Hydrating essence?

Natureluvr · ‎06-14-2018

Sorry if this has already been discussed but I am looking for a hydrating essence for my very dry skin. I’m currently using Retin-A and my skin is extremely dry. I’ve been trying to add lots of moisturizers but it just doesn’t seem to be helping that much so thought adding an essence may help. I see a lot of articles about the SKll but that is out of my price range. Can any of you recommend a hydrating essence that you really notice a difference from?

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

Yes, I do like those pricey ones, especially the Tatcha. But they really are pricey.

You can make your own fermented rice water (like I've done already) or you can make green tea (which is what I do now) and add in whatever your skin likes. A couple drops of essential oil/s, a squeeze of lemon for preservative & extra skin benefit, maybe rose water, glycerin....

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Natureluvr wrote:
Sorry if this has already been discussed but I am looking for a hydrating essence for my very dry skin. I’m currently using Retin-A and my skin is extremely dry. I’ve been trying to add lots of moisturizers but it just doesn’t seem to be helping that much so thought adding an essence may help. I see a lot of articles about the SKll but that is out of my price range. Can any of you recommend a hydrating essence that you really notice a difference from?

SK-II is out of the question for me too. I've had an excellent experience with Alteya Bulgarian Rosewater but have currently moved on to Son & Park Beauty Water. There are many out there that have good reputations; I'm From Rice, Missha Time Revolution, CosRX. Ample N also make one that I'm interested I trying.

You may also consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine. Make sure you use your essence before the serum. You can get a HA serum inexpensively and it will hold moisture in your skin.

Lastly, you may need to back off the RetinA temporarily and start over. If your face feels raw, stop all the skincare and just use jojoba oil or butter for a few days. Restart the RetinA but at ease into it and follow a careful and slow progression building up to nightly use. The concentration may need to be adjusted too. Years ago I was at the full strength and did fine. These days, I can't handle it so I've dropped back to .05% most nights and .1% sporadically just to use it up.

justashopper · ‎03-21-2010

I was also going to suggest skipping the retinol to every other day or less than what you are doing. I definitely did not like the retinol reaction I had... red, flaky skin. I quit using and haven't been back.

I do use an essence, the Tatcha brand. It is pricey, but not as much as SKII. I want to try the SKII but can't justify the cost. The Tatcha is very good. I quit using it for whatever reason then came back to it. Immediately saw the difference and thought-- wow! Why did I think this wasn't doing anything??

I am not sure how to make your own but I am sure there are recipes and you tube videos. Good luck!

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Natureluvr wrote:
Sorry if this has already been discussed but I am looking for a hydrating essence for my very dry skin. I’m currently using Retin-A and my skin is extremely dry. I’ve been trying to add lots of moisturizers but it just doesn’t seem to be helping that much so thought adding an essence may help. I see a lot of articles about the SKll but that is out of my price range. Can any of you recommend a hydrating essence that you really notice a difference from?

@Natureluvr I'm not sure essences do more than moisturizers. It's basically a mist of water (usually the first ingredient) that doesn't stay on your skin long enough.

You can purchase, at the drugstore, or make your own rose water which does the same thing or just find an oil you like to seal in your moisturizer as a barrier. There are also serums to help seal in moisture.

Natureluvr · ‎06-14-2018

What type of serum would seal in moisture, something with hyaluronic acid?

scullychick · ‎04-14-2010

I have been wanting to try the TonyMoly hydrating toner called Wonder. It gets really good reviews. I wonder if this would be a good product for you?

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Natureluvr wrote:
What type of serum would seal in moisture, something with hyaluronic acid?

HA serums don't "seal in" moisture. They will attract and addmoisture, but the sealing part come with occlusive ingredients, like your moisturizer and a good oil.

I found an inexpensive HA serum, on Amazon, by a company called Cosmedica. It's a thin consistency and I think it penetrates well, but I still use a moisturizer and Skinn Divine Elixir Luminous Oil.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

When using Retin-A (tretinoin), it's important to avoid using harsh cleansers and especially avoid any exfoliation just prior to it's application. Try using a mild cleanser and w/o the use of hot or very warm water (including while under the shower on your face).

Dry skin is often times the result of a disrupted skin barrier so you'll need to improve that by applying some occlusive moisturizers such as one which contain oils, waxes and/or silicones.

Applying a moisturizing mist or essence will help restore some of the lost water from the skin but that still leaves the skin open for evaporation. Try using products to help increase ceramide levels in the skin such as lactic acid serum (mixed in with your favorite moisturizer), a moisturizer containing ceramides or even (phyto)ceramides supplements. Ceramides help prevent water loss from the skin.

Get a humidifier in your house and start using that especially now that the drier air is upon us.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
When using Retin-A (tretinoin), it's important to avoid using harsh cleansers and especially avoid any exfoliation just prior to it's application. Try using a mild cleanser and w/o the use of hot or very warm water (including while under the shower on your face).

Dry skin is often times the result of a disrupted skin barrier so you'll need to improve that by applying some occlusive moisturizers such as one which contain oils, waxes and/or silicones.

Applying a moisturizing mist or essence will help restore some of the lost water from the skin but that still leaves the skin open for evaporation. Try using products to help increase ceramide levels in the skin such as lactic acid serum (mixed in with your favorite moisturizer), a moisturizer containing ceramides or even (phyto)ceramides supplements. Ceramides help prevent water loss from the skin.

Get a humidifier in your house and start using that especially now that the drier air is upon us.

@SilleeMee ITA and also I find that a balm type moisturizer works better than a cream in this instance.