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Any beauty enthusiast worth her salt would have heard of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, an iconic product that is known for harnessing the power of PITERA™, a proprietary active ingredient.

As it is a premium skincare product, you may want to know if the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence really works and is worth your money before you get your hands on one. Here’s a comprehensive review to find out.

Read on to learn more about PITERA™, how to use it (whether we should use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence before or after toner!), and of course, the results of our review.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence review: Does it really work?

The SK-II Facial Treatment is also affectionately known as the “miracle water” by fans and celebrities, and I was excited to review it for myself when I was sent a bottle. My first impression when I poured out the Facial Treatment Essence was how lightweight the formula is – in fact, I would have mistaken it as water. The essence leaves a very refreshing feeling on my skin once I applied it. My skin felt more hydrated and “bouncy”, and the dry areas around my lips and nose were soothed instantly.

My biggest skincare concern is probably dull and dehydrated complexion, which makes me look tired without makeup on. After three days of using it conscientiously day and night, I noticed that the usual dry spots on my face are less flaky, the redness around my nose is less obvious, and my overall complexion looked more radiant. I feel that my skin look less tired than it used to.

Sk Ii Facial Treatment Essence Review Results

I find that I look less tired even when I’m not wearing any makeup!

So if you ask me if the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence really works, I’d say that it does for me and I’m quite excited to see even more results as I continue to use it.

What is PITERA™, and how exactly does it benefit your skin?

Whenever we talk about SK-II products, especially the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, “PITERA™” is definitely mentioned. The star ingredient that’s found in every SK-II product is featured most prominently in the “miracle water”; more than 90% of the formula is composed of PITERA™!

The story of PITERA™ started in a sake brewery in Japan, where a chance observation of how an old toji’s (master brewer) youthful-looking hands were a stark contrast to his wrinkled face led to the creation of SK-II’s signature ingredient.

PITERA™ is derived from a special yeast strain exclusive to SK-II and is packed with amino acids, vitamins and minerals that are essential to skin health.

There are three main benefits of PITERA™ that can help skin with:

1. Retains skin’s natural functions: PITERA™ contains components that are similar to the natural moisturising factors (NMF) found in healthy skin. This helps skin stay hydrated and radiant.

2. Improves barrier function: Our skin is constantly susceptible to environmental aggressors that can cause dullness, dryness, and the appearance of wrinkles. PITERA™ is able to improve our skin’s barrier function so that it remains smooth despite exposure to these pollutants.

3. Prevents skin surface damage: Dullness and loss of radiance on the skin’s surface caused by external aggressors such as UV is prevented. PITERA™ helps skin stay radiant and clear.

How to use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence to transform your complexion

If you’re using a beauty essence for the first time, you may be wondering about how to use the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. There are two ways you can go about it.

Application method 1: Pour the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence directly onto your palm, and then gently pat it onto your entire face.

Application method 2: Soak a cotton pad with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and then gently pat it onto your entire face.

I personally prefer method 2 because I feel that I could better control the amount of product I want and be able to get the essence onto my entire face more evenly. But some people may prefer pouring it out directly onto your palm so that there’s no wastage – everything goes into your skin, and none left on the cotton pad.

Do you use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence before or after toner?

Should the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence be used before or after toner? The brand told us that it is best used after the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. So remember these steps: cleanse, apply lotion, then Facial Treatment Essence! You can follow it up with a moisturiser.

Is SK-II suitable for acne-prone skin?

The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is said to be suitable for all skin types, but I’m sure most of us would wonder if it’s suitable for those with acne-prone skin to use it.

While I don’t have acne-prone skin, I was having pimples particularly on my forehead when I tried the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. The lightweight and refreshing formula felt soothing and hydrating on my skin and there wasn’t any discomfort at all. In fact, I find that the redness subsided right after application and I will not hesitate to use it on my skin when it’s having acne issues again.

This being said, as with any beauty product that you use, you should stop using it if you develop any redness or itch. And if you’re trying out a new product, I recommend doing a patch test (apply the product along your jawline or neck, leave it on for a while to see if there’s any reactions) before continuing with it.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence review: Our verdict, is it worth it?

If you’re looking for a product that really helps to repair your skin’s natural functions, I think the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a great product that’s worth investing in. I was surprised by the immediate hydration and soothing effects that I experienced, even on areas where I had acne. The improvements to my skin were even more evident after three days of continuous usage, and I’m pretty sure that if I can see results within such a short time, I’ll be able to look forward to even more in the days to come.

This product has been touted a holy grail product by many, earning it the nickname of “miracle water”, and I think it is worth it for you to try and experience it for yourself.

Where to buy SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

You can buy the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence online, or at one of their counters located islandwide. Alternatively, you can buy the PITERA™ Welcome Set as an introductory kit to try the product for yourself. Travellers can also find SK-II products at the Duty-Free stores at the airport.

Love the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence? You’d love its limited edition bottle then!

We have also reviewed the SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence – check it out if you’re interested in finding out whether the brightening essence works!