Achieving flawless, radiant skin has always been a beauty goal, but the latest skincare trend that has everyone talking is “glass skin.” Inspired by the smooth, luminous, and almost translucent complexion of Korean beauty standards, glass skin is all about healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin that looks like it's been polished to perfection. If you’ve ever wanted skin that looks dewy, smooth, and glowing, glass skin might just be your new skincare goal.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to achieve glass skin, from the right skincare routine to the best ingredients for that luminous, clear complexion.

What Is Glass Skin?

Glass skin refers to a complexion that is smooth, plump, and exceptionally radiant. It’s skin that looks like glass—clear, luminous, and reflective—hence the name. Unlike a matte finish, glass skin is all about achieving a dewy, hydrated look. This trend is heavily influenced by Korean skincare, which emphasizes the importance of hydration, layering products, and a comprehensive skincare routine to nourish and enhance the skin.

The key to glass skin is not just about using products that promise a shiny finish—it’s about cultivating overall skin health, which leads to a naturally radiant and dewy appearance.

Step 1: Double Cleanse to Start Fresh

The foundation of any good skincare routine is cleansing. To achieve glass skin, you’ll need to start with a double cleansing method to thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Double cleansing consists of two steps:

• Oil-Based Cleanser: This removes makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities. Choose a gentle, nourishing oil cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling dry.

• Water-Based Cleanser: Follow up with a gentle, hydrating gel or cream cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and leave the skin feeling fresh.

This two-step process ensures your skin is fully cleansed, allowing the other products in your routine to work effectively.

Step 2: Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliating is key to achieving that smooth, glass-like complexion. By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation promotes a brighter, more even skin tone, and allows your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers better.

• Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are great for chemical exfoliation. AHAs, like glycolic acid, are ideal for surface-level exfoliation, while BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into pores to clear out excess oil and debris.

• Physical Exfoliants: Scrubs with fine particles can also help remove dead skin cells, but be gentle with these, as over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to reveal smoother, more radiant skin without irritating it.

Step 3: Hydrate with a Toner

After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a hydrating toner to replenish your skin’s moisture. Toners help balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for better absorption of the following products. Look for a toner with hydrating ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerhouse humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping it stay plump and hydrated.

• Glycerin: Another humectant that locks moisture into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Pat the toner gently into your skin to lock in hydration.

Step 4: Layer with Serums and Ampoules

Serums and ampoules are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, and dullness. For glass skin, you want serums that focus on hydration and radiance.

• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Ideal for plumping the skin and providing a deep hydration boost, this serum will give your skin that coveted dewy look.

• Vitamin C Serum: If you want to brighten your complexion and even out skin tone, vitamin C is a great addition. It helps reduce pigmentation and gives your skin a radiant glow.

Apply a few drops of serum to your face and gently press it into the skin. Allow each layer to absorb before moving on to the next product.

Step 5: Use an Essence for Extra Glow

Essences are lightweight, hydrating liquids that help further boost the skin's moisture levels and improve the efficacy of the following skincare products. An essence will give your skin that glassy, illuminated look.

• Fermented Ingredients: Look for essences containing fermented ingredients like rice, which can boost skin’s glow and improve texture over time.

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a great ingredient for improving skin elasticity and giving you a smooth, even finish.

Pat the essence onto your skin, focusing on areas that need extra hydration.

Step 6: Lock in Moisture with a Lightweight Moisturizer

To achieve that glass skin glow, it’s essential to use a good moisturizer that provides hydration without making the skin greasy. A lightweight, water-based moisturizer works well to lock in all the layers of hydration you’ve applied so far.

Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like:

• Ceramides: These help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated for longer.

• Squalane: A non-comedogenic oil that provides intense moisture without clogging pores.

Apply your moisturizer and gently massage it into the skin to seal in all the goodness.

Step 7: Finish with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a crucial step in every skincare routine, especially when you're striving for healthy, radiant skin. UV rays can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and dullness, making it harder to achieve glass skin.

• Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

For the glass skin look, opt for a sunscreen with a dewy finish to add an extra layer of glow to your complexion.

Step 8: Use Sheet Masks (Optional, but Beneficial)

In addition to your daily routine, consider using sheet masks once or twice a week for an added boost of hydration. Look for masks that focus on brightening and plumping, and let the essence in the mask sink into your skin for about 15-20 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key

Achieving glass skin is all about consistency and nourishing your skin with the right products. The goal is to hydrate, exfoliate, and layer products in a way that promotes a glowing, smooth complexion. With the right skincare routine and a bit of patience, you can transform your skin into the glass-like, luminous glow you’ve always desired.

Remember, healthy, glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight—but with dedication and the right products, you’ll get there. Stay consistent with your routine, and soon you’ll be enjoying radiant, glass skin that turns heads!

Ready to start your journey to glowing skin? Follow this step-by-step guide and get ready to reveal your most radiant self!