Everyone wants healthy and glowing skin, but with so many different brands of Cleansers, Toners, Exfoliators, Acne treatments, Serums, Moisturizers, and more, it can be overwhelming to choose the right skincare products.
In addition to the products mentioned above, a skincare product called ESSENCE is also gaining popularity.
In Korean beauty, Essences are lighter in texture and less concentrated than serums and are used after toner to add another layer of hydration before applying serum, providing a refreshing, lightweight moisture boost with a water- or gel-like consistency. Both Essential and Serums deliver active ingredients to the skin before moisturizing. In fact, Essentials are the first step in treating the skin after cleansing. Skin Essences are powerful in part because of the low molecular weight of the ingredients used, which allows beneficial nutrients to penetrate the skin quickly and effectively – and, depending on the product used, add an extra layer of antioxidants and/or hydration.
For those with sensitive skin who are concerned that higher concentrations of active ingredients may cause irritation (such as redness, itching or breakouts), it is recommended to use an Essence instead of a Serum. This way, you still get the benefits of the same ingredients, just in a lighter formulation.
Given that both Toner and Essence products come before Serums, let’s take a look at the benefits of Toner and Essence:
Toners help balance the skin’s pH after cleansing, but they are often astringent and alcohol-based. However, Toners have evolved into gentler, more versatile products. Some of their main benefits include:
Residual cleansing: Removes impurities and traces of makeup left after cleansing.
Hydration: Restores moisture to prevent skin from feeling tight or dry.
Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells to improve texture and unclog pores.
Targeted care: Some now include antioxidants or soothing agents to help address specific skin concerns.
Essences are included in skincare routines as lightweight, hydrating products designed to support the skin with nutrients. Some of their main benefits include:
Intense hydration: Increases skin hydration.
Skin conditioning: Improves overall texture and softness.
Enhanced absorption: Prepares skin for better absorption of active ingredients.
Targeted care: Some now include brighteners or oil-controlling agents to help address specific skin concerns.
How to Use Toner and Essence
Using Toner and Essence at the same time can provide complementary benefits. When layering your skincare products, it is recommended to:
1- Start with your cleanser to gently remove dirt and/or makeup.
2- Use toner to remove any remaining impurities after cleansing.
3- Then use essence to hydrate and prep your skin for subsequent treatments.
4- Follow with targeted skincare serums tailored to your needs.
5- Finish with your favorite moisturizer to complete your skincare routine.
