Terri Ramsey Beavers Whether subscribed to K-Beauty trends, you may be familiar with the term “glass skin.” Glass skin describes the dewy and luminous appearance most Korean celebrities are known for. The nearly transparent skin look is “too good to be true” yet has made it to the #you’reSkinGoals list of many people. After all, who wouldn’t want porcelain glass skin?
Initially, achieving glowing skin might seem like an impossible dream. But with the right products (like your favorite night serum for glass skin), good practices, and a solid skincare routine, you might be parading your glass skin sooner than you think.
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin refers to the exceptionally smooth, lustrous, and even-toned skin that is so flawless, it almost looks like glass. Depending on whom you ask, the glass skin method can refer to a makeup style, a skincare routine, or a bit of both.
The method, which originated in South Korea, gives your face a hydrated, glowing, and fresh look that is smooth, poreless, and wrinkle-free. Thinks of BTS’ Kim Taehyung, MAMAMOO’s Solar, and all the Korean celebrities you can list. Their faces are so flawless; it’s almost as if they were carved from glass. But the secret lies in consistency and commitment.
By being consistent and committed to a skincare routine and a balanced diet (combined with proper sleep, frequent exercise, and plenty of water), you too can achieve this glass skin look.
The Glass Skin Routine
While some skincare trends focus on particular products that guarantee visible results ASAP, the glass skin routine requires multiple steps and products. Common glass skin routines use a cleanser, serum, toner, hydrating moisturizer, and exfoliator.
The list of products seems like a long one but you need them all to maintain hydration, which is the heart of the glass skin method. Apart from the products listed above, you’ll also need essences and sheet masks to hydrate your skin.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can achieve THE glass skin look:
Double cleanse. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils or clog your pores. A clean canvass is important when it comes to a successful skincare routine, especially when the day ends and you have to remove the grease, dirt, and makeup residue. Once you’ve cleansed your face with micellar water or cleansing oil, follow this wash with a cream cleanser or a foam wash.
Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and blackheads on the skin. Whether you choose a chemical exfoliator (lactic or glycolic acid) or physical exfoliators, exfoliation clears your skin 100 percent. Just don’t overdo the exfoliation process. Exfoliate your face two to three times a week to avoid irritations.
Many people ignore toning the face because they think it’s too drying. In the K-Skincare world, however, toning is a must. K-Beauty toners are formulated with moisture-enhancing ingredients like floral water, ginseng, and green tea. These toners restore your skin’s pH levels and allow for better absorption of other ingredients.
Add an essence. Known as the less-concentrated cousins of serums, essences are lighter and watery in consistency compared to toners and serums. Similar to other K-Beauty treatments, essences address common skin concerns like redness and pigmentation, as well as hydrate the skin.
Treat with an ampoule or serum. Once you’ve applied essence to your skin, treat your face with ampoules or serums. These skin care products contain a higher concentration of active ingredients that minimize pores, even out your skin tone, and promote skin firmness. Some serums and ampoules, however, must only be used over a certain time so if you want hydration, use a hydrating serum.
Using a moisturizer is a critical step in EVERY skincare routine, especially if you want to achieve a glass skin appearance. Use a lightweight moisturizer that has 101% moisture benefits. Look for products that have antioxidants and powerful hydrators. Most Korean skincare products use Cica, which is a popular ingredient known for its anti-aging and healing properties.
Use an eye cream. Bags and dry patches have no place in your goal for a glass skin look. Nourish your eye area with your favorite eye cream.
Seal the deal with a face mask. Cap off your glass skincare routine with your favorite face mask! They repair the damage, soothe your skin and replenish your skin’s moisture.
There’s no shortcut to achieving flawless skin. As mentioned above, products aren’t the only thing you need to achieve porcelain skin; you must be consistent and committed. Before you know it, you’ll enjoy an ethereal, too!