'I'm a beauty writer in my 50s. This $20 product is my non-negotiable for great skin.'

If you're in your 50s and beyond, chances are you'll know all too well the type of havoc menopause can have on your skin. This is when our hormones like to go completely rogue and introduce all sorts of different changes to the appearance of our skin. 

Everything becomes drier. More easily irritated. Dull. 

The joys!

Watch: Mamamia's beauty contributor Teresa McNamara shares her thoughts on the popular Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops. Here are her honest thoughts. Post continues below.

While we all know that changes in our skin are just a normal part of the ageing process, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you should — and shouldn't — be slathering on your face. 

And while the last thing you probably want is to add another product in to your skincare routine (we get it. Goodness, we get it), if you're over 50 and struggling with dry, thirsty skin, apparently there's one specific type of product you may be sleeping on: an essence.

Yes, an essence! Heard of it before?

Chances are, it's one of the products you probably think you don't really need — and you're right. You don't need any skincare products for that matter (apart from SPF, of course).

However, for the right skin type, a gentle essence can be a game-changer. Not only can it help to add extra moisture to skin but it can also help balance your skin's pH. Think of it as a 'booster' to your serums — it's like an extra hydrating layer.

According to You Beauty Collective contributor Teresa McNamara, incorporating a hydrating essence into her skincare routine has made all the difference when it comes to transforming her dry, sensitive skin into hydrated, healthy-looking skin.

"Everything for me is based around hydration," she told me on a recent episode of You Beauty podcast. 

"What that has done for my skin in the last six months — I've just absolutely infusing my routine with hydration — has been incredible."

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"Some of it is basic, and some of it is quite bougie. But I'm really big on essences. While a lot of people say you can skip essences and toners — this is the one step I actually won't skip," she shared.

The good news? You don't have to spend a lot of money. In fact, one of Teresa's go-to formulas is one you can grab for $20.

We love a good savey!

"I've got two on rotation at the moment," she told us. "There's Natio Goji & Vitamin E Antioxidant Facial Essence, $19.95, or the Ole Henriksen Barrier Booster Orange Ferment Essence, $70."

Natio Goji & Vitamin E Antioxidant Facial Essence and Ole Henriksen Barrier Booster Orange Ferment Essence. Image: Myer/The Iconic.

"An essence really preps your skin for everything else to go on top and boost the efficacy of everything that follows. It's like a big, juicy burst of hydration at the start of my routine and my skin drinks that up."

If you have the time, Teresa said assessing your skin in the mirror and finding out what kind of concerns you need to tackle will help you figure out what you need to do in your next steps. 

"Putting an essence onto my face also allows me to feel what my skin's doing for the day," she adds.

Wanna get your ears around this episode? Listen to Teresa's full skincare routine below. Post continues after audio.

"Once I've done that, I then always use either Hada Labo Lotion No1 Super Hydrator, $35.95 or Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Moisturizing Cream, $21.75 — which is a little thicker. Again, a super boost of hydrating products."

So, there you have it! If you're someone over 50 or have dry skin, it could be time to give an essence a whirl and see what all the fuss is about.

Above all, you don't need to over-complicate things. Remember, as long as you've got the basics down pat (a cleanser, moisturiser and a good SPF), you're doing something right. 

Want to hear more from Teresa McNamara? Follow her on Instagram.

What are some of your favourite hydrating products? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature Image: Instagram/@teresamadelyne/Canva.