Complete Guide to Getting ‘Glass Skin’
If you’re a fan of the 10-step skin care regimen that Korean beauty is known for, chances are you’re familiar with the term ‘glass skin’: a smooth, clear, and intensely hydrated complexion that gives you a dewy skin.
Glass skin is when your skin is at its very healthiest. In order for the skin to appear pore less, luminous, and translucent, so many things have to happen. You can’t just be hydrated and look that way. Your skin really needs to be its healthiest in all aspects.
While the desire for “glass skin” initially originated in Korea, Yoon recalls when it first rose to popularity in the United States. Glass skin and the quest to retain a luminous, translucent skin glow has been a popular trend ever since.
Achieving this look requires a healthy and balanced lifestyle, as well as a dedication to a skin care regimen. These certainly aren’t the kind of skin results you can just get overnight — even if you were blessed with incredible genes.
Your step-by-step glass skin routine
Double cleanse: First, wash your face with a gentle oil cleanser that won’t clog pores or strip skin of its natural oils. Then, follow it with a gentle foaming cleanser.
Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps to remove excess dead skin cells and removes blackheads on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, keep the exfoliating to no more than twice a week and try a gentle chemical exfoliator.
Use a toner: Toners help reset the pH of the skin and allow the next steps in your routine to absorb better into the skin.
Try an essence: Incorporating an essence (a thin, water-based product that adds moisture to the skin) into your routine increases moisture retention in the skin and therefore aids in the absorption of products. Not only does it moisturize the skin, providing a natural glow, but a functional essence heightens the benefits of any skincare routine.
Get a serum or face oil: Another staple in any glass skin routine is incorporating either serum or hydrating facial oil that’s lightweight but loaded with antioxidants, which will protect the skin from free radicals that eventually result in signs of ageing. For glass skin, choose serums with vitamins or hyaluronic acid because hyaluronic acid moisturizes your skin and brings out that natural glow.
Layer on your moisturiser: Look for a moisturiser that’s going to give you an instant burst of hydration, leaving your skin looking smooth and supple. Fans say it goes on light, absorbs quickly, and moisturizes without leaving a heavy, greasy feel.
Protect your skin from the sun: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any K-beauty routine.
Make sure you’re using the right face masks: Look for clay masks that will clean and reduce the appearance of pores without drying or irritating skin. Sheet masks can work to hydrate and give skin an instant glow, while treatments with calming ingredients like honey provide skin with moisture and calm inflammation.