your routine? Let’s chat in the comments!
What is an Essence? How to Use this Korean Skincare Staple
Video by Innisfree USA