Essences have become a hot trend in Korean and Japanese skincare. But what are they and why are they so popular?
Essences are concentrated formulas that target a variety of skin issues. One of the main reasons for their popularity is that they are filled with anti-aging ingredients at a higher quantity than what is found in serums. These include Vitamin C (that also brightens up the skin) and peptides which keep the skin elastic.
Here is more about essences:
They are low in alcohol. Alcohol in skincare products is harsh on skin and can cause irritations such as redness, dryness and even more serious problems. Research has found that alcohol can harm the skin’s natural barrier, making it difficult for the skin to block the penetration of cleansing agents. This further disintegrates its barrier. In addition, when alcohol was applied to skin cells in a laboratory, there was an increase in cell death. By having a low alcohol content, essences keep your skin free of irritations.
Some contain yeast. So you’re probably wondering why your skin needs yeast, right? Well, when ingredients such as rice and ginger are fermented, they produce enzymes that help to increase the turnover of skin cells. This means dead skin cells will be removed from the surface at a faster rate, putting the youthful and healthy skin cells on display.
They’re light. Instead of being too thick or greasy for your skin, essences have a thin consistency. But using one doesn’t mean you can’t still finish off your skincare routine with a moisturizer. This is especially important if you are prone to dry skin as well as during winter when your skin needs the extra love. You can layer essences easily with other products. And if you’re wondering at what step in your skincare routine you should be applying essences, it’s after you’ve used a toner.
You can find essences in different formulations. Gels are great if you want to target a certain problem area while liquid consistencies are great for all-over skin rejuvenation. Look for what the main ingredients are to gain the most natural essences. For instance, some essences will contain high amounts of natural sea plants, while others will have yeast as a main ingredient.
Apply them with your fingers. Avoid using cotton pads to apply essences. Since essences are so watery the cotton will absorb them completely, leaving nothing for your skin. To get the most benefit from an essence, you should tap, not rub, it into your skin to allow your skin to absorb it. Gently tapping your skin is also a great way to give it a bit of a wake-up massage in the morning!
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