By Maddy Sencaj
Image from Miracle Beauty Cosmetic Boutique
“Glass Skin” has been around in South Korea since the early 2000s and officially made its comeback in 2023 as it began to trend all over the world. The glass skin skincare regimen rose to fame once it hit the popular social media app “TikTok”. Now this trend can be found across all different platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, X, Facebook, the list goes on. Today, Many social media influencers keep the trend alive by continuing to share their favorite products and routines to achieve this dewy, plump look. Below we are going to dive in and talk more bout what Glass Skin is, what the glass skin secrets are, and how we can obtain it.
What Is Glass Skin Skincare?
Glass Skin is best described as the appearance of flawless, dewy, soft, and almost translucent skin. It is known as the healthiest version possible of one’s skin because of its immaculate porcelain-like look. To many this type of skin goal seems almost unachievable because it’s so perfect. When in reality it is entirely achievable and is rather simple when using only a few products. According to dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Holman glass skin can be defined as “skin that has a glow or enhanced light reflection that is defined as “healthy” skin“.
What Are The Secrets?
Let’s take a deeper look under the sheet mask and peel back the dirty layers of this skincare trend by revealing the glass skin secrets of how to obtain this lustrous look.
While step-by-step routines are an obvious part of achieving this look, diving further into the trend we were able to discover the main secret to acquiring glass skin. Glass skin skincare is a “healthy and balanced lifestyle” according to Alicia Yoon, who is one of the first Korean beauty experts in the United States who elevated the trend. A committed skin care regimen is another major factor when wanting to achieve this look and thanks to social media today there are hundreds of different routines fit for everyone with different skin types and textures that will teach people how to fulfill their goals.
The Secret Recipe:
An example of a general and pretty simple routine that people with all skin types and textures can begin using is this quick and easy step by step koren skincare routine that will help produce the bouncy, plump, glass skin look!
1/2. Double cleansing
Double cleansing is important to ensure a completely clean and fresh foundation so the rest of the products in the routine can be fully absorbed into the skin. This guarantees proper treatment of problem areas and rebuilds a hydrated and healthy skin barrier. To double cleanse you will first begin with an oil-based cleanser to help break down any dirt and grime clogging the pores. Follow that with a water-based gel cleanser to wash away the oil and help exfoliate the skin. Both of these together will create the perfect base to then apply the next products!
3. Hydrating Toner
Toners are another important step in achieving glass skin, using a proper toner will ensure hydration while reducing the risk and appearance of wrinkles and affirming a normal and healthy ph balance in the skin. Toners help reset the skin while also adding extra layers of protection for that soft and silky look. Picking out a good toner for your skin type is important, some are more oil-based and milky which would be excellent for dry skin while others are more water-based which is great for combo and oily skin types. Using a proper toner for one’s skin type will also boost the absorption for the next steps in your routine for glass skin.
4. Serums
There are thousands of different serums circulating the internet for people to use that will give them all kinds of different results and benefits for their concerns. But to keep it simple for a basic routine the top three serums that are most important and should be included in everyones routines to achieve glass skin are…
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Niacinamide
Vitamin C Serums:
Vitamin C promotes collagen and brightens the skin, when wanting a glass skin look, plumpness and brightness are two key factors in this trend. Vitamin C will reduce the look of dark circles and hyperpigmentation in more sensitive areas of the face. This serum will add as a major protective barrier to the skin as this serum also helps fight against UV rays and boost wound healing.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums:
Hyaluronic acid acts as a plus one to a regular moisturizer, this serum will help make the skin more flexible and reduce the look of scarring by bringing in even more hydration to the skin. The goal for glass skin is for it to be as hydrated as possible and with this serum it will definitely help those goals be met.
Niacinamide Serums:
Also known as Vitamin B, Niacinamide is exceptional when it comes to getting rid of textured skin and bringing back a healthy glow. Similar to Vitamin C, Niacinamide also helps reduce the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles. This serum acts as a kind of color corrector when absorbed into the skin. Glass skin is achieved by using Niacinamide because this serum aid in the reduction of acne, eczema, and other bumps and skin textures.
5. Moisturizer
The last and final step of this basic glass skin routine! Moisturizer helps lock everything in while adding a final layer of protection and hydration to the skin. Moisturizer is probably the second most important step in this routine right after cleansing the skin. Some benefits of finishing your routine with moisturizer include: added hydration, wrinkle prevention, reducing acne, stimulating blood circulation, and protecting your skin against environmental barriers. All of these are key components when wanting healthy skin in general and are especially crucial when trying to get that glass-skin appearance.
Consistency is key when wanting to achieve any goal, and when it comes to the glass skin skincare, consistency especially matters when trying to rebuild one’s skin barrier into a healthy replenished foundation. With this basic 5-step routine, it will ensure not only the glass skin look but also a radiant and refreshed protective layer for your skin!