If your quest for the most hydrated and luminous skin of your life has taken you to the world of Korean beauty fads such as slugging, skin flooding, and cloud skin, you’re no stranger to the term “glass skin.” Simply told, this moisture-focused trend aims to quench your pores for radiant, reflected results (thus the term “glass”).
“Glass skin is a trend that describes your skin looking so clear, dewy, and smooth that it can appear reflective and translucent like glass,” says Charlotte Cho, CEO of Soko Glam and Then I Met You. Though the term first became popular on social media in 2017, “glass skin has long been a beauty ideal in Korea for many years,” adds board-certified dermatologist Y. Claire Chang, M.D. “Koreans have always focused on multi-step skincare that layers hydrating products to create that dewy, youthful look.”
Rather than emphasizing on clarity with harsh actives, the glass skin trend emphasizes the use of soothing, non-irritating substances that promote skin health. Sure, you may load up on hydrating skincare heroes like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but our experts warn that obtaining glass skin necessitates a holistic approach that goes beyond skincare. Cho believes that your lifestyle can also have an impact on the brightness of your skin, and she recommends getting enough sleep, water, and exercise, as well as eating a balanced diet, to increase your skin’s natural radiance.
Because everyone’s complexion is different, the exact steps may vary slightly. However, if you want to get a sense of what types of goods will get you there, here’s a pro-approved foundation for getting started.
Step 1: Double-Clean the Skin
If you’re not familiar with this two-step cleansing process, it entails first using an oil-based face wash to remove dirt and grime from the skin, followed by a gentle, water-based cleanser for an even deeper clean. “Look for low-pH cleansers for your water-based cleanser, which won’t irritate or strip your skin barrier,” Cho shares.
Step 2: exfoliate dead skin
Sloughing off the top layer of dead skin is critical for achieving an even texture and tone. “To achieve glass skin without the help of makeup, it really comes down to exfoliating off the dead skin that contributes to a dull complexion,” according to Cho. For extremely sensitive skin, you might alternatively try a chemical exfoliant that does not require hand scrubbing. Exfoliating also improves the penetration of your products, allowing them to perform more effectively.
Step 3: Refresh Skin with Toner
If you’re already cringing, don’t worry; modern face toners aren’t the same formulas that used to peel, sting, and dry up your skin. Instead, the new generation of toners balances your skin’s pH while removing excess oil and dirt. “Today’s toners are hydrating—not astringent,” Cho states. Simply soak a cotton pad in toner and gently wipe it on your face.
Step 4: Use a sheet mask.
If you’re short on time, sheet masks can be an option. However, if your skin need extra care and you’re ready for some pampering, buy a sheet mask. “Sheet masks can be used twice or three times weekly to help boost hydration, especially when your skin is dry,” Dr. Chang explains. When it’s time to remove the sheet mask, pat any extra product into your skin and neck rather than wiping it away.
Step 5: Add an essence.
Essences can help you step up your hydrating skincare routine. Dr. Chang distinguishes serums from toners, which have a similar slippery texture. “Essences are lightweight, water-based products with active ingredients that focus on brightening, hydrating, and nourishing the skin but are less concentrated than serums and ampoules,” she explains.
Essences are frequently regarded as the heart of a normal Korean skincare routine—they leave your skin feeling refreshed. “Korean essences help to improve your skin’s natural cell turnover rate. “Think about skin regeneration,” adds Cho.
Step 6: Treat with serum.
Though it is not required to apply both a serum and an essence, if your objective is hydration, you will benefit from both. “Serums include a larger concentration of active ingredients [than essences] and are designed to address specific concerns such as dull complexion, dryness, and fine wrinkles. Dr. Chang explains that they contain a variety of active chemicals, including as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, antioxidants, brightening agents, botanical extracts, and anti-aging compounds. Serums are often thicker in substance than essences and are frequently used as a spot therapy to treat certain skin issues, according to Cho.
Step 7: Apply moisturizer.
If we had to pick the most important step in your glass skin routine (after exfoliating, of course), it would be applying your moisturizer. “Moisturizing is essential to lock in the active ingredients and hydration applied in previous steps,” according to Dr. Chang. “Ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, and Centella Asiatica (also known as cica) are great for hydrating, calming, and repairing the skin.”
Finally, “the best way to moisturize the skin depends on your skin type and individual needs,” said Dr. Chang. For example, she suggests that those who have dry skin all year may benefit from a heavier, cream-based moisturizer. Others with oily skin can opt for a mild, gel-based moisturizer.
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