Glass skin: East Asia is obsessed with it.
But what exactly is it? Well, that depends on who you ask.
Ten years after the introduction of the term, its meaning has changed. In the past, it referred to the impossibly smooth skin of South Korean heartthrobs. But today, it just means “when your skin is at its healthiest.” And that’s different for everyone.
The word “glass” itself is a little misleading, though. Ideally, you don’t want rock-hard skin that’s see-through. That would look a little weird. What it really means is skin that’s free from blemishes and imperfections. In other words, it’s the best your skin can possibly be.
Getting this look requires, as you might expect, a balanced lifestyle and plenty of skin care products. But, with the right approach, it is possible. Here’s what you need to do to achieve it.
Start With The Basics
If you’re eating spare ribs with soda for every meal, glass skin will remain perpetually out of reach. What you put into your body eventually shows up on the outside.
Start by modifying what you are taking in through your mouth. Oats and fruits are good for breakfast, quinoa salad is great for lunch, and lentils for dinner should round out the day quite nicely. Stick with this pattern and your body will eventually reward you.
Next, make sure that you get off all toxic substances, including alcohol. If you need to go on a treatment program, do so.
Lastly, optimize your sleep schedule. Hit the sack at the same time every night and avoid the temptation to set an alarm. Let your body wake you up when it’s ready.
Cleanse
The first step for glass skin is to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. You want something that won’t clog pores or remove too much of the skin’s natural oils.
Don’t go for a heavy chemical cleanser. These can lead to redness and make it more difficult to achieve the glass skin effect that you want.
Next, follow up with gentle natural foams and cleaners. There are plenty of cleansers in this category, but again, you’re best off going to boutique brands that offer all-natural ingredients.
Exfoliate
Once you’ve cleansed, the next step is to exfoliate. This part is one of the most important aspects of the process because it removes blackheads from the surface of the skin. A good exfoliator should actually feel quite rough and get deep into pores. You need something that removes enough gunk to encourage them to close up naturally and slowly over time.
You don’t have to go to a skin clinic immediately for suction. However, if you discover that you’re not making much progress with over-the-counter products, this might be an option.
Add A Toner
Toners help to change the pH of the skin and they make it easier for other compounds and serums to absorb.
Add An Essence
You can also try adding an essence. These are water-based products that add moisture to the skin and improve the barrier with the rest of the atmosphere. They also help keep other products locked in for longer.
Use A Serum
Glass skincare routines also require adding serums. These usually contain various oils and hyaluronic acid, helping to add plumpness to the skin and bringing out your natural glow.
If you can, choose natural or herb-based serums and oils. These tend to be incredibly light and absorb onto the face quickly, without causing breakouts.
For people with oily or acne-prone skin, choose squalene-based products. These deliver the ingredients your skin needs without clogging pores.
Keep Your Skin Protected From The Sun
Sun damage is the enemy of glass skin and is incredibly hard to correct. Therefore, all K-beauty routines always include slathering oneself in sunscreen to prevent damage. Choose the highest SPF you can find and then take oral vitamin D supplements to eliminate the risk of deficiency.
If you want higher protection, wear a sun shield when you are out. These are hats with a face shield at the front to keep the sun off them during the height of the day. They have powerful UV filters that capture the sun’s rays so they don’t cause damage.
Use The Right Face Mask
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that you use the right face mask for the job.
Most people going after Korean glass skin use clay masks. These clear out pores and give the skin a matte finish without drying it out too much. Many give the skin an instant glow and contain calming ingredients to keep everything looking clear. Glass skin proponents focus on using formulations that eliminate redness and blotchiness.
You can also try experimenting with Manuka honey, though it is significantly more expensive than clay masks. It contains special antibacterial compounds that are both anti-inflammatory and healing at the same time. Any germs crawling around on your skin soon disappear, reducing damage and helping your immune system relax.
Special Considerations
According to proponents, anyone can achieve glass skin. But how you get there depends on the type of skin you have naturally.
People with acne will struggle the most. However, reducing dairy and meat consumption should help. These foods make breakouts more likely. You can also try adding salicylic acid to your routine. It’s a great way to soothe the skin and, when combined with an exfoliator, unblock pores.
More generally, eat more healthy fats. Get the majority from avocado, nuts and seeds. The fat you eat will eventually show up in clearer, bouncier, healthier skin. Fat helps to plump up the subcutaneous layer beneath the skin, giving it a fuller, plumper appearance.
Lastly, you’ll want to load up on plenty of fruits and vegetables. The best are, as you might guess, leafy greens, like spinach and kale, but there are many others. Grapes, artichokes, and bell peppers are all great options.
You’ll also want to drink up as much as possible. Adding more water to your routine helps to eliminate acne and make your skin appear more moisturized.
