Written by Philimon Daka
Have you ever poured water on hard dry soil? It doesn’t absorb, it just sits there right! That’s because the soil needs to be loosened first with something called a soil composite, this will then help the water flow smoothly through the soil.
So, just like loosening the garden soil with a soil composite, an essence is your skin loosener, your prepper that readies your skin to absorb all the nice nutrients from your serums, moisturizers and oils.
What exactly is an essence?
An essence is a thin, watery substance that is a lot similar to a toner but is not, although it can be easily mistaken to be that. It is set apart from a toner because of its high content of active ingredients that provide more targeted treatment for your skin concerns. Essences can effectively hydrate, brighten, and even firm your skin to reduce wrinkles and early signs of aging.
An essence can come in a variety of types and consistencies, more commonly though, you will find them in a watery form. You can get some essences that have an oil like texture, or gel feel to them, or even some with a slightly thicker consistency in a cream-based form.
Despite the varying types, an essence will still have a lightweight texture as this allows it to absorb easily and prep your skin for goodness.
What will an essence do for you?
When your skin is well hydrated, conditioned and at its optimal health, it is able to better absorb all the rich nutrients from your other products in your routine.
The other thing an essence will do for you is that it will re-balance your skin's pH level. For instance, if your skin is too dry, chances are that it could be too akaline, which can affect how well your moisturizer absorbs into your skin. And if its too acidic, it can be prone to excessive oiliness and breakouts, increasing the chances of further pore clogging and breakouts from your face cream for example. An essence will adjust your skin's pH level to make it not too akaline or too acidic but just right in between - well balanced pH skin is happy skin and this means your skin will reap the full benefits of your other products.
How to use an essence
An essence has to be applied on cleansed skin.
If you are using a facial essence, cleanse your face with a facial cleanser to remove residue, impurities and make-up. Tone your face to further unclog your skin pores and remove any left over residue your cleanser wasn't able to clear. After these two vital steps, your skin is now ready for your essence. Distribute a small amount onto the palm of your hands and gently pat the essence onto your face, wait a few seconds for it to dry, and then follow it through with your serum and moisturizer. If you happen to be doing this during the day, then don’t forget your layer of broad spectrum sunscreen.
For your body, simply cleanse your body, and go straight into using your body essence. Your body essence can also be applied using a patting motion. Following this step with your moisturizer and again, don't forget your sunscreen.
A facial essence
A facial essence, remember is your skin prepper or as beautician Robert Schroeder describes it as a primer for your moisturizer. So, a facial essence unlike a body essence is a lot more concentrated as its targeted towards specific facial skin concerns such as dullness, dark spots and aging skin. A facial essence will also de-congest skin pores and deal with excess oil production.
Here is a pick of two recommended facial essences to brighten and exfoliate your skin.
Lansley Exclusive White Skin Solution Essence Lotion
If you are looking to brighten your skin tone, then this facial essence will do the trick for you. It contains Alpha Arbutin, a wonderful skin lightening and brightening ingredient to revitalize your skin tone and give your skin a luminous glow. Its also packed with hydrogenated castor oil to pump your skin with moisture, keep it hydrated and vibrant looking.
bareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence
Thinking of reducing the size of your skin pores and brightening up your complexion. This exfoliating essence aims to accomplish just that. It contains a wonderful blend of super fruit ingredients like bilberry, noni fruit, orange and lemon extracts. So, it is packed with anti oxidants to clear your skin and give you a smooth look.
A body essence
A body essence a lot more different than a facial essence, even though it does work in a similar way. A body essence targets skin concerns related to your body. It provides your skin with more suppleness and smoothness.
Here is a look at two recommended body essences.
Scentio Vitamin C Body Essence
Made from vitamin C to brighten you up. Not only that, but vitamin C has great anti aging properties, so it will also give your skin a youthful look and feel. This body essence has a watery texture to, it will fast absorb and hydrate your skin.
Scentio Pink Lady Collagen Body Essence
Collagen plays a great role in the elasticity and hydration of your skin. This essence will build your skin by increasing the collagen production, to make it look plump and firm. The collagen body essence has a slightly thicker creamy consistency as the collagen aims to deeply hydrate your skin.
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