Essence
Applying an essence is one of the most essential steps to the Korean skincare routine. It is also one of the more unique steps, as Western skincare does not have this type of product.
Essences are liquid products that come either in the form of a lightweight lotion or a mist. Their purpose is to promote skin cell renewal, which helps keep your skin looking youthful and firm. If you have started to age, essences can help you regain some elasticity in your skin. Most essences will help you achieve a brighter, healthier looking complexion. (There are also many Korean products that claim to “whiten” the skin, but don’t worry, essences will not bleach your skin).
You may want to try out several essences in order to find one that works best for you. Some Korean women use more than one!
If you use an essence in the form of a lotion, simply pat a thin layer on. If you opt for a mist instead, spray it all over your face and neck, patting it in afterwards. Let the essence completely absorb before you move on to the next step!
Ampoules
Ampoules may also be strange to you if you’re unfamiliar with Asian beauty routines. Think of ampoules as similar to Western serums. They’re a bit thicker and much more concentrated than essences. These products are usually the consistency of oil and often come in a jar with an eye dropper applicator.
Ampoules contain powerful vitamins, so a little bit of the serum goes a long way! They are meant to target your current skin issues such as dull complexion, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Ampoules can also be used as a preventative measure. Even if you’re young, you can still benefit from incorporating an ampoule into your skincare regimen. Use one to fight off the common signs of aging now, and you’ll have less to worry about in the future. It’s much easier to prevent than to correct!
You can mix and match your essences and ampoules, and it is very common for Korean women to use more than one of each! Do your research before purchasing essences and ampoules; look for ones that target the problems your skin currently has (or the problems you want to prevent). Everyone’s skin is different, so we all have different needs. Create your own customized mix of essences and ampoules in order to treat your skin specifically. You can also rotate between different ampoules and essences in order to maximize your skin’s benefits without having to slather on multiple ones every night.
Use the eye dropper tool (if your ampoule comes with one) to dispense a few drops of the product around your face. Then, spread the product evenly over your face and rub it in gently. Remember to let it absorb completely before moving on to the next step.
