There’s a beauty trend that has been making waves in skincare and beauty circles, and it’s all about achieving glass skin—that radiant, dewy, and almost translucent complexion that looks like it could reflect light. The glass skin look is all about having smooth, hydrated, and luminous skin, almost as if it were a piece of glass. If you're wondering how to get this coveted glow, you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about achieving glass-like skin, from skincare steps to essential ingredients and the lifestyle habits that play a huge role in maintaining that radiant complexion.
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is a term used to describe skin that appears clear, dewy, and luminous with minimal visible imperfections.
It’s a popular look in Korean skincare and beauty culture, but it's not just about having perfect skin—it's about healthy, hydrated skin that glows naturally. Think of the skin as smooth and reflective, just like glass, with a texture so flawless that it looks like it's been airbrushed.
Many Korean skin care and procedures focuses on peeling the skin to achieve this look. By peeling away the duller, rougher dead skin cells on the skin's surface, younger, brighter skin is allowed to shine. However, overdoing this can cause fragile skin that is extremely sensitive. This may be why skin can become red and painful after using certain products and treatments.
We want to help you achieve glass skin that is healthy and can protect you for a long time.
Steps to Achieve Glass Skin
To achieve that glow, it's all about keeping your skin healthy by nourishing your skin deeply, and ensuring it stays hydrated. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crystal-like glass skin.
1. Double Cleanse
The first step to achieving glass skin is a thorough cleanse. If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, it’s essential to use a double cleansing method. Double cleansing ensures that your skin is free of dirt, oils, and makeup residue while still maintaining its moisture barrier.
- Oil-Based Cleanser: Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin. Look for one with hydrating oils, like jojoba or squalane.
- Water-Based Cleanser: Follow up with a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser to remove any leftover dirt and cleanse deeper into the pores.
By properly cleansing your face, you're ensuring a fresh base for all the nourishing ingredients you're about to apply.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is key for achieving smooth, glass-like skin. Dead skin cells can build up, leading to dullness and uneven texture. Exfoliating 1-3 times a week (depending on your skin type) helps to reveal fresh, glowing skin.
- Chemical Exfoliant: Use products with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid or lactic acid or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid. These acids exfoliate the skin gently without causing abrasion.
- Physical Exfoliant: If you prefer physical exfoliation, use a scrub with fine granules to avoid irritation.
Be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as it can cause dryness and irritation, which could diminish that healthy glow you’re working to achieve.
3. Hydrate with Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s time to hydrate your skin to restore moisture and prep your skin for the next steps. A hydrating toner is perfect for this, as it balances the skin's pH and replenishes moisture.
- Hydrating Toner: Look for toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin and keeps it plump and bouncy.
- Soothing Ingredients: Ingredients like aloe vera or rose water help calm and hydrate the skin, giving it that smooth, glassy look.
63 Overnight Peeling Lotion
This is our latest obsession - a night-time toner that keeps your skin feeling silky soft and looking bright and radiant! This is the solution for those wary of harsh peeling products. Crafted for nightly use, this lotion gently eliminates dead skin cells while reinforcing your skin's natural defences.
What sets it apart? A trio of 3 gentle actives:
- PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) delicately exfoliate, improving skin's texture and radiance. Unlike traditional AHAs, PHAs are renowned for their skin-friendly properties, making them suitable for any skin types, even more sensitive types.
- Panthenol ensures an even gentler formula by soothing and calming.
- Vitamin B3 brightens your complexion, reduces age spots, and minimizes fine lines.
Say goodbye to abrasive exfoliants and embrace a nightly routine that treats your skin with the utmost care.
4. Serums for Targeted Treatment
Now that your skin is prepped and hydrated, it's time to apply a serum that targets specific skin concerns. Serums are lightweight but packed with potent ingredients that can brighten, tighten, and smooth the skin.
- Vitamin C Serum: Vitamin C helps to brighten the complexion and reduce pigmentation, giving the skin an even, radiant tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This serum draws moisture deep into the skin, making it plump and hydrated.
- Niacinamide Serum: Niacinamide helps to reduce redness, control oil, and tighten the skin, promoting an overall smoother appearance.
For glass skin, layering a brightening serum and a hydrating serum is essential for both glow and smoothness.
5. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
A key element to achieving glass skin is deep, long-lasting hydration. The more moisture you lock into your skin, the dewier and plumper it will look. Opt for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that fits your skin type.
- Gel-Based Moisturizer: If you have oily skin, a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer can hydrate without adding excess shine.
- Cream-Based Moisturizer: If your skin is dry, a thicker, cream-based moisturizer will provide deep hydration and lock in moisture.
6. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
One of the most crucial steps for achieving glass skin (and keeping it) is protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun damage can cause pigmentation, wrinkles, and dryness, all of which can hinder your pursuit of smooth, radiant skin.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single day, even if you're staying indoors. Choose a sunscreen with a dewy finish for an extra glow.
391 Multi-Protection Sunblock Fluid SPF 50+
This sunscreen does more than protect your skin from the sun - it acts as your makeup base and reduces the appearance of dark spots!
A perfecting shield from UV rays that is rich in actives and protects skin against even blue light and pollution. A perfect makeup base for even, radiant skin. Shake, then apply as the last step of your skincare ritual.
To preserve the beauty and youthfulness of skin lastingly, Maria Galland Paris has created 391 UNI’PERFECT Multi-Protection Fluid SPF 50+, the perfect “final touch” to your skincare ritual. Its intelligent actives combine all-round protection and a skin-perfecting effect. Skin is protected by the Photo-ProtectMG complex, dark spots are reduced by vitamin B3 and the complexion is evened by extract of white peony.
7. Masks for Extra Hydration
For a boost of hydration and radiance, mask your skin once a week. Depending on the mask, they are packed with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides.
8. Sleep and Diet Matter
While skincare products are essential for achieving glass skin, don’t overlook the importance of lifestyle factors like sleep and nutrition.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can lead to dull, tired-looking skin.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain skin hydration from within.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Include antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which help protect the skin from damage and support a healthy complexion.
Key Ingredients for Glass Skin
To summarize, here are some must-have ingredients in your skincare routine for achieving glass skin:
- Hyaluronic Acid: For hydration and plumping.
- Vitamin C: For brightening and evening out skin tone.
- Niacinamide: For reducing redness and improving texture.
- Peptides: For skin barrier repair and hydration.
- Aloe Vera: For soothing and calming.
Final Thoughts
Achieving glass skin may take some time and patience, but with the right skincare routine, you can definitely achieve that dewy, luminous complexion you’ve been dreaming of. Focus on hydration, exfoliation, and consistent sun protection to maintain that healthy glow.
Book an appointment with us to see how you can achieve glass skin that takes time and patience - but with a routine that keeps your skin healthy and protected.
Remember, glass skin isn’t about perfection—it's about radiant, healthy, and nourished skin. So, give your skin the care it deserves, and let it shine! ✨