Essence and Serum: Their Differences and How to Use Them Correctly

December 24, 2024

Essence and Serum: Their Differences and How to Use Them Correctly

It’s important to know the difference between essence and serum when using skincare products. These two products have different functions and usage, and the right choice depends on your skin type. In this blog post, we’ll explain the definitions, features, and how to use them effectively.

What is an Essence?

Essence is generally a lightweight product that mainly provides moisture and basic nutrition to the skin. It is composed of water-like ingredients, allowing it to be quickly absorbed. The main goal of essence is to maintain the skin’s moisture, smooth the skin texture, and improve the skin tone. Its small water molecule size helps the moisture to penetrate easily.

What is a Serum?

A serum is a more concentrated product than essence, designed to target specific skin concerns. It contains active ingredients like vitamins, amino acids, and peptides to address issues such as brightening, anti-aging, and acne. The texture is usually a milky consistency.

What is a Ampoule?

An ampoule is a product designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients quickly to the skin, providing targeted care for specific skin concerns. It is formulated for fast action and immediate results, but due to its high concentration, it tends to be more expensive. (However, Dr. Lab products are very economical with their high volume.)

Ultimately, essence focuses on hydration, while serum is designed to address specific skin concerns. Ampoules are the most concentrated products, used for intensive care when needed

How to Use Each Product Correctly

How to Use Essence:
To use essence, start with clean skin. After cleansing, tone your skin to refine the texture, then take an appropriate amount of essence in your palm. Gently apply it to your face and neck, tapping lightly to help it absorb. It can generally be used both in the morning and at night.

How to Use Serum:
Serum is applied after using essence. After cleansing your skin, apply essence first if needed to replenish moisture. Then, take 2-3 drops of serum and evenly spread it across your face. For specific concerns, you can apply more serum to targeted areas. Once the serum is fully absorbed, finish with a cream to enhance hydration.

How to Use Ampoule:
Generally, ampoules are used 1-2 times a week or targeted for specific concerns. After cleansing, apply toner and essence, then dispense an appropriate amount of ampoule and gently apply it to your face. Lightly tap to help with absorption, and once fully absorbed, finish with a moisturizer.

However, Dr. Lab's ampoule can be used daily, providing immediate hydration and improving skin texture.

Which products are suitable for each skin type?

1.Dry: Moisturizing
Choose products that contain ingredients that help retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. It is recommended to select products with moisturizing ingredients like organic oils or hyaluronic acid.

[Dr. Lab's Recommendation!]
- Hydra-15 Soothing Ampoule
- Hydra 15 Hyaluronate Solution

2. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Oil Control
Excess oil production can lead to breakouts, so choose products with a light texture that maintain freshness and contain ingredients that help control sebum production. It's best to choose products with oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or green tea extract

[Dr. Lab's Recommendation!]
- pH Balancing Ampoule
- pH Balancing Propolis Solution

3. Sensitive Skin: Soothing
Choose products that are free from allergens and irritants. Products containing moisturizing and soothing ingredients are ideal. It is best to choose products with protective ingredients like ceramides.

[Dr. Lab's Recommendation!]
- Hydra-Derma Centellacica Solution
- pH Balancing Ampoule

4. Combination Skin: Oil and Moisture Balance
Combination skin consists of different skin types, so targeted care for each area is needed. It is best to choose a lightweight ampoule or serum that can control sebum in oily areas while providing hydration to dry areas

[Dr. Lab's Recommendation!]
- pH Balancing Ampoule
- Hydra-15 Soothing Ampoule
- Hydra 15 Hyaluronate Solution

5. Aging Skin: Antioxidants
Wrinkle improvement and elasticity enhancement are needed. Using products that contain antioxidant ingredients like vitamins C and E can help with wrinkle improvement and skin regeneration

[Dr. Lab's Recommendation!]
- Biopepta Revitalizing Ampoule
- Hydra-Derma centellacica Solution
- White Factor Vita C-20 Solution

Essence and Serum: Their Differences and How to Use Them Correctly