These days it seems like there's always a new skincare product created. Most people's routines consisted of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. But with the popularity of Asian skincare products. Most people's skincare routine has grown from 3-4 steps to 5-6 or even ten steps. One of the more popular skincare products has been essences and serums. We're going to talk about the differences between the two and analyze the benefits of both!
ESSENCE
Essence has a thin consistency, but it has a slightly thicker consistency than toners. It's applied to the skin after cleansing and toning but before applying serum or moisturizers. Essences are usually water-based and have many active ingredients to hydrate the skin. It can also rebalance the skin's pH level and protect the skin barrier, resulting in healthier-looking skin.
Essences can also help increase the skin's ability to better absorb your serum or moisturizer. Since essences consist of smaller molecule sizes, they can penetrate the skin deeply. Since it penetrates the skin deeply, allowing other products to sink in intensely. So this means that your serums and moisturizers will work better if you apply essences first.
Essences are great for all skin types but work exceptionally well with oily and sensitive skin types. Since essences are lightweight and less concentrated than serums, there is less chance that irritation will occur. The best way to use essences is to pat them on the skin instead of using cotton pads. Alternatively, some people like to put their essence in a spray bottle and spray it onto their faces.
SERUM
On the other hand, serums are thicker in texture and target specific skincare concerns such as aging or discoloration/hyperpigmentation. Serums do provide hydrating benefits to the skin, but their main goal is usually to target other skincare concerns. Serums also consist of active ingredients at higher concentrations than essences and moisturizers. Although serums have a thicker consistency than essences, it does not mean that it doesn't absorb well into the skin. It still can absorb nicely into the skin and penetrates the skin deeper than a moisturizer would.
Serums are great for all skin types, and you need to be able to choose the right kind of serum for you. So, discover your main skincare concerns and then purchase a serum that targets those concerns. Depending on the type of serum you are buying and its active ingredients, it usually won't be irritating. But remember to conduct a patch test before applying the product to ensure that it's the right fit for your skin type.
Do you use essences or serums or both? Let us know your favorite essences and serums in the comment section below!