The term ‘glass skin’ has taken the beauty industry by storm. It refers to skin that has a crystal clear, luminous appearance that is virtually poreless. Basically, your skin should look like a piece of glass.
The term “glass skin” burst onto the Western beauty scene over five years ago, introduced by K-beauty experts such as Alicia Yoon of Peach & Lily. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, posted images of dewy, radiant complexions, and K-pop stars started to achieve the highly sought-after look to much fanfare.
Glass skin is an integral part of Korean beauty culture, but it also also become highly coveted around the world.
What is Glass Skin?
Some people mistakenly believe that glass skin simply refers to making your skin appear oily or dewy all day. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Glass skin is healthy skin.
The term is derived from the Korean phrase – yuri pibu. The translation of yuri pibu is basically ‘glass skin’ but it also means healthy or luminous skin.
The goal of glass skin is to have clear skin like glass, which means zero breakouts. Your skin will appear well-hydrated instead of dull.
Is Glass Skin Easy to Get?
Flawless, radiant skin takes more than just an investment in trendy products—it requires dedication and a consistent skincare routine.
Korean skincare has definitely shown the world that exceptional skin health stems from long-term commitment rather than quick fixes.
You can’t jump from one product to the next. Instead, you have to stick to a routine with trusted products. In fact, the entire process of achieving glass skin is often referred to as ‘layering’.
Layering skincare means following a very strict skincare routine and using each product in a layering fashion. When trying to achieve glass skin, you don’t want to skip steps.
It should be noted that there is no magic blend of skincare products that you ‘must’ use to achieve glass skin. You don’t have to invest in all top-shelf products. Instead, of focusing on brands – you’ll need to concentrate on the method of layering to successfully achieve the glass skin look.
Yes, you can experiment a bit until you find something that really works for you. You should also always have realistic expectations.
Achieving glass-like skin is about fostering clean and healthy skin. Once your skin is thriving, then it’ll start looking amazing – and even glass-like.
How to Get Glass Skin
While some skincare trends focus on specific products that promise instant results, achieving glass skin requires a comprehensive and consistent approach.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve that smooth, luminous glass-like complexion favored by K-pop performers, Instagram influencers, and more.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Begin with a double cleanse to ensure a clean canvas.
Start with a cleansing oil or micellar water to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a gentle foam or cream cleanser to clean your skin deeply.
This cleansing method is a necessity, especially at night. You need to rid your face of dirt, grease, and makeup residue.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the key to achieving clear, smooth skin.
Use either a physical exfoliator (like those with gentle beads) or a chemical exfoliator (such as glycolic or lactic acid) to remove dead skin cells that dull the skin and clog pores.
Avoid over-exfoliating. You really need to only exfoliate two to three times a week.
Paula’s Choice is a popular skin exfoliator that contains 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid to remove blackheads and shrink pores. Daily use can give your skin a more refined appearance.
Step 3: Tone
Toners in Korean skincare are designed to hydrate and balance the skin’s pH levels.
Opt for toners with refreshing, moisture-enhancing ingredients.
Layering toner multiple times can help achieve the deep hydration needed for glass skin.
Check out the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Toner which refreshes and hydrates. It not only visibly smooths your skin but helps it retain moisture for all-day hydration and plumpness.
Step 4: Add an Essence
Essences are lighter than serums and help address skin concerns while delivering intense hydration. They are formulated to tackle issues like pigmentation and redness, all while boosting moisture levels.
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence nourishes and hydrates to improve your skin’s clarity giving it an almost translucent appearance.
Step 5: Apply a Serum or Ampoule
Serums and ampoules contain high concentrations of active ingredients. They nourish the skin, combat signs of aging, and promote collagen production for firmness and an even skin tone.
Hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are particularly effective.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is a popular firming and brightening serum that can help provide all-day hydration.
Step 6: Moisturize
A good moisturizer is crucial for achieving glass skin.
Choose a lightweight yet deeply hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin plump and radiant.
Look for products with botanical extracts and powerful hydrators to nourish and protect your skin.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight daily moisturizer that provides your skin with much-needed hydration within 10 seconds of application. It contains a combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for daily moisturizing use.
Step 7: Use an Eye Cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs special attention.
Use an eye cream to hydrate and prevent dryness and bags under the eyes. This step ensures your entire face looks smooth and radiant.
Step 8: Seal with a Face Oil (Daytime Only)
Finish your routine with a face oil to lock in moisture and add a protective layer. This helps nourish your skin and shield it from daily stressors.
You can mix a few drops of oil into your serum or moisturizer for added hydration.
Kora Organics is a hydrating face oil that provides antioxidants to help achieve optimum radiance.
Step 9: Apply SPF (Daytime Only)
Sunscreen is non-negotiable for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
A good SPF will prevent sun damage which can prematurely age and dry your skin – not to mention put you at risk of developing skin cancer.
Choose a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen formula.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 not only protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun but also provides much-needed hydration.
Step 10: Use Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a wonderful way to boost hydration and repair your skin. They offer an easy and relaxing method to enhance your skincare routine.
Use sheet masks two to three times a week for optimal results.
Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask is a leading Korean face mask that is suitable for all skin types. The mask combines three types of minerals and seven amino acids in a potent hyaluronic acid blend.
Achieving the Perfect Glass Skin
Consistency is key to achieving glass skin. By following a strict daily skincare regime and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve a clear, luminous, and youthful complexion. Remember, great skin takes time and dedication, but the results are worth the effort.
Glass skin isn’t just about how you take care of your skin but an entire concept focused on the whole body experience.
Lifestyle Factors
Achieving the coveted glass skin look goes beyond just using the right skincare products. It’s about full-body health.
A healthy and balanced lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
Here are some essential habits that can help you achieve long-term skin health and radiance:
Prioritize Quality Sleep
The term “beauty sleep” exists for a reason. Ideally, you should sleep at least eight hours a day. However, everyone is different and some people function fine on only six hours of shut-eye.
A good night’s rest is essential for your skin’s health and appearance. Lack of sleep can leave your face looking swollen, puffy, and tired.
Quality sleep boosts blood flow to the skin, aiding in collagen production and internal rejuvenation. This process results in plump, elastic skin that contributes to the glass skin effect.
Incorporate Regular Exercise
Exercise is often credited for that post-workout glow, and it’s not just a myth.
Physical activity increases your heart rate, which in turn improves blood circulation. This enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to your skin cells, helping to keep your skin vibrant, bright, and healthy, as opposed to dull and dry.
Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for overall health, and it’s especially important for your skin.
Healthy fats, such as those found in cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, as well as avocados, are essential for maintaining hydrated and supple skin. These fats help keep your skin moisturized from the inside out, contributing to that sought-after glassy glow.
Many people also advocate the Mediterranean diet with ample olive oil.
Eat Plenty of Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts
Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which are vital for achieving a glowing complexion. Leafy greens, bell peppers, blueberries, grapes, and nuts are particularly beneficial.
These foods help your body combat free radicals and provide powerful anti-aging benefits, enhancing your skin’s ability to stay youthful and radiant.
By integrating these lifestyle habits into your daily routine, you can support your skincare efforts and work towards achieving and maintaining beautiful, glass-like skin.
Remember, the journey to radiant skin is holistic, combining good skincare practices with a healthy lifestyle.
Glass Skin Tips for Your Skin Type
Achieving glass skin requires a personalized approach tailored to your unique skin type. Everyone is an individual and what works for one person’s skin type might not for another.
Here are some tips to help you reach your glass skin goals with products that best suit your needs:
Sensitive Skin
Yes, even if you have sensitive skin you can still achieve glass skin. In fact, for those with sensitive skin, the gentle ingredients popularized by K-beauty and the glass skin trend are ideal.
Look for mild, sulfate-free cleansers and products containing soothing ingredients like green tea, ginseng, and chamomile extracts.
These natural components help calm and nourish sensitive skin without irritating it.
Oily/Combination Skin
If you have oily or combination skin, choose light, gentle cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can lead to more harm than good.
A face oil can be beneficial. A good face oil helps regulate sebum production, balancing the oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands.
Acne-Prone Skin
For acne-prone skin, look for exfoliators or serums that contain salicylic acid. This ingredient penetrates the skin more deeply than water-soluble formulas, helping to loosen old, dead skin cells and promote the emergence of new, healthy skin.
Salicylic acid can effectively reduce breakouts and improve skin clarity.
By tailoring your skincare routine to your specific skin type, you can effectively work towards achieving that coveted glass skin glow.
Yes, YOU Can Achieve Glass Skin
Glass skin is not some unattainable dream. With dedication to a strict skincare and lifestyle routine, you can achieve glass skin.
Remember, glass skin does not happen overnight. It takes time to achieve and maintain the look. You’ll need to experiment with your skincare routine and the various products that you use daily to find what works best for your particular skin needs.
