Beauty
What does essence do to your skin?
Photography: iStockPhoto
Beauty
What does essence do to your skin?
What is this mystery elixir? What does it do? We break down the benefits of this often
overlooked beauty product.
“Essences facilitate the absorption of the products that follow because they contain ingredients that moisturize and soften the skin.”
In simple terms, essences are primers for the skin. Popularized as part of the Korean 10-step skin-care routine, they are lightweight, often watery fluids that prepare the face for the products that follow, sinking in deep and creating an environment that can better absorb the active ingredients of your skin products. What’s more, they contain high concentrations of those active ingredients—such as vitamins and AHAs—found in toners, serums and moisturizers, so are sometimes looked at as a kind of allin-one treatment.
Essences are plugged as a crucial step in your beauty routine, to be applied after cleansing and toning (which balances out the skin’s pH levels) and before serum (which targets specific issues) and moisturizer. It’s meant to work as a layer, explains Nolwenn Gonthier, national education manager at Lancôme Canada. “Think of your skin like a sponge—it’s more difficult to rehydrate when it's hard and dry than when it’s already soft and damp. Essences facilitate the absorption of the products that follow because they contain ingredients that moisturize and soften the skin.” Look for formulations that are specific to your concerns, whether you want to brighten, firm, exfoliate or soothe your skin. “As a treatment in its own right, choose essences based on the results you want to see,” says Gonthier. Sensitive skin, for example, will benefit from a soothing essence, while oily skin will welcome a hydrating version that works while controlling sebum production. For best results, Gonthier recommends applying essence twice daily, as part of your morning and evening routines; dispense it right into your palm rather than on a cotton pad, which will absorb the liquid. Press the essence onto your face and neck. You can even tap lightly with your fingertips to promote absorption.
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