Hiw to reach the new TikTok trend glass skin?

Glass skin was a new trend in skincare that we didn’t know existed. It’s not easy to imagine a skin goal that’s so flawless and glowing it looks like it’s hidden behind a freshly-washed glass pane.

While we can’t deny the fact that this Korean-inspired skincare look is hard work, anyone can improve their skin’s glow and smoothness by using the right product and process. Lisa de-la-Plain, professional beauty therapist, and co-founder of Beauty Flash, says that this K-beauty trend promises transparent skin.

The trend is also known as “glass skin” and focuses less on make-up, but more on a series of hydrating skincare actions. De-la-Plain says that the trend is all about layering lightweight, hydrating skincare products to give skin a glowing, dewy appearance. Who wouldn’t want this? This is everything you need to know in order to join the party.

GLASS SKIN: WHAT IS IT?

Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon says, “Glass skin means skin that is at its best.” Lily was an early adopter in the US of glass skin. It has a clarity, and luminosity that comes directly from the inside. This term was first used in Korea, and I instantly thought “Yes!” This is how I would describe healthy skin.

Glass skin was not well-known in the US and UK by 2018, but it was a popular trend in Korean cosmetic circles. After the popularity of the double cleansing and 10-step routine, it became a popular content item for beauty bloggers.

Beauty aficionados have sought to make the best skincare products more effective over the years. They wanted to add hydration and exfoliation to achieve flawless skin. Yoon explains that perfection is not the goal. We define glass skin as a way of describing each person’s unique, healthy skin, regardless of their skin type, circumstances, or needs. It doesn’t matter where you are on your skin journey. Glass skin isn’t about unrealistic skincare goals, but about healthiness that comes from within.

How do you get glass skin?

For starters, you need to be consistent in your skincare routine. It’s the same boring truth about all skincare: a consistent, daily routine will go a long way in improving your skin’s health. However, there are a few tricks and tweaks that can improve your skin’s health and increase its clarity and radiance. This doesn’t mean you have to buy 20 new products. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

You’re only looking at five steps. How easy that feels depends on how your current routine looks. Good news: A typical glass skin regimen will include products and ingredients that you are likely to be familiar with. It’s all about layering products with moisturizing ingredients, mainly humectants such as hyaluronic acids and glycerin, with known glow-inducers like niacinamide or peptides. This is how you do it correctly.

THE ULTIMATE 5-STEP GLASS SKIN ROUTE

STEP 1: REMOVE ALL MAKEUP TRACES

Glass skin should be free from any dirt or grime. De-la-Plain advises that a clean skin is essential. To thoroughly clean your skin without stripping it, use an oil-based cleanser to cleanse it. They can be gentle and effective in removing impurities.

Are you not a fan oil? A good micellar water cleanser can be used to remove any traces of the day. It is a gentle, effective way to clean the lips, lids and skin.

Our beauty editor recommends:

• Dior Lip and Eye Makeup Remover

Few makeup removers can be so effective and yet gentle. The 98% natural formula has a bi-phase. The oil dissolves make-up and grime quickly, and the floral water-based component softens and soothes the skin.

• Bioderma Hydrabio H20

Bioderma is a well-known manufacturer of micellar waters, and this hydrating variant is even better.

STEP 2: CLEANSE AGAIN

De-la-Plain advises that you “follow with a moisturizer to make your skin glow.” You can also strengthen your skin barrier by using cleanser with calming or moisturizing ingredients like rose, ceramides, peptides and power botanicals. A stable barrier will result in clearer skin that is less reactive to redness and irritation.

A foam cleanser might be better if you have oily skin. You should look for active ingredients that fight bacteria and unclog pores like salicylic acid.

Our beauty editor recommends:

• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

This is a classic, modern cleanser and one of our top picks. Soy proteins moisturize and balance, while rosewater and cucumber water soothe any inflammation. The best thing about this soap is its clean, refreshing lather that leaves skin feeling soft and not tight.

• Cerave SA Renewing Cleanser

A great drugstore cleanser that contains salicylic acid and the all-rounder ingredient Niacinamide. This brightens, softens and replenishes.

STEP 3: TONE & SMOOTH

Toners that contain gentle skincare acids, aside from removing any remaining grime, can improve skin’s smoothness and glow. They also reduce pores appearance. This is the first step of a glass skin regimen. It primes skin for hydration and helps it return back to its natural acidic pH. A toner that balances the skin’s pH is key to getting glassy skin at home. Use lots of it! De-la-Plain suggests that you look for one that is light in consistency, to brighten the complexion.

To avoid drying or over-stripping, use a mildly exfoliating formula. Use a cotton ball to apply a little of the product to the face. Avoid sensitive areas such as the eyes.

Our beauty editor recommends:

• L’Oreal Paris Revitalift, 5% Glycolic acid Peeling Toner

Toner that is gentle and contains low amounts of alpha hydroxy acid to help skin feel smoother. Most skin types can tolerate it. However, if you have sensitive skin, then only use it once per week.

• Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore Minifying Toner

This alcohol-free toner contains both AHAs (and BHAs) that brighten and unclog pores, as well as squalane which helps to moisturize the skin and strengthen its skin barrier.

STEP 4: ADD AN ESSENCE

Although it may seem like the least important step on this list, it will make your basic skincare routine a more sophisticated one. Both in Japanese and Korean skincare, essence is foundational. It bridges the texture gap between moisturizer and toner.

Essences are usually water-based and contain gentle active ingredients. They have a light texture that is easy to absorb, which adds another layer of hydration. These essences can be used to combine the elements of a serum and a toner (and even replace them if necessary), but if layering is your thing, de-la-plain recommends using a serum that “contains Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid.” Both of these ingredients work as moisture magnets and help your cells retain as much as possible. They also keep your skin plump, hydrated, and healthy.

Our beauty editor recommends:

• Curel Deep Moisture Spray

This Japanese-made mist is gentler and easier to use than any other hydrating essence. It is pH balanced and has replenishing ceramides as well as moisture-boosting, glycerin. For a hydration boost, you can re-mist at any time.

• 111skin Antioxidant and Energising Essence

Antioxidants are a great way to keep your skin healthy and glowing. This serum is high-tech and packed with antioxidants. This serum also has a beautiful texture that plumps aloe vera.

STEP 5: SEAL WITH A MOISTURIZER

Now you have clarified, smoothed and applied light layers hydration. Now it’s time to apply your final moisturizing spray. Look for moisturizers with botanical extracts to lock in the benefits of your skincare steps. De-la-Plain advises that you should look for an oil-free moisturizer that provides daily protection and smoothes the skin’s surface.

Glass skincare routines often use lighter gel creams because they blend so well with the other steps. You may need something richer if you have extremely dry skin. You probably already do this thing so you know the best face moisturizer for you skin.

• Tatcha The Dewy Cream for Skin

This cult cream by Tatcha, a Japanese-inspired brand, is light yet deeply nourishing. It’s the perfect product to add to a glass of water. Do not be alarmed by the violet hue. It’s made from Japanese purple rice and is full of glow-boosting antioxidants.

• Dermalogica Active Moist

It’s oil-free and easily absorbed, making it a great choice if you have oily skin. This product is also loaded with clarifying and refining botanical extracts such as lemon, cucumber, burdock, and other essential oils.

It’s important to remember that while topical products can be very helpful when it comes to skin health, lifestyle plays an important role as well. De-la-Plain says, “Alongside the above, make sure you drink lots of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to shine from the inside out.”