The term ‘glass skin’ is a Korean beauty term that blew up all over social media but what exactly is it? And how can you achieve it?
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin refers to skin that is clear, translucent, luminous and glowy. It involves using layers of hydrating skincare products and strengthening the skin barrier, as well as looking after your inner health so that it is reflected on your outer appearance.
Here are a few tips that can help you achieve glass skin! You can even add these tips to your skincare routine.
Cleansing
Double cleansing allows your skin to be squeaky clean and is the secret to building a successful base for glass skin. Your first cleanser should aim to remove any dirt, makeup or excess oils from your skin, whereas your second cleanser should hydrate your face, prepping it for even more hydration in the next steps. Your goal with glass skin should be keeping your skin as hydrated as possible.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and blackheads that could be causing dull looking skin and clogged pores, as well promoting cell turnover. If you have sensitive skin, limit your exfoliation to two or three times a week rather than every day, as this can cause irritation and a weak skin barrier.
Try using a chemical exfoliation instead of a physical one with grains, as they work by dissolving dead skin cells instead of harshly scrubbing them off your skin. Look for exfoliators that contain acids such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid. These ingredients work by gently loosening the ‘glue’ that often holds down dead skin cells.
Toners & Essence
Using a toner with moisturising elements is another additional element that can be beneficial in creating luminous glowy skin. A toner works by resetting your pH balance, further remove any excess makeup, oil, or dirt and prepares your skin to absorb moisturisers better. Avoid using toners that contain alcohol or witch hazel, as these dry out the skin.
Essence is a water based product that can be followed after using a toner. It aims to hydrate, protect and boost the overall health and appearance of your skin. It contains various active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that plays a massive role in creating glass-like skin. Similarly to toners, an essence also helps you absorb other products better.
Serums & Face Oils
When finding the perfect serum for your skin type, you should be looking for one that ticks off more than one of your skin goals and wants. For example, if you are suffering with dry, dull looking skin, you may want to use a serum that contains both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Serums are great due to their lightweight consistency and feel. They often contain antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals, which would otherwise cause signs of ageing.
Another step would be to add a face oil for another additional boost of moisture to your skin.
It is a great way to end and seal your skincare routine whilst adding intense moisture and a luminous finish. Look for a lightweight oil such as plant and herb oils, as these absorb better in the skin. This can range from chamomile, jojoba and argon oil.
Moisturiser & SPF
The most crucial and necessary part of any skincare routine, especially if you are trying to achieve glass skin, is to moisturise. Moisturising hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier and adds to your overall radiant appearance.
Some may argue that protection is just as important as moisturising, and we agree. Without using SPF daily, you are putting yourself at risk of damaging your skin barrier, which needs to be healthy in order to achieve glass-looking skin. You can look for an SPF that is tinted or a CC cream. It’s also recommended to make sure you have SPF 30 or above.
