Tried & Tested: Is SK-II’s Renowned PITERA™ Worth Adding To Your Skincare Regime?
Two weeks ago, SK-II kindly sent us their iconic PITERA™ Essence a.k.a Facial Treatment Essence, award-winning R.N.A Power Radical New Age Essence and R.N.A Power Airy Milky Lotion to review and discover the true Power of PITERA™.
Word is, the PITERA™ Essence is the perfect treat for your skin with great skin-revitalising and hydrating properties that are suitable for various skin types – including oily, combination and dry skin. The R.N.A range is the brand’s signature anti-ageing range which works efficiently to target the signs of ageing such as fine lines for youthful, supple skin.
We have heard of the legendary PITERA™ ingredient found in all of the brand’s best-selling products one too many times. Admittedly, we have yet to do a deep dive into the benefits of it so obviously, we absolutely could NOT wait to test these cult-favourites out and share our experience.
Step #1:
PITERA™ Essence: The Facial Treatment Essence
The Power of PITERA™
The PITERA™ Essence is unarguably SK-II’s most popular product and is probably how most if not all of us first came to hear of the brand. The Facial Treatment Essence is made up of more than 90% PITERA™, the natural bio-ingredient which contains over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to restore and enhance skin health, translucency and smoothness.
Fun fact: The fascinating story behind SK-II and PITERA™ began with a quest to understand why elderly sake brewers had wrinkled faces, but incredibly soft and smooth hands. This ultimately unlocked the secret to the Power of PITERA™, which is exclusive to SK-II.
How to use the SK-II PITERA™ Essence
To test this out, I followed the recommended application method of patting it directly onto your skin morning and night, after cleansing and toner. Within a couple of days, my complexion became clearer and felt more supple and hydrated.
Fast forward to two weeks later, there is now a stark difference in how my skin looks. On top of feeling more hydrated, my previously dull and tired complexion now looks brighter and more radiant. I also noticed a slight glow starting to appear.
In terms of texture, the PITERA™ Essence has a silky, lightweight consistency akin to water and takes to the skin smoothly without stickiness. I was pleased that it did not agitate my sensitive skin and felt my foundation went on more smoothly when I used it to prep my skin before makeup.
Benefits:
- Excellent hydrating properties
- Almost instant results
- Non-sticky
Step #2:
R.N.A POWER Radical New Age Essence
The R.N.A Radical New Age range is a powerful anti-ageing range that works to nourish the skin for that firm, youthful finish. The key ingredients is its “RNArchitect Complex” (a combination of concentrated PITERA with hydrolysed soy and yeast protein) and Chorella Extract. This ultra-nutritious combination works together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by dryness, conditioning and moisturising the skin to take it back to those youthful, radiant days.
As recommended, I used the R.N.A POWER Radical New Age Essence after the PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence and found that both products worked beautifully together. I applied this twice – morning and night all over my face, and my skin soon became smoother and firmer. Areas where I used to have extremely dry patches now look more supple as well.
Although it is a power-packed formula, the R.N.A POWER Radical New Age Essence feels incredibly soothing and not oily nor sticky at all. It does not leave that filmy feeling on your skin after applying (you know what I’m talking about), which is something we noticed with the PITERA™ Essence as well. Everything absorbs so well into the skin, and it feels so bare yet so nourished at the same time. You should really try it for yourself.
Benefits:
- Anti-ageing
- Supple, nourished skin
- Non-sticky
Step #3
R.N.A POWER Airy Milky Lotion
The SK-II R.N.A POWER Airy Milky Lotion is an anti-ageing moisturising cream, and we are all too familiar with how heavy some anti-ageing creams can tend to feel. To my surprise, there was no sense of discomfort at all after using it. With its heavyweight properties, I assumed the SK-II R.N.A POWER Airy Milky Lotion would have an ultra-rich texture, but upon application, it felt airy and absorbed effortlessly into the skin with no stickiness at all. I would be comfortable using this both as a day and night cream in the long run.
Benefits:
- Anti-ageing
- Lightweight & non-sticky
- Great day cream
Before & After; In short…
Pleasantly surprised. There were significant improvements in as little as just 14 days. My skin texture looks and feels smoother, pores are less visible, skin is hydrated and that noticeable glow is there! Some of my dark spots have also faded. At the end of this 14-day review, the essence’s moisturising and skin surface renewal properties have worked wonders for my skin!
The SK-II PITERA™ Essence & R.N.A. range: Our verdict, is it worth it?
If you are looking for a product that effectively protects and restores your skin’s youthful glow, the SK-II PITERA™ Essence and R.N.A. range is definitely worth a shot. We were amazed at its hydrating effects and almost immediate results. I’m excited to see where this takes me because I fully intend to continue incorporating it in my skincare journey.
Pricing wise, it is quite an investment but based on the results I have seen, I would say it is definitely an investment worth making. After all, you cannot put a price tag on crystal clear skin, can you?
Where to buy SK-II PITERA™ Essence & R.N.A. range?
Begin your SK-II skincare journey and find out where you can purchase the products through the links below. The PITERA™ Essence and R.N.A. range are priced at:
- PITERA™ Essence – RM759 (230ml)
- R.N.A Power Radical New Age Essence – RM446 (30ml); RM682 (50ml)
- R.N.A Power Airy Milky Lotion – RM419 (50g)
Alternatively, you can stop by any major Isetan, Parkson, Robinson and Sogo stores nationwide.
This article was written in partnership with SK-II. All opinions belong to the author.
Read also: SK-II Review: Can this ‘Miracle Skincare’ work for all skin types – even for sensitive skin?
