Toner, Serum, Essence & Ampoule - What's The Difference Between These #KBeauty Products?
The skincare world is filled with numerous products with different benefits to treat various skin issues. Learning about all these items can confuse even the best of us… and newer innovative products still continue to hit the market every day. It’s no wonder, many people are left puzzled or even create major skincare blunders when it comes to picking or using the right product.
The most basic skincare products that are commonly mistaken for each other are toners, serums, essences, and ampoule. Many people are under the impression that these products are interchangeable and that they all work the same. If you believe this as well, then keep on reading.
Well, first, let us inform you that this statement is completely false and by the ends of this article, you’ll realize why. Each of these products play a specific role to help your skin and provide it with the nutrients it lacks, so if you’re looking to step up your skincare game and achieve the best skin of your life, scroll down to get all the deets on toners, serums, essences, and ampoule.
Everything You Need To Know About Toner, Serum, Essence, Ampoule
Get your pen and notepad out, we’re giving you the lowdown on these 4 products and the right way to use them.
Toner
If you’re familiar with the CTM method, you are well aware that toning comes right after cleansing. This skincare product is more like water and evaporates quickly. While cleansing eliminates dirt, makeup, bacteria and other pollutants that settled on the skin, a few stubborn particles stay behind. Here’s where toners come in.
Toners help remove any impurities that managed to survive the cleansing process. They also shrink pores and balance out the pH levels. It is best to go for non-alcohol toners as they are suitable for every skin type and won’t dry out the skin.
How To Use It
After cleansing your face, add a bit of toner to a cotton pad and gently rub it all over your face. Wait for it to evaporate before proceeding to the next product.
Serums
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Serums are used to treat skin issues like pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness. This skin care product has a gel-like or oily consistency, but since it’s lightweight, it doesn’t feel too greasy on the skin. It is loaded with concentrated and potent active ingredients that seep deep into the skin’s layer to tackle the issue.
If you’re above 25 years, serums should be a must in your skincare routine. Since collagen production drops as we age, this product feeds your skin with the nutrients it lacks and helps keep it soft, supple while also slowing down early signs of ageing.
How To Use It
Serums can be used twice a day and need to be applied before moisturiser. A little goes a long way when it comes to serums, so just applying a few drops all over the face can do wonders.
Essence
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You can thank Korean skincare for this next product. Essence is important in your skincare routine as it keeps the skin hydrated, soft and radiant. Even though this product feels like water on the skin, it contains active ingredients, extracts, and HCAs that help retain moisture and leave you with radiant skin.
How To Use It
Once you’re done with your cleansing and toning ritual, follow it with essence. Take a bit on your hands and work your way up from your neck to your chin to the rest of your face. Since it has a water-like consistency, you don’t need to wait for too long before moving on to the next product.
Ampoule
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For some, this is probably the first time you’re reading this word. Yet another Korean invention, Ampoule is highly concentrated and cannot be used for a long period of time. This product acts as a supercharged serum or a booster shot for your skin. They mostly come in a little capsule and are used to tackle serious skin concerns —making them your SOS cards. So, don’t worry, you don’t need to add another product to your daily skincare routine.
How To Use It
Ampoule comes after cleansing and toning, but since it is highly concentrated it is better to follow the directions stated on the packaging. They can be applied just like serum and used only once or twice a week.
Now that you are well versed with the skincare basics, go on and treat your skin right.
Featured Image: Pexels
