There’s a new trend in the world of skincare that’s taking the planet by storm: glass skin.
No, it’s not a futuristic sci-fi procedure to replace your skin with glass.
Rather, it’s about making your skin as smooth, poreless and luminous as possible. The result is skin that looks like it could have been formed out of glass.
It sounds amazing, but is it really achievable? And if so, just how do you get it?
Just follow our comprehensive glass skin guide to try out this trend for yourself.
What Is Glass Skin?
Glass has a few characteristics that set it apart from other materials. It’s smooth, non-porous and radiant, with just the right amount of shine to glow in the light.
And glass skin has these same characteristics that take it to the next level.
With glass skin, there’s nary a pore in sight — the surface looks so smooth, it’s almost translucent. What’s more, there’s a hint of dewiness that gives it that final, glassy touch.
Glass skin got its start in the world of Korean beauty in 2017. Since then, it’s achieved global fame, with millions of people around the planet aspiring to acquire that glassy look.
Is It Easy to Get Glass Skin?
Aspiration is one thing, but actually getting glass skin is another matter.
It’s not so much about the products you use as it is about the consistency of your routine.
That’s because a big part of glass skin’s appeal lies in its health. Healthy skin shares most of glass skin’s desirable qualities, so if you prioritize your skin’s health, you’ll be much closer to getting glass skin.
You’ll need to commit to a routine and do a little experimenting to learn which products work best for your skin. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, glass skin can be yours no matter what your skin looks like now.
And our glass skin regimen will guide you every step of the way.
The Ultimate Glass Skin Routine
Double Cleansing = Double the Results
Much of the secret to getting glass skin rests in the double cleanse. Korean beauty experts swear by this technique, and after seeing what they’ve accomplished with glass skin, we’re inclined to agree with them.
Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing your face with not one, but two products. This provides a deeper, more through cleanse than you’d get with just one cleanser.
First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, oils and grease that aren’t removed by water alone. Oil and water don’t mix, so in order to really eliminate your oil buildup, you need to hit it with something molecularly similar, like an oil or balm cleanser.
Then follow up with a water-based cleanser. Water-based cleansers can penetrate deeper into your pores to clear out any remaining grime, leaving your skin perfectly clean inside and out.
Exfoliate Dead Cells with a Face Scrub
Exfoliation shouldn’t be a part of your daily skincare routine, as ove-rexfoliation can lead to many different skin problems.
But two or three times a week, break out the face scrub to slough away any dead skin cells that linger on your skin. This brightens your complexion, smooths out rough patches and reduces pore clogging.
You can use a physical exfoliant (which contains particles like sugar or jojoba beads) or a chemical exfoliant (which contains a compound like lactic acid) to remove your dead skin cells.
Either way, you’re accomplishing the same goal: smoothing out your skin to facilitate that glassy appearance.
Use Toner to Shrink Pores and Rehydrate Your Skin
Toner is used to shrink pores and rebalance skin pH after cleansing.
But in the western world, many people avoid toner because it’s gained a reputation for being drying and irritating to the skin.
In Korea, though, toner is a staple of the glass skin regimen. There, it’s formulated to be more hydrating and soothing while still providing the benefits of witch hazel and other traditional toners.
Follow up your cleansing routine with a toner that contains hydrating ingredients like floral water or ginseng. This reduces the appearance of your pores without drying you out, plus it enhances the absorption of other skincare products.
Even Out Your Complexion with an Essence
Essences are popular in Korean beauty, but they’ve only just made it to the rest of the world.
It’s about time, too: essences have many benefits for the skin. They’re super hydrating and are great at reducing inflammation, redness and hyperpigmentation.
Look for an essence that contains hyaluronic acid, ideally in multiple chain lengths. The different lengths of acid molecules reach different layers of the skin, providing thorough hydration.
Use a Serum or Ampoule to Target Skin Issues
Never heard of ampoules? Consider them the Korean equivalents of serums, with higher concentrations of beneficial ingredients for faster, more powerful results.
Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and retinoids, ampoules are great at eliminating signs of aging like fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles.
They also increase your skin’s natural protein production, providing you with plenty of collagen and elastin so you can achieve your desired glass skin.
You can use serums and ampoules to target specific skin issues and concerns, or you can use a general-purpose one to enhance hydration, fight free radicals, and restore your skin’s overall health.
Finish Up with a Light Moisturizer
Finally, it’s time to lock in all those revitalizing ingredients with a high-quality moisturizer.
Ideally, your moisturizer will be lightweight yet heavy-duty. A light consistency allows your skin to breathe, while highly-moisturizing ingredients ensure that your skin doesn’t become dehydrated or irritated by the environment.
Without moisturizer, your skin won’t have that dewy, glossy finish that makes glass skin so unique and appealing.
If glass skin is your goal, look for a moisturizer that contains peptides and antioxidants to smooth your skin and ensure that no harmful molecules remain under its surface.
Give Your Skin a Treat with a Mask
No Korean beauty product is more widely-known and loved than the sheet mask.
These relaxing skin treatments deliver high concentrations of moisturizing, brightening, smoothing and anti-aging ingredients directly to your skin.
Just put a mask on, relax for a few minutes, then remove it and enjoy the instant difference it makes in your complexion. Your skin will immediately look smoother, shinier and glassier.
You can use most sheet masks once or twice a week, though you should always check the label to see if less frequent use is needed.
A sheet mask is a fun reward after a long day, but it also provides that perfect finishing touch to your glass skin regimen.