Want Deeply Hydrated, Glowy Skin? Add a Facial Essence to Your Routine

Essence 101

In terms of formulation, an essence generally has the watery texture of a toner and the targeted benefits of a serum. They are filled with humectants, ingredients that bind water to itself, and are designed to be both hydrating and fast-absorbing to prep your skin for the rest of your skin-care routine. They also help protect you from free-radical damage and pollution, which can lead to dullness, dryness, and fine lines.

Regular use helps to increase skin’s luminosity and bounciness, as well as smooth uneven or rough textures. As Glazman says, “Think of your face as a sponge—a slightly damp sponge will pick up more than a dry sponge. So, by prepping your skin with an essence, it will be better prepared to receive the full benefits of the skin care to follow.” Basically, if you use multiple products as a part of your daily regimen, an essence is an essential addition to maximize your other products.

Yoon also stresses that essences should be used year-round, rather than just in the dry winter months, to keep your skin barrier strong and prevent transepidermal water loss. She explains, “When skin isn't hydrated, it can trigger inflammation, can lead to more breakouts, and [cause] collagen and elastin to break down faster, leading to overall sensitivity.”

 

Essence Origins

Essences have long been a part of the Korean beauty routine, which Yoon witnessed while growing up there in the ’80s and ’90s. “Essences, which are also sometimes referred to as ‘skins,’ were already very popular, and they remain a staple skin-care category.” Given that so much of K-beauty is focused on plump, dewy skin, it makes sense that using an essence is a vital part of maintaining your skin’s health.

 

Essence vs. Toner vs. Serum

All three of these beauty staples are examples of liquid skin care, meaning watery formulas that prepare your skin for the remainder of your routine, which typically means moisturizer, sunscreen, oils, eye cream, etc. “Toners wipe away excess impurities and are the last step in cleansing the skin,” says Glazman, “whereas essences and infusions absorb quickly to deliver more targeted benefits and are the first step in treating the skin.” Comparatively, a serum is more concentrated than either essences or toners, and usually targets one particular skin-care concern, like firmness, brightening, or smoothness. An essence is more focused on hydration while simultaneously preparing the skin to better receive the serum that follows.

 

Essence Application

This one truly couldn’t be easier—just shake a few drops of the essence into your hands and gently pat onto your face, neck, and décollete after cleansing. Bonus points for applying the remaining liquid onto the backs of your hands (where sun damage is often left untreated). While you wait for it to dry, we recommend using one of our favorite beauty tools to roll out any lingering puffiness and help sculpt your cheekbones and jawline. Then continue on with the rest of your skin-care routine and bask in your prenaturally dewy, deeply hydrated complexion.

 

Photo: Shot on site at 6 Columbus, a Sixty Hotel; On Solveig: Rings, Baker & Black, Azlee; Hair, Angela Soto; Makeup, Andriani.

 

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