Everything You Need to Know About "Glass Skin" & How to Get It in 6 Easy Steps

What Is Glass Skin?

Korean glass skin might be a skincare term you are not yet familiar with - but the premise of it is nothing new. Simply put, glass skin refers to a complexion which is smooth, hydrated, even-toned and exceptionally dewy. Picture skin which is luminous and radiant; so luminous, in fact, that it can look almost transparent - just like glass!

How Do You Get Glass Skin?

K-beauty routines are not as complex as they may first seem. They use ingredients and products that you likely already know. The key to the glass skin routine is more in the process and technique - it is all about the careful layering of products with an emphasis on hydration. Not to mention, K-beauty routines also use common humectants like hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration boost, as well as products for an uneven skin tone like niacinamide.

Achieving glass skin is all about consistency with your beauty routine over time. Our skin needs time to heal, adapt and transform. Like most skincare routines, a one size fits all approach won’t work here. The starting point of everyone's skin will be different, and so too is how we react to products. However, there is good news yet! We’ve collected all the tricks and tips you can follow to elevate the health of your skin and achieve glass skin.

Here Is Your 6 Step Routine To Achieve Glass Skin:

1. Double Cleanse

To start any skincare routine, you need to cleanse your face - but when it comes to achieving glass skin, it is all about double cleansing! Start by using an oil or cream cleanser that won’t clog pores but will melt away makeup and skincare (which may be sitting on the skin). Then cleanse a second time using a gentle foaming cleanser. This step removes dirt and excess oil that the first cleanse didn’t reach, ensuring your skin is clean and refreshed.

2. Exfoliate

A vital step in achieving a smooth complexion is to exfoliate. Exfoliating removes excess sebum and dead skin cells, unclogging pores and curating a smooth complexion. The Vita-C packed exfoliant from Murad uses physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants to gently polish the surface, leaving a nourished and refreshed glow.

3. Tone

Toners should not be overlooked; they help the next steps in your routine to absorb better into the skin. The SUZANOBAGIMD™ Balancing Toner helps to reset and balance the skin's pH levels whilst minimising pores and oil production, leaving you shine-free. It also detoxifies against environmental pollutants.

4. Add an Essence

Adding essence to your beauty regime helps your skin to retain its moisture and increases other products' absorbency. The Murad Hydration Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence helps to intensely hydrate and reduce signs of ageing due to its plumping effect which leaves your skin supple.

5. Serum or Facial Oil

Another staple in your glass skin routine is a serum or facial oil. The Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops blend vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) with Abyssian and hibiscus oils for an instant infusion of long-lasting hydration, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for more radiant, healthy-looking skin. 

You could also opt for a hyaluronic acid-based product like the MZ Skin Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum. This super-charged, highly concentrated serum features 5 types of HA coupled with powerhouse actives, including snow and reishi mushrooms brimming with anti-inflammatory benefits. These ingredients work in combination with each other to reduce redness and irritation and reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier. The result? Glowing, glass-like skin!

6. Moisturiser

Look for a moisturiser that will give you an instant burst of hydration. The Dr Barbara Sturm Brightening Face Cream has been designed to brighten skin and combat lacklustre and uneven complexions whilst providing a cocktail of nurturing ingredients. It is the perfect facial brightening cream to achieve glass skin - instantly transforming the skin’s appearance whilst increasing its health over time.

7. Sun Protection

Sunscreen should always be worn, regardless of the climate or time of year. However, sun protection is a non-negotiable when it comes to K-beauty. The best SPF is lightweight, hydrating and provides ample protection from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Extra Tips to Help You Achieve Glass Skin

Your morning and nighttime routine are the constants your skin needs. However, there are other rituals that you should do to protect and nourish your face. 

Face Masks Are a Great Weekly Ritual 

K-beauty played a tremendous role in the rise of the popularity of sheet masks and the impressive benefits they can have on the skin. Masks are a great way to boost your skin’s radiance and give it that extra hydration it sometimes needs. They are also quick and easy to use whilst getting ready or having a pampering session at home.