Essences 101: Why You Need One for Instant Skin Glow Up

Imagine dabbing miracle water on your face - one that will instantly make your skin glow. Since we’re far from discovering that miracle water, we’re shifting the limelight to the skin product that actually comes close - face essences. 

Face what?! Yes, we get it. The essence is new to the league of skincare trends, that’s why there’s a lot of mystery surrounding it. Read on to learn more about face essences, the role they play in skin care, and how they can help you get brighter, clearer, glowing skin. 

 

What You Will Learn From This Blog

• What is a Face Essence and What Does it Do for Your Skin?
• How to Apply Face Essence
• Essences for Oily Skin
• Essences for Dry Skin
• Essences for Combination Skin
• Essences for Sensitive Skin

 

What is a Face Essence and What Does It Do For the Skin? 

More potent than a toner but lighter than a serum and a moisturiser, New York Times calls the face essence an “amalgam of the three products.” Despite its confusing formulation, the role of the essence is clear - to hydrate, regenerate, and improve the skin all while making it ready to absorb other moisturising and nourishing products better. 

Just like serums, an essence is packed with highly concentrated ingredients ranging from hyaluronic acid, glycerin to niacinamide. But unlike serums, the essence has a lighter molecular weight that allows it to penetrate the skin at a deeper level. An essence does its job on a cellular level - AKA solving and combating skin issues in their very roots. Essences can address different skin concerns like dryness, skin sensitivity, and skin ageing.

If you’re always wondering why your skin products don’t seem to work, check if you’re skimping on the essences. Cleansers and toners may reveal a cleaner skin, but there can still be deep-seated impurities that prevent products from really taking effect. The answer - the thorough purifying power of a face essence. 

How Do You Use a Face Essence? 

...and where does a face essence fall in the routine? 

Facial essences can make your skin more ready for richer, heavier skin care products that are meant to deliver intense hydration. It is recommended to apply face essence after cleansing and toning, and before applying heavier skin products like serums, creams, and face gels. 

Add a few drops onto your palm and massage the essence all over your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Once done, skin care products with thicker consistency can now seep through the skin’s surface. 

Can you use essences in your daytime skin routine? Yes! The extra hydration from the essence helps regulate sebum production, and makes sunscreens work better! 

Face Essence for Different Skin Types

Best Essence for Oily Skin

If you have an oily skin, opt for essences that control sebum production. Products with galactomyces, dimethicone, and niacinamide soften the skin, and limit excess oil production. 

Best Essence for Dry Skin

For dry skin, look for essences that not just hydrate, but also help retain and lock in moisture in the skin. Consider picking out essences that include glycerin, honey, and aloe vera in their list of ingredients. 

Best Essence for Combination Skin

 

The hunt for the essences for combination skin isn’t complicated. When dealing with both oil and dryness, look for hero ingredients like green tea, and niacinamide. These ingredients add moisture to the skin while leaving it brighter, softer, and smoother. 

 

Best Essence for Sensitive Skin

Dabbing on essence to your sensitive skin should feel like you're putting on the gentlest of all liquids. Consider choosing essences infused with green tea, glycerin, and citrus extract - these ingredients benefit the skin without the harsh redness, and irritation. 

Essences are essential - it can transform your skincare routine from basic to best. Add an essence to your routine to address skin concerns quickly, and to make products work better. For better looking skin, don’t skip the essence - it’s one of the secrets to skin that glows. 

Need some help putting together the best skincare routine for your skin type? Try our skin quiz!