I wrote about skin essences a few years ago and they have been gaining in popularity.
If you missed those articles, they are lightweight serums that have highly-active concentrated ingredients. They are widely-used in South Korea and Japan. They were a very popular part of the Korean 10-Step Beauty Routine back in 2019.
I love them and love the benefits.
But what I didn’t realize, until I recently watched a demonstration, was that they create channels in your skin which allow your next product … a serum … to penetrate a lot further than if you didn’t use the essence.
My favorite essence is made in Korea. I get it from Amazon, called Secret Key. It contains galactomyces among many other ingredients.
Galactomyces may be the secret key. It’s in a lot of products, and for good reason.
You see, it’s a yeast and a fermented byproduct of sake. It has antioxidant properties, reduces the look of pores, lightens the skin, strengthens the skin barrier, controls sebum production, decreases acne, increases elasticity, helps with product absorption and moisturizes.
If all that wasn’t amazing enough … studies show that it can help the epidermal cells produce hyaluronic acid.
So you better believe I’m slathering that on more than just my face 🙂
There are many essence products now … even US-made ones. But they can get pretty pricey. Look around and find one that is perfect for you.
I wrote an article a few years ago with a DIY recipe for an essence. Click here if you missed that. And keep on the look out for one or two more recipes I’m going to send you in the coming weeks. There are so many you can make on your own.
Have a great weekend.
Sandy
Sandy DeRose
Reference:
Miyamoto K., Et al. Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula. J. Clin. Med. 2021.
Cooper JK., Et. al. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Suppresses Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Promotes Cellular Redox Balance in Human Melanocytes via Nrf2-ARE Pathway. J Clin Cosmet Dermatol. 2019.
