The Real Difference: Essence Vs Toners Vs Serums | Idol Beauty Blog

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Most people probably think of their skincare routine as consisting of three basic steps: washing, toning, and moisturizing.

But what if you want to spice it up a little? What extra steps can you add? Let us give you a little fun lesson on toner vs essence vs serums. All three are amazing and often praised, additions to your skincare regimen, however, many rookies get confused about when and how to use them!

So today we are going to clear everything up for you! Are you ready? Let's dive in cause bestie, you deserve beautiful skin.

What does a toner do for skin?

A toner is not just an optional step in your skincare routine; it acts as a crucial preparatory phase for your skin. Beyond clearing leftover impurities, it enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers, ensuring you maximize your skincare products' benefits. Toners can also provide additional hydration and target specific skin concerns, making them an indispensable part of an effective routine.

A treatment toner is a magical potion that can transform your skin from dull and lackluster to glowing and radiant. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But a good toner can definitely give your skin a boost.

For one thing, a toner helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. It can also help restore the skin's pH balance, increasing its resistance to bacterial growth. Moreover, a toner can tighten large pores and refine the skin's texture.

The top types of toners

There is a plethora of toners available, each serving distinct purposes and addressing specific skin types. Here's a closer look at the different varieties:

Hydrating toners

Imagine your skin as a sponge. When that sponge is dry, it struggles to absorb anything effectively. The same holds true for your skin! Hydrating toners rehydrate and prep your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine, utilizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate to moisturize and nourish.

Ideal for: dry and sensitive skin

Use: daily

Hydrating Toner

Essence Toner for Radiant Skin: Hydrating, Refreshing & Nourishing

Hydrating Toner Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

$20.00

Exfoliating toners

Exfoliating toners do more than remove oil and dirt; they contain active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs that help slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores. These toners are beneficial for achieving a smoother texture and clearer complexion.

Ideal for: oily and acne-prone skin

Use: 2 to 3 times a week to prevent over-exfoliation

Precautions: should not be used with other physical or chemical exfoliants

Treatment toners

As the name implies, treatment toners contain active ingredients that target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. You can find options that clarify, fight aging, or help with blemishes to suit your needs.

Ideal for: all skin types

Use: as directed on the label

Treatment Toner

Treatment Toner Aha/Bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

$23.00

When can you use a toner?

Toners can be incorporated into your skincare routine twice daily, both in the morning and evening.

After: cleansing

What comes next: essences or moisturizers (if essences or serums are not applied)

How to use a toner?

Cleanse your face.
Soak a cotton ball or pad in the toner of your choice.
Sweep the soaked cotton ball or pad over your face, avoiding the eye area.
Allow the toner to dry on your skin for a few seconds before proceeding to the next step in your skincare routine.

What does a serum do for the skin?

Any beauty junkie worth their salt knows that a good serum is essential to any skincare routine. But what exactly is a serum, and why is it so worth the hype? First of all, a serum is a skincare product that is usually much lighter in texture than creams or essential oils. They can also have a gel-like consistency, making them ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

They're also packed with powerful active ingredients that can target specific concerns like fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture. And because they're so lightweight, they're able to penetrate the skin more deeply, delivering results that you just can't get from your regular moisturizer. In short, a good serum is the key to achieving healthy, radiant skin - and really, who doesn't want that?

Unlike moisturizers, which only lock in the skin’s moisture, serums have a higher concentration of ingredients, making them really effective.

There is a long list of options on the market, however, the most praised serums are those with hyaluronic acid for its extra hydration and anti-aging benefits; vitamin c for hyperpigmentation and increases the skin’s regeneration process; and retinol for cell turnover and rejuvenation.

When can you use a serum?

A serum can be used twice a day in your skincare regimen. You could use the same serum every day and night or mix them. For example: apply a vitamin C serum during the morning to protect your skin from pollution and free radicals, and a hyaluronic acid or retinol serum to hydrate and get rid of aging signs by regenerating your skin.

After: cleanser, toner, and essence

What comes next: moisturizer

How to use a serum?

Cleanse, tone, and apply an essence
Apply a few drops of serum to your face, using clean hands.
Gently massage the serum into your skin, using circular motions. However, one of the best skincare tips many gurus swear by is to tap the serum instead of rubbing, that way your pores can get all the benefits.
Allow the serum to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before applying moisturizer or makeup.

Serum

Serum Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum

$20.00

The main differences

Now that you know all the basics about toners, essences, and serums, it is time to compare them so you know all the differences between them *if you didn’t find them with the definitions, of course*

So, what is the biggest difference between all of them? Here you have all the answers to your questions

Essence vs Serum

Ah, the age-old question: what's the difference between essence vs serum? On the surface, they may seem like very similar products. Both are typically light liquids that are applied to the face after cleanser and before moisturizer. However, there are some important differences between the two.

Essences are designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, while serums are typically used to target specific concerns such as fine lines, blemishes, or dullness, thanks to their high concentration of active ingredients. Additionally, in terms of texture, essences are usually lighter and more watery than serums, which are thicker.

Essence

Essence Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

$27.00

Toner vs Essence

Think of it this way: a toner is like a pair of jeans, a basic step in your regimen to get rid of dirt, oil, and dead skin. Meanwhile, an essence is like that pair of shoes that give your outfit the last touch to be oh-so-amazing because it literally gives your skin all the nourishment it needs before deeply moisturizing it.

Their textures are quite similar, however, essences are thicker than toners. Additionally, essences are a k-beauty exclusive while toners are used in every skin care routine.

Toner vs serum

Here's a quick rundown: Toners are typically applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. They help to remove any leftover dirt and makeup from your skin, and they can also help to balance your skin's pH levels. Serum, on the other hand, is a concentrated formula with powerful ingredients that is applied after cleansing and toning. It is designed to target specific skin concerns.

Get ready to shop

Well, that’s a knockout in this battle: essence vs toners vs serums!

Now you know everything there is to know about each skincare product and what makes them unique and awesome for your skin.

Are you ready to add these goodies to your skincare regime? If your answer was a big “OH YES” and you can’t wait to get all of their benefits, hurry and visit Asian Beauty Essentials!

You’ll find everything you need to upgrade your routine from basic to oh-so-mighty!

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