What does Vitamin D do for my skin?
Our skin is the natural factory for Vitamin D, and it needs healthy levels for some key functions. These include: Controlling cell division Vitamin D controls how cells divide in…
Blog
Discover what’s at the forefront of microbiome skincare and other news from Esse.
Too much sun is damaging to our skin… but so is zero sun
We’re all aware of the risks that come with getting too much sun exposure – increased cancer risks, premature ageing, and chances of hyperpigmentation. But an often-overlooked question is: “Too…
Vitamin D: supplement or sunshine?
To understand what is healthy for you, it’s often worth asking yourself: “What is my body designed for?” Through the course of human history, our bodies have acquired Vitamin D…
Earn CPD points through Esse’s South African-accredited skincare courses
South African skincare brand, Esse, provides stockists with extensive training through its online platform, Esse College, and has also launched a world-first Microbiome Course, which trains dermatologists, medical aestheticians, skin…
Why rewilding is the best defence against skin dryness this winter
With temperatures dropping across the country, many people will be spending more time indoors, keeping warm with artificial heating and hot baths. Add in the cold, outdoor weather and harsh…
All the questions you need answered by Esse!
For the past two decades, we have been producing industry-leading skincare products with significant anti-ageing benefits. With more people choosing brands that believe in sustainability and show real results, we…
Drivers of ageing
Ageing is a natural process of life, with the body undergoing significant changes as the years go by. And while we can’t avoid ageing, we can minimise the impact ageing…
Esse vs. Ageing
Old age is not avoidable. We are all going to get old – the trick is to do it gracefully! Just to be very clear – we aren’t ageist. We…
Esse Experience: Cutting-edge facial treatments to rewild the skin
Esse, offers a range of professional, customised skin rewilding treatments which incorporate advanced pre- and probiotics, as well as the application of live probiotics. The Esse Experience treatments – which…
Experience the anti-ageing benefits of probiotics
South African bio-clinical skincare brand, Esse, is celebrating a significant milestone in 2022 – 20 years of leveraging biotechnology to provide significant anti-ageing benefits through probiotics and other actives in…
Cut out the harmful chemicals & get your best skin back in 30 days
If you’re looking for a sustainable skincare regime that brings out your skin’s best version of itself, then you’re going to want to try Esse’s #30dayrewild challenge. It’s simple, it’s…
What to expect from our rewild challenge
We’re excited for you to take part in our #30dayrewild challenge. We’ve called this a challenge because, like all worthwhile challenges, it’ll require full commitment – rewilding is a lifestyle…
3 ways to restore your skin’s health by rewilding
The past few months have given us a lot of time for introspection and re-evaluation, and one of the themes that keeps re-emerging globally is the need to reconnect with…
5 reasons why Esse’s Limited Edition Festive Pack is this year’s ultimate gift
Following the global upheaval over the past two years, and with a sense of normalcy finally on the horizon, many are looking forward to a wholesome celebration with friends and…
Limited Edition Omega Moisturisers
Why are Omegas important for the skin? Our modern diets are deficient in omega oils. These oils are not as stable as saturated oils and they are often removed from…
An organic yet powerful approach to managing acne
We have already discussed how our approach addresses the microbial imbalance created by our industrial lifestyles, so let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in the Esse Clarifying Range and how…
Esse vs Acne
Our new Clarifying range takes an evolutionary approach to addressing acne, a condition that affects more than 80% of teens and around 4 % of adults. It is evident that…
Esse and the revolutionary ‘skinimalism’ trend
The experience of lockdown provided many with a time of self-reflection, and one realisation that emerged during this time was that, when it comes to skincare routines, less is actually…
Things industrial beauty taught us that we should forget
Industrial beauty is around 100 years old. In the early 1900s, large companies in the US and Europe used the fear of germs to sell harsh soaps to hundreds of…
Cleansing the Esse way
Sebum Science Sebum is the complex mixture of oils produced by sebaceous glands in our skin. Human sebum is very different to that of other mammals. We’re far from fully…
Beauty & Wellness Award 2021
Beauty Insider is one of Singapore’s leading platforms for beauty bargains and deals. After months of careful deliberation, sifting, and testing of over 700+ products from local to international brands,…
Dutch Beauty Awards 2021
It is a great honour for Esse to be presented the Dutch Beauty Award in 2021 for the Resurrect Serum in the category Best Salon Product. ”Organic salon brand Esse…
Good microbes for your skin
There are trillions of bacteria from hundreds of species living on and in your skin. Your skincare goals should always include their well-being, as they are what ultimately determine skin…
What are the skin benefits of a good foundation?
There’s much more to a quality foundation product than simple coverage. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy by choosing the right foundation for your skin: 1. Sun…
What is the Esse Experience?
Skin therapists are in a position that demands daily responsibility, as their clients rely on them to provide reliable advice and effective treatments. This responsibility should not be taken lightly.…
What moisturiser should you be using?
There is no denying that as winter sets in, skin feels as though it needs a little more. Cold, dry weather and indoor heating generate a real thirst in our…
UK GLOBAL MAKEUP AWARDS 2021
The winners of the prestigious UK Global Makeup Awards have been announced! The UK is the largest region in the Global Makeup Awards, with over 350 entries. The beauty awards celebrate…
Uniform and school supplies for children in rural Namibia
We recently decided to get an outside opinion of how Esse appeals to potential customers and consulted with some clever marketing people. They asked about our social responsibility policy. It…
The new Probiotic Ampoule and Exclusion Mask
With the launch of the updated professional treatments comes the addition of two unique new products to the professional trolley for Esse therapists – the live Probiotic Ampoule and the…
7 Lifestyle tips to assist in rewilding your skin
Imagine the richness of a thriving coral reef, or the bustling activity of a healthy rainforest. What these – along with most healthy ecosystems – have in common is that…
Interview with Trevor Steyn on the microbiome and skincare
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE MICROBIOME? When I was younger, I thought that chemistry could solve almost any problem. As my understanding of the biological world expanded, I…
Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards
The winners of the prestigious Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards 2020 have been announced! Esse Skincare received 3 Gold Awards and 2 Silver Awards.
How skin compares to an ecosystem
Any ecologist will tell you that a forest filled with a rich variety of plants is healthier than a commercial plantation containing only one species of tree. The complex ecosystem…
Green Chemistry meets Wild Science
“Green chemistry, also called sustainable chemistry, is an area of chemistry focused on the design of products and processes that minimize or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.…
Esse and Plastic Neutral
We’ve partnered with Cleanhub to collect plastic waste in developing countries before it can reach the ocean. Every living thing depends on the ocean. Covering more than 70% of the…
Serious About Serums
Facial serums come in many forms and choosing which one is best for your skin can often feel daunting. You’ll hear bloggers and influencers wax lyrical about their latest serum…
Why Esse Uses Glass Packaging
Choosing which materials to use in packaging is not easy. There are many considerations. In several projects in our history we have weighed up our options and the result has,…
Esse and Carbon Neutral
WHEN WE SAY THAT WE’RE CARBON NEUTRAL – THIS IS WHAT WE MEAN. Since Esse started, we have fought hard to hold true to a few basic values. One of…
Rewild Your Skin
Rewilding is the science of returning skin to its balanced, wild state through green chemistry and organic biotech. Civilization has long been associated with a sense of “clean” that requires…
Bakuchiol – Nature’s Retinol
Dubbed ‘nature’s retinol’, it’s worth investigating the properties of this acclaimed plant-based ingredient and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine. The Bakuchiol used in skincare is extracted and…
Resurrect your skin with Myrothamnus
Myrothamnus flabellifolia is commonly known as the “Resurrection Plant” and hails from the sands of the ancient Namib Desert. What makes this plant different is not in its physical appearance,…
Resurrect Serum – New life for sensitive skin
A SERUM TO ADDRESSES THE SIGNS OF AGEING IN SENSITIVE SKINS. It’s important to remember that sensitivity often correlates directly to a disruption in barrier function due to a microbial imbalance. This…
What’s in a drop?
The Esse probiotic skincare range includes a multitude of carefully selected natural ingredients that are proven to have a positive impact on improving skin barrier function, hydration and the effects…
Why does the skin detox when moving to organic products?
Why does the skin detox when moving to organic products? I’ve heard this question so many times over the last 12 years since I’ve switched to organic skincare. It’s a…
Skincare myths debunked
Since the beginning of time, society has formed beliefs about their experiences and the world around them. A notorious belief and misconception that comes to mind is that the earth…
Nanoparticles – The lowdown
Nanotechnology is the study and application of extremely small particles (smaller than 100 nanometers – about 40,000 times thinner than a hair). In skincare, nano ingredients come in two forms: nanoemulsions – tiny…
A guide to sensitive skin
Skin sensitivity is a leading skin concern throughout the modern world with more than half of women claiming to have sensitive skin.
Sleep and Skin Health
SIX REASONS A HEALTHY SLEEPING PATTERN WILL GIVE YOU GREAT SKIN. Skin health and sleep quality can be strongly linked. Lack of sleep elevates cortisol levels in the body, increasing…
Invest in yourself
WHY A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE NEED NOT BE COMPLICATED Have you had enough of hearing how the latest skincare fad is the only thing that will rescue your skin? What…
Take the new you challenge in 7 steps
7 STEPS TO GREAT SKIN IN 2020 “A change is as good as a holiday,” and who would say no thank you to that? As 2020 gets underway, we’d like…
Esse Awards in 2019
With the year fast drawing to a close, you might have missed some of the highlights. Here is a summary of all the awards Esse was honoured with in 2019.…
Moisture and ageing: How the new Hyaluronic Serum works
While ageing can’t be stopped entirely, it can be slowed down with a healthy lifestyle and anti-ageing skincare products. Maintaining adequate moisture in the skin is key to minimising the…
Hyaluronic Acid
You have about 15 grams of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in your body and one third of this is degraded and resynthesized every day. It is one of your body’s main…
5 Benefits of hydrated skin
Drinking plenty of water is a key proponent in keeping our body and organs happily functioning, and hydrated skin is just as important for a healthy complexion. Here are 5…
How to know if you have dehydrated skin
Many people suffer with dehydrated skin but often it is not always evident. It is important that you resolve this issue by feeding your skin with the right hydrating ingredients…
Esse Sunscreen: A solution for sensitive skin
We hear it every day from the skincare experts – too much sun is not good for your skin. That said, if you have sensitive skin you will struggle with…
4 Reasons to use natural sun protection
As winter turns to summer and that holiday vibe kicks in, we all gravitate to outdoor spaces where the sun shines and makes us happy …. which calls for sunscreen!…
Esse Sunscreen: An athlete’s best friend
The Esse Sunscreen is one of the first of its kind and may swiftly become part of many outdoor athlete’s arsenal – we heard why from ultra-runner Riana Henning. A…
The value of using a microbiome-friendly foundation
Here’s what your basic skin care routine probably looks like: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser and, finally, foundation. Perhaps you even include products to promote a healthy skin microbiome leading up…
Everything you need to know about our foundations
This organic, microbiome-friendly foundation provides medium coverage and is available in ten shades. Below are just some of the benefits you can expect. SKIN ILLUMINATION Layer to achieve light to…
Why the Esse Foundations are perfect for sensitive skins
A FIRST OF ITS KIND Our very first foray into colour cosmetics came about as a result of your nudging. We were constantly reminding you about the need to consider…
Can you change your microbiome?
An unhealthy skin microbiome results in unhealthy skin and increases the rate of ageing but you can shift your skin microbiome toward a diverse, balanced state. Learn more from Esse’s…
What does my microbiome do for me?
We know gut microbes aid in digestion and deliver nutrients. They also produce vitamins, maintain blood pressure, and affect your mood. Because we rely on so many partnerships, we can…
What will probiotics do for my skin?
Probiotics are immensely beneficial. They out-compete pathogenic microbes, improve barrier function, produce moisturising factors, maintain skin pH and reduce sensitivity and inflammation. All these factors reduce the rate of skin…
What is the hygiene hypothesis?
Are we all too clean for our own good? Being overly paranoid about cleanliness puts you at a disadvantage. Early exposure to ‘dirt’ is a good thing, so let children…
Is it good to have high microbial diversity on skin?
Our adoption of a western lifestyle has resulted in a vast reduction of microbial species on skin. Research suggests that diversity is a good thing as opposed to the dominance…
5 Things probiotics do for your skin
Probiotics are vital They protect you from pathogens (like armour for your face) They improve barrier function They maintain calm and reduce sensitivity They manufacture moisturising factors They maintain skin…
Do I have the same microbes everywhere on my skin?
There are different bacteria living in the different ecosystems of your body. The microbiome of an oily area like the face is very different to that of the dry forearm.…
Why is all this microbiome stuff happening now?
Advances in science now allow us to “see” DNA and we can now study ecosystems that were previously too small to study. The Polymerase Chain Reaction, discovered by Kerry Mullis…
What are microbes and probiotics?
All single celled organisms are microbes, this includes viruses. A microbiome is the sum of all the single celled organisms living in and on a body. All living things have…
What is the perfect skin microbiome?
This is a really tough question. The skin is now viewed as an ecosystem … so how would you answer the question: What is the perfect ecosystem? Is it a…
Anti-ageing probiotics
YOUR ARMY OF LITTLE HELPERS. Skin probiotics are safe and natural and they work. They protect, moisturise, maintain skin pH and reduce inflammation. Lump all of these benefits together and…
Probiotics strengthen barrier function
Remedy Sensitivity – Probiotics strengthen barrier function and protect you from pathogens so they automatically guard your immune system from exposure to unnecessary triggers. Apart from acting as a shield of armour,…
Probiotics balance pH
ACID MANTLE INTEGRITY IS KEY TO EFFECTIVE BARRIER FUNCTION. It is not intuitive to think that something as seemingly inconsequential as pH could have a mighty impact on ageing but…
Probiotics Moisturise
HYDRATE FROM WITHIN. You may not know this but live Lactobacillus probiotics on (and in) skin can produce the coveted skincare ingredient Hyaluronic Acid. Right there in the stratum corneum…
Probiotics protect
BOOST YOUR SKIN’S ARMOUR. Probiotic microbes can help to safeguard your skin against pathogenic microbes. When prolific and healthy, your skin microbes construct a biofilm in the outer layer of…
Is sunscreen anti-ageing?
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO HIGH LEVELS OF UV ACCELERATES AGEING. Does this mean that you should do whatever you can to get your sun exposure to…
Skin pH – It matters
Make sure you ✓ the pH box before you put a product on your skin. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a product is and it is measured in…
Probiotic definitions and skin
Get started on your probiotic journey by understanding various definitions that are used. A MICROBE is a single-celled, microscopic organism. This includes bacteria, viruses, yeasts and archaea amongst others. Technically,…
Probiotics and skin immunity
YOUR SKIN HAS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM AND IT IS VITAL IN THAT IT PROTECTS YOU FROM PATHOGENS. Keratinocytes, the most common skin cells in the epidermis (the outer most layer…
Announcing an addition to the Esse Sensitive line
The Protect Oil launched at the end of May 2018 and follows the Sensitive range’s mandate to remediate and protect sensitive skin. Esse Skincare showcased a new oil from Namibia…
Esse wins prestigious award
Esse’s Nourish Moisturiser was announced the winner of the ‘Best Day Cream’ category at the Organic Beauty Awards in Sweden for presenting a moisturiser with beneficial probiotic extracts that strengthens…
Microbes & your skin
THERE’S AN EXTRAORDINARY THING GOING DOWN ON YOUR SKIN! TRILLIONS of microbes, from thousands of species, call your skin home. Normally, they get along just fine and they provide the…
The future of skincare
In 2003 the Human Genome Project declared that the sequencing of the human genome was complete after 13 years of intense research. It cost $2,7 billion. Now you can have…
Extinction
SAVE THE RHINO – BECAUSE IT’S BIG! Any student of the natural sciences understands this conundrum: all species on the planet contain potentially valuable genetic information but large species are…
4 Ways to deliver Probiotics in skincare
Probiotics are the latest trend in skincare but probiotics are live microbes that have a beneficial effect. How are probiotic ingredients used in skincare products when most skincare products contain…
Diversity in skin systems
Just as diversity is important in environmental ecosystems, so it is important in the mix of microbes found in the skin. A diverse microbiome equals a healthy skin.
Learn to love your microbes
Your skin is an ecosystem and in the same way that your gut needs symbiotic microbes to function optimally, your skin needs microbes to maintain peak health. BIOME+ technology is…