55-year-old woman names 'truly effective' skin care addition for plumping and firming the skin
Essence has unmatched moisturising properties
GETTY
Essences have emerged as game-changers in the beauty industry since the Koreans and Japanese introduced them to skin care.
Their popularity is rapidly growing in Western countries due to their unmatched efficacy for hydrating skin.
The water-based skin care products contain several active ingredients that help plump and hydrate the epidermis at a deeper level.
Anecdotal evidence of their efficacy has been promising so far, with studies yielding strong evidence too.
Melissa claims essence has had a plumping effect on her skin
YOUTUBE / MRSMELISSAM / GETTY
When applied to a clean face, the essence prepares the skin for the absorption of subsequent products in the routine.
The content creator Mrs Melissa M confirmed this in a favourable review of the product on her YouTube channel.
She said: “This is the most excited I’ve been over skin care tips and tricks in a very long time.
“Japanese skin care and Korean skin care routines have been used for years and years.
“Maybe a life-changing skin care tip is a bit of an overstatement, but I’ve been doing this for the past four years in my morning and evening skin care routines for my mature skin.
“I didn’t even realise how truly effective it’s been for me in the anti-ageing skin care game."
The argument that essence is more hydrating than moisturiser stems from the fact that it does several things at once.
They act in similar ways to serums because their formulas are typically lighter in weight than most creams.
The skin care benefits of essence were explored in a small study in 2020 looking at the effects of a 12-week regimen.
Participants were given a twice-daily application of l’Unique Miracular Facial Serum and L’Unique Skin Essence.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Scientists have conducted promising research on essences
GETTY
Scientists found improvements not only in skin hydration but also in water loss, firmness, elasticity and lift.
The authors of the study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology wrote: “Objective instrumental measurements showed statistically significant improvements in skin hydration (20.19 per cent), [...] firmness (24.77 per cent), skin elasticity (11.40 per cent) and skin lift (5.41 per cent) with product use.”
The researchers concluded that the use of the products produced "significant improvements in [multiple factors] with associated improvements in facial skin appearance."
It is worth noting that depending on other active ingredients included in essences, there may be additional benefits to reap from essence products.