Skincare routines are evolving to help us bring out the best in our skin. Korean beauty trends continue to transform our understanding of beauty. Let's take a look at what the glass skin trend is, reflecting a bright, smooth, and radiant look, and how we can adapt our skincare routines to this trend
Today, we strive to bring our skin to its best state not with makeup, but with skincare. While a radiant look and even skin tone can easily be achieved with a few products, getting our skin to the desired condition is of greater importance. When we look at makeup trends, "skincare make-up," which involves applying makeup with minimal products to well-cared-for skin, stands out. To achieve this, we are researching Korean beauty routines and how to maintain the glass-like skin standard.
What is glass skin?
Glass skin, as it's commonly known on social media, is a popular skincare term. The most prominent features of this skin look are its smooth, radiant, healthy, and hydrated appearance. Glass skin has a natural glow from within. It's also smooth and far from porous, meaning there are virtually no bumps, fine lines, or dry areas. With its hydrated appearance, glass skin doesn't look dull, dry, or tired.
How can we achieve glass-like skin?
Every healing starts from within. Like every system in our body, the health of our skin begins with improving our overall health. The key to glass-like skin is hydration. Therefore, we must ensure we drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day. Dehydration dries out our skin. Therefore, we must remember that caffeine, alcohol, and especially smoking consumption hinder the desired skin appearance. To strengthen our skin barrier, we can consume foods containing Omega-3 and healthy fats, such as avocados, salmon, and tuna. We can also include vegetables and fruits high in antioxidants in our diet. Like our entire body, our skin regenerates during sleep. Therefore, we shouldn't expect to have glowing skin with irregular sleep patterns.
Skincare routine for glassy skin
Two-stage cleaning
As with any skincare routine, achieving glass-like skin primarily requires a clean canvas. A two-step cleanse is essential. This involves first removing makeup and dirt with an oil-based cleanser, and then washing with a gel cleanser. This process dissolves dirt first, followed by a deeper cleanse. This step is important for enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent skincare products.
Peeling
A glass-like complexion requires poreless and smooth skin. After cleansing our skin, we should exfoliate on certain days of the week. This removes accumulated dead skin cells and prevents a dull appearance. When exfoliating, we can use clay masks or serums containing AHA+BHA. Products containing salicylic acid will be particularly helpful in reducing the appearance of pores. You can schedule your exfoliation routine every other day or every three days. Excessive exfoliation can irritate, dry out, or damage your skin barrier. When using products containing active acids, be careful not to use those containing vitamin C or retinol at the same time.
Moisturizing toner
Toners, which we use on our skin, help balance pH, tighten pores, and enhance the effectiveness of other products. Using a toner is important in comprehensive skincare routines. However, you shouldn't use just any toner; opt for one with moisturizing properties. You can choose products containing hyaluronic acid. In Korean beauty routines, toner is applied in layers until it meets the skin's needs. You should also apply your moisturizing toner to your skin with dabbing motions. If the product isn't enough, don't hesitate to apply another layer.
Serums
The desired glass-like complexion is radiant, blemish-free, even-toned, and plump. To achieve this, we need to integrate the right serums into our routine. For a luminous look, we can use Vitamin C. It's best to use this ingredient in the evenings; if you prefer to use it in the mornings, be sure to apply SPF afterward. You can skip using Vitamin C on days when you use acids. Niacinamide smooths the skin and helps even out the overall complexion. Serums containing hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin, supporting a plump appearance. Products containing snail mucin can also be added to the glass-like complexion routine due to their moisturizing, skin repair, and collagen production-supporting properties.
Moisturizer
For glass-like skin, well-hydrated skin is essential. The moisturizing step, a staple in most skincare routines, is even more crucial for achieving that complexion. You can use a more intensive moisturizer during the winter months. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as around the mouth and eyes. Barrier-repairing creams, or products containing ceramides and peptides, are also good options. You can apply a moisturizing mask before bed, or if you prefer not to use an extra product, you can apply your moisturizer in a thick layer and allow it to absorb overnight.
Sun protection
While not a direct part of this routine, sun protection is a step we should all take regardless of the season. Preventing the formation of skin blemishes is important for a glassy complexion. It's much easier to prevent blemishes from forming than to try to lessen the effects of something that already exists. So don't forget to protect your skin from the sun.