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What is an essence? The skincare step you didn’t know you needed
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, chances are you already know all about facial essences. A K-beauty staple, these lightweight elixirs are the backbone of every multi-step skincare routine and are a game changer for every complexion. Read on to learn about the skincare step you didn’t know you needed.
What is an essence & what does it do?
Essences are often described as a cross between a toner and a serum. Eminence Organics International trainer Brian Goodwin explains, “The easiest way to think of an essence is as a primer that helps all of your other leave-on treatments work better.” These fast-absorbing liquids are slightly more viscous than a toner and contain a high concentration of actives like a serum. When included in a skincare routine, essences help to maximise hydration and improve the absorption of subsequent products.
Here is a closer look at the benefits of facial essences for the skin:
Adds hydration & moisture
The key to a healthy complexion is a strong skin barrier. When the skin’s moisture barrier is protected and functioning optimally, it works to keep in beneficial hydration and keep out harmful environmental irritants that cause dryness and premature aging. Essences support healthy barrier function by replenishing the skin’s moisture levels and providing long-lasting hydration.
K-beauty expert Alicia Yoon likens the skin to a sponge. When wet, it becomes more absorbent; when dry, it becomes cracked and brittle. She says: “When your skin is well-hydrated, it is healthier, stronger and functions better. Essences help your sponge-like skin fill up with necessary moisture for better skin health.”
Plumps skin
With age, the skin begins to lose volume and fullness. As stores of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decline (by up to 50% by age 40), once-plump skin can appear to deflate and sag. When the skin is hydrated and moisturised, it is stronger, more supple and — as Alicia says — has “happier, bouncier cells.” Essences contain humectants and emollients that draw in water, replenish moisture and in turn, give skin a plump and youthful appearance.
Protects skin
Essences also contain antioxidant-rich ingredients that fight free radicals and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. Exposure to free radicals can cause damage to skin cells that present as dryness, inflammation and the visible signs of ageing.
Preps skin
By enhancing skin health and hydration, essences prime the skin to better absorb subsequent skin care products. When your skin is hydrated, it can more easily soak up the active ingredients in your serums, oils and concentrates. As The Zoe Report describes, “The water basically chauffeurs substances like glycerin and hyaluronic acid (humectants) or shea butter and squalane oil (emollients) down to the inner layer of the dermis. Then it evaporates, leaving the good stuff behind to do its job.”
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of using a facial essence:
Does a facial essence replace a toner?
You may be wondering if you should be swapping out your favourite toner for an essence. Toning provides a base layer of hydration that refreshes and balances your skin, while applying an essence delivers additional moisture and preps your skin for the next steps in your routine. A facial essence feels more vigorous than a toner and contains active ingredients to protect the skin and minimise the visible signs of ageing. Put simply, your skin will benefit from including both a toner and an essence in your routine.
Do I still need a serum?
So, if an essence contains a higher concentration of actives than a toner, can it replace a serum? Again, the answer is: not quite. An essence is a delivery mechanism for even more concentrated serums, oils and concentrates. Due to its lightweight texture, an essence can deeply penetrate the skin to deliver beneficial ingredients where they are needed most. Serums, oils and concentrates are typically developed to target specific concerns and conditions and therefore have their own special place in your skincare routine.
When and how to use an essence
Now that you know that an essence is an additional step in your skincare routine, where does it fit? In general, we advise applying your skin care products in order of weight, starting with the lightest (your toner) and ending with the richest (your serum, oil or concentrate). Essences fit directly in the middle: They should be applied after toner and before your facial serums, moisturiser and SPF.
Here is how to apply one properly:
- Use after cleansing and toning your skin.
- Shake a few drops of essence into your palm.
- Warm the product between your hands.
- Gently press the essence into your skin (this minimises friction and aids absorption).
- Follow the remaining steps in your skincare routine.
Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence
You can easily add an essence to your routine with the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence. This essence gently primes your skin and restores its natural balance. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics work in tandem to enhance luminosity, while key ingredients like white tea and jasmine flower improve the look of dry, dull skin for a healthy-looking glow.
Birch Water Purifying Essence
Our Birch Water Purifying Essence is a lightweight essence that contains purifying birch water, snow mushroom and reishi mushroom. These ingredients restore moisture levels, increase elasticity and improve barrier function. Skin is left replenished, rejuvenated and prepped to absorb the benefits of skin care treatments that follow.
Ready to add this step to your skincare routine? Experience our facial essences at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.
*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.
