Glass skin refers to skin that appears clear, luminous, and seemingly transparent, much like the surface of a pane of glass. This beauty trend originated in South Korea, emphasizing skin that’s so hydrated it possesses a dewy, radiant glow.
According to Real Simple, the concept of glass skin, influenced heavily by Korean beauty, has existed for years. Alicia Yoon, the brain behind the Korean beauty brand Peach and Lily, amplified its prominence in the US. She educated her clientele on the core principles of Korean beauty and underscored the significance of skin health.
How to Achieve Glass Skin
Achieving this look involves a meticulous skincare routine that prioritizes deep hydration and thorough exfoliation. Regularly cleansing, using chemical exfoliants, layering serums and moisturizers, and consistently applying sunscreen are fundamental steps. Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking ample water also support this skincare goal.
A skincare routine can be intimidating, mainly since most include several steps. There are multiple ways to achieve the glass skin look, but 21Ninety only added the steps you need to achieve the dewy, hydrated look for your skin.
Double-Cleanse Your Skin
Double cleansing is a fundamental step in achieving glass skin. It ensures that all impurities, makeup, and excess oils are thoroughly removed from the skin’s surface, allowing subsequent products to penetrate more effectively. The first cleanse typically uses an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, while the second, water-based cleanse addresses dirt, sweat, and other water-based impurities. This method ensures a clean slate, which is essential for achieving the clear, luminous complexion associated with glass skin.
Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
This gentle yet effective cleanser melts away stubborn makeup and impurities without leaving any residue. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier while removing any leftover impurities, ensuring the skin is clean but not stripped of its essential moisture.
Chemically Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating plays a pivotal role in achieving glass skin. By sloughing off dead skin cells, exfoliation promotes a smoother skin texture, aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. It also allows for better absorption of subsequent skincare products. Regular exfoliation can help unclog pores, combat acne, and ensure a more radiant and even-toned complexion, which helps you achieve the appearance of glass skin.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This salicylic acid-based exfoliant dives deep into pores to shed the inner lining of the pore and combat breakouts. It’s particularly effective for combating blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores.
Apply Hydrating Serum
Applying a hydrating serum gives the skin an intense hydration boost, promoting plumpness and radiance. According to Making Face, serums can penetrate deeper into the skin due to their lightweight and concentrated nature, delivering active ingredients more effectively than creams or lotions. Well-hydrated skin looks luminous and dewy – the hallmark of glass skin. It provides a smoother canvas for applying other skincare products and makeup, ensuring they perform at their best.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary
This serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin, ensuring deep hydration and plumpness. The addition of Vitamin B5 enhances surface hydration, making this serum an excellent choice for those aiming for a well-hydrated and luminous complexion.
Seal with a Moisturizer
Sealing with a moisturizer is vital when aiming for the glass skin look. Moisturizers act as a protective barrier, locking in the benefits of the products applied beforehand, like serums and essences. They prevent transepidermal water loss, ensuring the skin retains hydration, remains plump, and maintains a luminous appearance. For the glass skin effect, the skin’s surface should be smooth and hydrated, and a good moisturizer ensures the skin has hydration and protection against external aggressors like pollutants and dry air.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer offers intense hydration without feeling greasy. Its gel-based formula is lightweight, making it easily absorbed into the skin. The moisturizer helps in maintaining skin’s moisture balance, giving it a smooth, dewy, and plump appearance.
Always Apply SPF!
Finally, always wear SPF! Sun’s UV rays can lead to skin problems like early aging, hyperpigmentation, and a heightened risk of skin cancer. Achieving glass skin, marked by its clear, even, and glowing appearance, requires shielding from sun damage. Consistent use of SPF helps ward off dark spots and maintains skin’s evenness, keeping it healthy and radiant.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection without the notorious white cast that many sunscreens leave. It’s infused with natural ingredients like avocado, jojoba, and sunflower oil, ensuring the skin remains moisturized. It dries completely clear, making it an ideal choice for African-Americans and those pursuing the glass skin look.