An aqueous care, derived from the Latin term aqua "water", is as its name suggests, composed almost exclusively of water or its derivatives such as floral waters, mineral waters, etc...
An aqueous treatment is therefore intended to moisturize the skin by covering it with water. However, the aqueous care is not supposed to be used alone and therefore it is not intended to retain the layer of water on the face, this is the role of the following steps of the care.
Indeed, the application of a water-based treatment is only part of a ritual care package. It is said that moistened skin absorbs care better. Thus, the use of a water-rich product will be followed by the use of other beneficial products.
In addition to its major role of hydration, an aqueous solution can also have other properties:
Rebalance the pH of the skin
Make-up Remover
Unclog pores
Essence, serum and lotion: what are the differences for the face?
In aqueous care we distinguish between precare (essences and lotions) and care (serums and gels). Their explanation can be found in the name. Pre-care products are used to prepare the skin to receive more specific care. They form the "basis" of the beauty ritual.
The Asian beauty care: the lotion
Formerly alcoholic, the lotion is a watery pre-treatment that has changed a lot. It is now alcohol-free and moisturizing for the skin. With its promise of rebalancing the pH of the skin, the lotion or tonic is a basic care water to be applied after make-up remover to remove the last traces of make-up but also the remains of the make-up remover.
The lotion exists in several forms according to their texture:
The mist: is sprayed on the face and dries quickly.
The liquid lotion: is applied with a cotton pad to the face, neck and décolleté.
The gel: is applied with the fingers by massaging lightly until complete absorption.
After having applied your lotion, it is then the turn of the various cares (night, moisturizing, anti-aging...).
The essence, this luxury lotion
The essence is a pre-treatment with a gelled texture quite similar to the lotion but whose composition is much more complete and interesting. It is not used as a complement to the lotion but rather as an alternative product.
The essence can be considered as a mid-way care between lotion and serum or also as a luxury lotion (rich in benefits). Indeed, in addition to its slightly gel-like texture, the essence shares with the lotion its moisturizing, soothing and balancing properties. On the other hand, it contains a greater number of active ingredients than the latter but less than in a serum. Another major difference between lotion and essence is of course the price: because of its more complete composition, an essence will be more expensive.
An essence is used in the same way as a lotion. Apply the product after cleansing your skin, (spray or massage with your hands depending on the chosen texture) and when the essence has penetrated, you can apply the other cares (serum, creams).
The serum, a concentrate of active ingredients
The serum is a care to be carried out after the lotion and the essence (pre-care) that is almost always found in gel form although it also exists in the form of "milk".
The serum is the care composed of the largest number of active ingredients among all the products intended for the face. Being very rich in active ingredients, it can be used in very small quantities under another skin care product (other serum or creams).
Homemade recipe for a make-up remover lotion
Taking care of your skin with daily skin care is good but scientific studies say it over and over again, we don't know what the health effects of all these "chemical" products we apply to our face are.
Certain components have been starting to be talked about negatively for a few years now: parabens, triclosan and phthalates are recognized as endocrine disruptors. Although these dangerous substances are beginning to be banned in the compositions, to be certain of the natural appearance of our beauty products, what better way to be sure than to make them yourself: starting with the make-up remover.
Lotion if you have little or no make-up on
If you are one of those people who do not wish to wear makeup every day for various reasons, the use of a makeup remover lotion is not necessary. Instead, you can use a very simple and economical method.
Using a cotton pad, apply a little sesame, grape seed or avocado oil to your face every evening to remove make-up. Then cleanse your skin with water (normal or floral).
Home makeup remover lotion: for regular makeup removal
To make a more powerful make-up removal lotion you will need :
Mix everything in a bottle and apply with a cotton pad.
This lotion, like any homemade product, has a fairly short shelf life, so there is no need to prepare too much in one go. Instead, prefer to make small quantities on a more regular basis.