Dive into the world of Korean skincare with our guide to essence – the secret behind that glass-like glow. Uncover the benefits and learn how to incorporate it into your routine.
Let’s dive deep into a Korean skincare secret that’s not so secret anymore – the essence. If you’re all about getting that flawless, glass-like skin and adding some fun to your skincare routine, continue reading! We’re about to spill the tea on what makes essence in Korean skincare so game-changing and why it’s time for you to get on board with this trend.
The Essence of the Matter
Let’s be real – Korean skincare can seem like a full-time job. A 10-step routine? But , once you decode the jargon, it’s a whole new world of radiant skin. Now you’re probably wondering, “What on earth is essence, and how does it differ from my serum or moisturizer?” Well, get ready to learn, because we’re starting our Korean essence masterclass!
Meet The Korean Essence
Think of the Korean essence as the middle child in your skincare routine – often misunderstood but oh-so-important. This powerhouse product is like a hydration hero, preparing your skin for heavy-duty stuff like serums and moisturizers. It penetrates deeply into your skin and works its magic from within.
According to Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam founder and K-beauty expert, “They’re lightweight but packed with concentrated hydrating ingredients, aiding skin repair and cell turnover that will promote smoother, brighter skin with regular use. Think of it as a pre-moisturizer moisturizer that balances skin.”
If you’re looking for more clarification, the best way to define essence is to figure what it isn’t. It’s not a toner, despite having a similar texture and feel. They are not any type of cleanser. They have a higher concentration of active ingredients that are delivered deep into the skin after you’ve gone through the process of cleansing.Â
Don’t confuse essence with a toner or a serum, though. Essences have a watery consistency, yet they’re packed with ingredients that can target specific concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tones. They may seem like the understudy to your serums, but they’re just as vital in keeping your skin youthful and radiant.
As essences are becoming popular in the American market, many skincare and beauty companies have blurred the lines between essences and toners with combo products. They are usually called ‘treatment’ toners/essences/lotions meant to take care of two steps at once. Korean beauty and skincare experts still advise using separate products for optimal results.Â
What Does Essence Do For Your Skin?
It’s all about hydration, hydration, hydration. The essence is your ticket to deeply hydrated, healthy skin. When your skin is wet, it absorbs products better, making everything you layer on top of it more effective. Consider your essence as your skincare routine’s conductor, helping your other products perform their best.
Essence is a concentrated formula that particularly targets wrinkles, fine lines, and dull and uneven skin tones. It also balances pH once you’ve stripped the skin of oils after cleansing.
Usually, Korean essences contain an active ingredient that optimizes your skin’s natural cell turnover rate. With regular use of essence in your skincare routine, you may notice that your skin is brighter and smoother, thanks to the active ingredient focusing on skin regeneration. It won’t turn back time and make your skin younger, but it will definitely revitalize your skin. With continued use, you can look more youthful.
There’s an anti-aging element to the essence as well because addition of moisture to the skin at an early age can help the skin stay healthy and plump longer.
That being said, essence isn’t necessarily the perfect product for bright and youthful looks for all. If you’ve got oily skin, acne, or any issue with the overproduction of sebum, this isn’t really for you.
The Skinny on Essences
Essences feel quite like water, but don’t let their lightweight nature fool you. These hydration powerhouses are formulated to target wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tones. Their consistency ranges from liquid to gel-type and even includes transforming powders. They’re also thinner and less concentrated than serums but deliver a concentrated punch of benefits, making them the backbone of Korean essence-infused skincare.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one such Korean essence that is made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, which is a natural ingredient that has been shown to have many benefits for the skin. Snail secretion filtrate is rich in nutrients, including hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and peptides. These nutrients help to repair damaged skin, improve skin elasticity, and maintain moisture levels throughout the day. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is also non-comedogenic and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types. It is also fragrance-free, so it is gentle on sensitive skin.
Essence vs Serum: What’s the Difference?
Essences and serums might seem like skincare twins, but they’re more like cousins. Essences are thinner and less concentrated, while serums are the opposite. Ampoules? They’re super-concentrated formulas, so consider them the intense, pricier version of essence.
How Do You Apply Korean Essence?
After cleansing and toning, dispense your essence onto your hand or a cotton pad and evenly apply it all over your face and neck. And no rubbing or swiping, please! We’re all about the gentle patting here. This tapping method enhances absorption and is gentler on your skin.
Your Skin’s New Best Friend: Korean Essence
There you have it, folks! The secret to achieving that enviable Korean skin glow is the humble essence. So, if you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine, this might be the perfect product to start with. Remember, consistency is the key to great skin, so stick with it and let the results speak for themselves!
