If you are a fan of Korean pop culture, you might have noticed how many celebrities have flawless, poreless, and luminous skin that looks like glass. This is not a result of heavy makeup or filters, but a skin-care goal that many Koreans aspire to. Glass skin is a term that describes skin that is clear, smooth, hydrated, and reflective, like a piece of glass. It is not easy to achieve, but with the right products, techniques, and habits, you can get closer to this coveted complexion. In this blog post, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to get the glass skin look, as well as some product recommendations that can help you along the way.

Step 1: Double-Cleanse with Gentle Cleansers

The first and most important step to getting glass skin is to cleanse your skin thoroughly and gently. You want to remove all the dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities that can clog your pores and dull your skin. To do this, you need to double-cleanse, which means using two different types of cleansers: an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser.

An oil-based cleanser, such as Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil, can dissolve and lift off the stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and sebum that are not easily removed by water. Massage the oil onto your dry face and rinse off with lukewarm water. Then, follow up with a water-based cleanser, such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, to wash away the remaining dirt and residue. Use a gentle foam or gel cleanser that does not strip your skin of its natural moisture. Rinse well and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

Step 2: Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating is another key step to getting glass skin, as it helps to slough off the dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and rough. Exfoliating also improves the absorption of the products that you apply afterwards, making them more effective. However, you don’t want to over-exfoliate or use harsh scrubs that can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation. Instead, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants that use acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells.

There are different types of chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, work on the surface of the skin to brighten and smooth the texture. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into the pores to unclog and reduce inflammation. PHAs, such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are similar to AHAs, but gentler and more hydrating. You can choose the type of exfoliant that suits your skin type and concern, or use a combination of them.

One product that contains all three types of exfoliants is Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner, which is a hydrating and clarifying toner that gently exfoliates and refines the pores. It also contains watermelon extract, cactus water, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe the skin. You can use this toner after cleansing, by applying it with a cotton pad or your fingers. You can also use it as a mask, by soaking a cotton pad with the toner and leaving it on your face for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Layer on Hydrating Products

Hydration is the essence of glass skin, as it plumps up the skin from within and gives it a dewy and smooth appearance. To achieve this, you need to layer on multiple hydrating products, such as toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers. The idea is to use lightweight and watery products that can penetrate deeply into the skin and lock in the moisture. You can also use the 7 Skin Method, which is a Korean technique of applying seven layers of toner or essence after cleansing, to boost the hydration level of your skin.

Some of the hydrating products that you can use are:

• Laneige Cream Skin Refiner, which is a toner and moisturizer in one. It has a milky texture that melts into the skin and provides long-lasting hydration. You can use it as a toner, by applying it with a cotton pad or your fingers, or as a moisturizer, by applying a thicker layer.
• Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which is an essence that contains 96% snail mucin, a natural ingredient that has healing, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties. It helps to repair the skin barrier, fade scars, and plump up the skin. You can use it after toner, by applying a few drops and gently patting it into the skin.
• [Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum], which is a serum that contains fermented ingredients, such as rice, birch juice, and hyaluronic acid, that nourish and hydrate the skin. It also helps to brighten and even out the skin tone. You can use it after essence, by applying a few drops and gently patting it into the skin.
• [Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb], which is a moisturizer that has a gel-cream texture that bursts into water droplets on the skin. It contains lady’s mantle, a herb that has antioxidant and pore-minimizing effects, and ceramide, a lipid that strengthens the skin barrier. It provides intense hydration and a refreshing sensation. You can use it as the last step of your skin-care routine, by applying a generous amount and gently massaging it into the skin.

Step 4: Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen

The last and most crucial step to getting glass skin is to protect your skin from the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a lot of damage to your skin, such as premature aging, pigmentation, inflammation, and skin cancer. To prevent this, you need to apply sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy or rainy. You also need to reapply it every two hours or after sweating or swimming.

When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that has a broad-spectrum protection, which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. You also want to choose a sunscreen that has a lightweight and non-greasy texture, so that it does not interfere with your makeup or clog your pores. Some of the sunscreens that you can try are:

• [Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ PA++++], which is a sunscreen that contains centella asiatica, a plant that has soothing and healing properties, and niacinamide, a vitamin that has brightening and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a moisturizing and non-sticky texture that leaves no white cast or fragrance. You can use it as the last step of your skin-care routine, by applying a generous amount and gently spreading it over your face and neck.
• [Krave Beauty Beet The Sun SPF 50+ PA++++], which is a sunscreen that contains beetroot extract, a vegetable that has antioxidant and hydrating properties, and allantoin, a compound that has soothing and moisturizing effects. It has a lightweight and fluid texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish. You can use it as the last step of your skin-care routine, by applying a generous amount and gently spreading it over your face and neck.

In conclusion, glass skin is a skin-care goal that requires a lot of dedication and patience, but it is not impossible to achieve. By following these four steps and using the right products, you can improve the health and appearance of your skin and get closer to the glass skin look. Of course, you also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, to support your skin from the inside. Remember, glass skin is not about perfection, but about enhancing your natural beauty and glow.