For the past 2 years, the glass skin trend has taken over the beauty world. Glass skin has become the ultimate skin goal for skincare lovers. Inspired by Korean skincare, glass skin is all about achieving a clean skin look that is smooth, luminous, and so clear that it looks almost transparent.
The way to do it is with deep hydration, consistent care, and the right & multiple beauty products.
If you’ve also been dreaming of that fresh, dewy glow, and glass skin is your ultimate beauty goal, you are at the right place.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to make glass skin a reality for you.
Double Cleansing: The Key to Clean Skin
The journey to achieve glass skin starts with super-resh and clean skin. And the way to do it is by Double Cleansing. Double cleansing ensures that your face is free from dirt, oil, and makeup.
Inculcate the mentioned points in your skin care:
- Step 1: Oil-based Cleanser – Start with oil oil-based cleanser. It will remove all the sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil without stripping the skin. Look for an oil cleanser that has jojoba oil, argan oil, or camellia oil.
- Step 2: Water-based Cleanser – Then, on used a foam/water-based cleanser. It will remove any remaining residue. Choose a gentle foaming cleanser with centella asiatica, green tea, or rice water for extra nourishment.
Gentle Exfoliation for a Smooth Surface
Exfoliation isn’t just another step in your routine, it’s the game-changer that banishes dullness and unlocks that coveted lit-from-within radiance. But here’s the catch: it’s all about strategy.. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant like the following:
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) – It is best for dry or dull skin. Look for ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid in your skincare product.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) – BHAs are great exfoliators for oily or acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid in your product.
- Enzyme Exfoliants – This one is Ideal for sensitive skin. Look for papaya or pineapple enzymes. Minimize the use of exfoliants just 2-3 times a week to prevent irritation.
Hydration is Everything
The biggest secret of achieving Korean Glass Skin is hydrating your skin properly. Am sure you must have heard it a lot also that hydration is very important for plumped and glowy skin.
Therefore, we can simply say that hydration is the key to healthy and glowing skin. And you know what, when we layer lightweight hydrating products help retain moisture and plump up your skin.
Now I’m sure you must be thinking, how can we layer the hydration? Here’s a sweet answer to your question.
- Hydrating Toners – Ditch the alcohol-laden toners of the past—modern hydrating toners are like a tall drink of water for your skin. Look for hyaluronic acid to plump, rose water to soothe, and licorice root to brighten. Pro tip: Apply to damp skin with pressed hands (no cotton pads wasting product) for maximum absorption.
- Essences – This Korean skincare staple is where science meets luxury. Fermented ingredients like galactomyces don’t just hydrate—they supercharge your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Think of it as a nutrient-rich primer for the rest of your routine. The magic happens when you pat it in (never rub) after toning and before serums.
- Serums: The last step to hydrate is applying serums. Opt for serums that are enriched with hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, or propolis extract to deeply hydrate the skin. Am sure you are aware of the crazy buzz on the internet that was created for snail mucin.
- Every other skincare influencer promoted it.
- In the same context, remember to use serums according to your skin type and skin needs. Not what beauty influencers promote.
- It’s not necessary if it works for them, it will work for you.
Use a Serum with Brightening Ingredients
The next step towards achieving glass skin is applying targeted brightening serums. A serum packed with active ingredients will help your skin to even out your skin tone and boost radiance.
- Niacinamide: The Multi-Tasking Miracle Worker
- This isn’t just another trendy ingredient—it’s your skin’s ultimate peacekeeper. Niacinamide (a.k.a. Vitamin B3) works overtime to calm inflammation, regulate oil production, and reinforce your skin’s protective barrier. The best part? It plays well with almost every other active in your routine. Look for serums with 5-10% concentration for maximum benefits without irritation. Pro tip: Layer it under moisturizer at night to wake up with balanced, glowing skin.
- Vitamin C: Your Skin’s Brightening Bodyguard
- Meet your daytime MVP. A high-quality Vitamin C serum (opt for stabilized L-ascorbic acid in opaque packaging) does triple duty: fading dark spots, neutralizing free radicals, and boosting collagen production. The catch? It’s notoriously unstable—always apply to dry skin in the AM before sunscreen. When used consistently, this powerhouse ingredient delivers that coveted lit-from-within glow while shielding against environmental damage.
Lock in Moisture with a Lightweight Moisturizer
The fundamental as well as ultimate way to lock the hydration in your skin is by applying a moisturizer. A good moisturizer seals in hydration and nutrients from your skincare routine.
Find a moisturiser according to your skin type and curate your skincare according to that.
- Gel-Based Moisturizers: The Oily Skin Savior
- Lightweight yet powerful, gel moisturizers (hello, aloe vera and green tea extract!) deliver hydration without the grease. Perfect for hot, humid days or acne-prone skin, they absorb fast, control shine, and keep pores happy. Pro tip: Press (don’t rub) into damp skin to lock in extra moisture.
- Cream-Based Moisturizers: The Dry Skin Hero
- Rich in shea butter and ceramides, these thick, buttery formulas are a parched skin lifeline. They repair your moisture barrier overnight and shield against harsh weather. Cold climate essential! Pro move: Warm between palms before applying for better absorption.
- Sleeping Masks: Concluding with overnight hydrating masks with honey, rice extract, or panthenol for extra glow.
Sun Protection: The Secret Weapon for Korean Skin
Never skip sunscreen! Never!! UV rays can damage your skin barrier and cause premature aging. Apply sunscreen every single day of the year.
- Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or centella asiatica. Also, your sunscreen label must have PA+++, or more, for extreme protection from UVA rays. Make sure your sunscreen possesses both.
- However, use lightweight sunscreens with a dewy finish for that glass skin effect.
Face Masks for an Extra Glow
Face masks are an important part of beauty culture in Korea. Face masks provide immense hydration and nourishment to the skin,. really important for glass skin.
So start incorporating hydrating and brightening face masks into your routine at least twice a week. The following are the 3 types of masks that are available in the beauty industry. Choose according to your preference, convenience, and skin needs
- Sheet Masks: Sheet masks are the most convenient and hydrating masks. Look for the ones infused with hyaluronic acid, ginseng, or snail mucin.
- Clay Masks: If you have oily skin, try masks with kaolin clay or bentonite clay to absorb excess oil. These are best for deep pore cleansing.
- Sleeping Packs: Lastly, applying overnight masks with green tea, honey, or niacinamide for deep hydration.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits for a Radiant Complexion
They say, We are what we eat. And our skin shows how we eat. Skincare products work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle. So start taking care of your body from the inside.
Follow this basic and healthy ritual in your day-to-day life.
- Stay Hydrated: You must drink at least 2-3 liters of water every day. It will keep you hydrated and your skin plump.
- Eat Antioxidant-rich Foods: Your skin loves healthy and wholesome food. Include foods that are rich in antioxidants. Eat berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish in your daily diet.
- Sleep Well: No matter what, Sleep for 7-9 hours sleep everyday. It will allow your skin to repair itself.
- Manage Stress: Also, start managing your stress level. Your skin doesn’t live under stress. Try meditation, yoga, or journaling to prevent breakouts caused by stress.
Final Thoughts on achieving glass skin
Achieving glass skin is not only about using expensive products. It is also about consistency and the right routine.
If you find the products too expensive, look for their affordable alternatives. But never compromise on the quality.
You can choose the pharmacy products as alternatives, as their quality is also the best. Just make sure the ingredients match.
Or else, do some research, find some good brands that are serving the right product at an affordable price.
After all, your skin deserves this much from you when you demand that it look glossy and shine.
Also, make sure to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected. Then you will have a naturally luminous complexion that glows from within.
Follow these steps, and soon, you’ll be flaunting your own version of flawless, radiant glass skin!