Skin Essence 101: Do You Really Need It?

It’s common for skincare enthusiasts to try as many products as possible and switch up their routines depending on their needs. One of the products some people skip are facial essences. With the many available skincare products in the Philippines, how does this watery substance contribute to your overall regimen?

Essence for the face is a well-known, undisputed staple in K-beauty routines--and for good reasons! Although its water-like appearance may give you doubts in terms of its efficacy, we're determined to change your minds by the end of this article.

What is Skin Essence?

Face essences originated from the Korean beauty and skincare industry. It’s a concentrated formula that specifically targets skin problems like fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull skin.

The purpose of adding essence in skincare is to boost hydration, target specific issues, and assist the other products in your routine to penetrate deeper into your skin. Its lightweight texture further allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin. You can use an essence immediately after cleansing your face or after applying toner, followed by serums and moisturizers to lock it into the skin.

What’s So Special About It?

Essences can be the magic your skincare routine has been missing. Below, we break down how this nourishing watery substance can make a difference in your skincare routine.

1. Provides hydration that goes deep into the skin

Adding a layer of essence before your serum hydrates the skin well because of its lighter molecular weight. When compared to serums, creams, and moisturizers, essences are typically much thinner in formula.

The lightweight yet hard working substance carries concentrated active ingredients that can be easily absorbed deep into the skin. When you can increase the level of hydration from your skincare routine sans the heavy, pore-clogging feeling, how can you say no?

2. Visibly refines the appearance of pores

Besides hydration, you can find facial essences that offer gentle exfoliation, effectively minimizing the visibility of large and pesky pores for skin that looks naturally flawless!

The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence is specifically powered by salicylic acid for crystal clear skin. Salicylic acid targets and dissolves dirt collected on our skin that clogs pores. This in effect refines and smoothens skin texture for reduced oiliness and a radiant complexion!

3. Keeps breakouts at bay

When shopping for an essence, look at the active ingredients. You can find essences with anti-acne properties, while some help in fading dark spots. There are some formulated specifically for reducing the appearance of acne scars while preventing acne--a win-win for those with breakout-prone skin!

4. Activates other skincare ingredients

Think of face essence as a primer for your whole skincare routine. It enhances the effects of the other products in your regimen, rendering them more effective in targeting your skin concerns. If you want to boost your serums’ efficacy, you can use an essence before that step.

5. Primes the face for makeup

You’ll find essences that fall somewhere between skincare and makeup. Some essences are meant to soothe irritated skin and calm redness, perfect to use to prep for makeup.

Because skin essences give that extra layer of hydration, it makes an excellent product to prime the face before the layers of foundation, concealer, and other cosmetic products for makeup. This allows you to work with a smoother and refined base before primer and foundation.

6. Suitable for all skin types

Face essences are perfect for all skin types, unlike toners, which are often alcohol-based and can irritate dry and oily skin. You can find essences that provide more hydration than usual and those with brightening effects.

The Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

The short answer is yes! Adding this step to your routine will give you clearer, more radiant skin, making essences a definite need. Plus, it can help get your serum’s job done better, so it’s a must-have to treat your problem areas. Like with any product, make sure to identify your skin concerns and determine which ingredients can best address them when choosing an essence.

Are you ready to update your stash? Check out our skincare products on the L’Oreal Paris official website.