How to Get Korean Glass Skin
A recent skin trend that began as a part of the Korean Beauty (K-beauty) scene and has since gained popularity worldwide on social media is the idea of “glass skin.” Glass skin is defined as dewy, luminous, poreless, glowing skin that is so clear and hydrated that it is nearly see-through. The term was coined by beauty expert and founder of the skincare company Peach & Lily, Alicia Yoon, who says that achieving a glass skin look is about maximizing hydration and skin health. This healthy skin tone and texture can be attained by following what is now known as the glass skin routine, which involves the twice-daily application of various anti-aging, nourishing, and hydrating skincare products. Any multi-step skincare routine can often feel overwhelming to patients who do not know where to start. As such, the best first step to achieving your ideal facial look and wellness is to schedule a consultation appointment with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Patients who follow the glass skin routine use a multi-step skincare regimen every morning and night. The process begins with a face wash using a double cleansing process, which is when patients clean their faces with a water-based cleanser and an oil-based cleanser to clear away all contaminants. After that, patients can apply a variety of serums, boosters, and essences containing ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, humectants, fatty acids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to hydrate the skin, address skin concerns like dark spots and acne, and improve skin texture. Patients can exfoliate once or twice a week with products containing AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, or retinoids. Applying eye creams and moisturizers is key for trapping moisture in the skin and producing a dewy finish. In many cases, topical products may not be enough to achieve the glass skin complexion. Luckily, patients can turn to treatments like the Helios 785nm laser, which uses both nano and pico technologies to eliminate unwanted pigmentation, even out skin tone and texture, and remove sun damage for clear skin. The Helios 785nm laser is safe and effective, even for sensitive Asian skin types, and can be combined with topical skincare products to achieve radiant skin. If you’re looking for the best way to get Korean glass skin, Dr. Green is here to help.
Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City office for more than 25 years. A master at various cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, Dr. Green is highly adept at creating unique, effective skincare plans for each patient. With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green can provide patients with recommendations for the highest quality creams, lotions, and serums. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What is glass skin?
You may have read about this new skin trend or seen videos on social media: “Glass skin” is a term that has its roots in the Korean Beauty – aka K-beauty – scene and means skin that is glowing, luminous, and dewy as if formed from glass. A characteristic of glass skin is smooth, poreless skin that glows like you are wearing highlighter, even with no makeup. The coiner of the term “glass skin,” Alicia Yoon, says that achieving glass skin is about creating and maintaining your healthiest skin quality. The most important part of the glass skin routine is providing plenty of moisture to hydrate the skin fully.
How do you get glass skin?
Most patients must follow a disciplined, multi-step skincare routine to achieve the glass skin look. The process involves a double cleansing face wash morning and night, the application of serums, boosters, moisturizing lotions and creams, and strict sun protection with sunscreen every morning. The key to achieving the characteristic dewy look of glass skin is to hydrate the skin thoroughly. Even if you have naturally oily skin, moisturizing serums and lotions will help to control the over-production of sebum if you choose the right products. Determining the right skincare products for your skin type can feel daunting, so the best way to get started is to consult an expert dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green.
How to get Korean glass skin
Patients often wonder, “How do Koreans get glass skin?” The glass skin trend emerged from the K-beauty scene and is often associated with Korean actors and pop stars. One method for achieving glass skin is to follow the 10-step Korean skincare process, which is outlined further below. While following the process to create a glass skin look, it is important to stick to gentle, nourishing ingredients. Avoid over-exfoliating the skin, as the acids in exfoliation products can cause skin irritation, especially if vitamin C products are paired with exfoliants containing AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids.
How to get glass skin with the Helios 785nm Picosure laser
Another way to get Korean glass skin is through in-office laser treatments. The Helios 785 laser is an innovative, non-invasive treatment option for removing sun damage and evening out skin tone for clearer, radiant skin. This Q-switched Nd: YAG laser employs three different wavelengths, a 532 nanosecond, a 785 picosecond, and a 1064 nanosecond, to customize each treatment to the patient’s skin type, tone, and concerns. Its ability to penetrate deep into the skin allows for improved melanin absorption to eliminate pigmentation and collagen production to smooth and even out skin texture. The results of the treatment are clearer, smoother, brighter skin, all without the need for any downtime or risk of significant side effects. The Helios laser is also unique in being one of the few lasers safe for melasma treatment. Typically, multiple treatment sessions spaced two to four weeks apart are required for maximum facial rejuvenation. Patients often engage in regular treatment sessions to maintain and enhance their glass skin complexion.
What is the K-Beauty Glass Skincare Routine?
Around the world, more and more attention is being paid to the Korean skincare routine and K-beauty products to provide patients with smooth, clear, bright, glowy skin. The Korean skincare regimen involves a 10-step process of cleaning the skin of debris such as makeup, sunscreen, excess oils, and dead skin cells, infusing the skin with antioxidants, vitamin C serums, and hyaluronic acid, treating skincare concerns such as acne blemishes, fine lines, and dark spots, applying a face mask, moisturizing, and repeated application of sunscreen throughout the day. Many Korean skincare products are available online and can be used in this skincare process. However, the 10-step regimen does not require patients to use beauty products directly from Korea.
A step-by-step guide for how to get smooth glass skin
The standard Korean skincare routine comprises a 10-step process for cleaning the skin, treating skin conditions, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. The Korean skincare regimen helps create hydrated, smooth, bright, and clear skin. While ten steps may feel like a lot, the process can be easily followed throughout the day, with the bulk of product applications happening in the morning and night. While the 10-step process can be shortened to five or seven steps, the full treatment regimen is as follows:
- Oil-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser
- Exfoliation
- Toner
- Essence
- Boosters & Serums
- Sheet mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Double Cleanser – Oil-based Cleanser & Water-based Cleanser
The first step in the Korean skincare routine is using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and a build-up of sebum – or oil – on the skin. The oil-based cleanser contains ingredients such as macadamia oil, jojoba oil, and grape seed oil and is the first step in the double cleanse foundational to the K-beauty skincare routine. Both in the morning and at night, a cleansing oil should be gently applied to the skin, followed by warm water to help the product emulsify on the skin before being rinsed off.
The second step in the double cleanse is to use a water-based cleanser with active ingredients such as green tea extract, rice extract, and pearl extract to remove dirt and sweat from the skin’s surface. The water-based cleanser is essential for removing the skin impurities missed by the oil-based cleanser, helping prevent breakouts and clearing the pores. Following the oil-based cleanser, the water-based cleanser should be applied when the face is damp, massaged into the skin, and then rinsed off with warm water.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation of the skin should be performed one to two times a week to help remove dead skin cells from the face, promoting skin cell turnover and clearing the pores. Two types of exfoliation can be performed: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation involves the application of a solution containing such ingredients as lactic acid or glycolic acid, which causes a reaction with the dead skin cells and debris, causing them to slough off the skin, boosting new collagen production and leaving the skin bright and clear. Physical exfoliation involves the application of an abrasive ingredient, such as biodegradable beads or sugar. Physical exfoliation is highly effective but is more likely to cause skin irritation, so consult your dermatologist on which method would be best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Toner
Typically containing ingredients such as aloe, citric acid, and licorice, the toner step is important to remove any residual cleanser on the skin and prepare the skin barrier for the moisturizing step. Toner helps to balance the skin’s pH levels and allows for better absorption of moisturizing products, such as hyaluronic acid. Toner should be applied by gently patting the product into the skin following the cleanser step.
Essence for Skin Hydration
Application of essence, such as the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence, helps to hydrate the skin and improve skin cell turnover. The Essence is typically lightweight and helps to provide patients with bright, evenly textured, hydrated skin. It can be applied in the morning and lightly placed on the skin’s surface.
Boosters and serums for skin brightening & controlling face oil
The treatment step allows patients to address specific skin conditions such as acne breakouts, blemishes, dark spots, dry skin, or oily skin. In this step, various products are available depending on your needs. For acne-prone skin, look for products containing ingredients such as retinol, propolis extract, and niacinamide, such as the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. When addressing dark spots or hyperpigmentation, a Vita C serum containing Centella Asiatica (Cica), green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid can be an effective and non-irritating solution. When addressing specific skin conditions, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to know what product will work best for you.
Sheet Mask
One of the most well-known steps of the Korean skincare routine is the sheet mask – a hydrating mask that is left on the face for 20-30 minutes to allow the absorption of nutrients and moisture. Sheet masks can be made with various ingredients, including green tea extract and rose; many are available on the market. It is important to apply the sheet mask to a clean, clear face so that the revitalizing ingredients can absorb fully into the skin with prolonged contact with the mask. A sheet mask is best performed in the evening following the double cleanse, toner, and treatment steps.
Eye Cream
The skin under the eyes is often thin and delicate and can show early signs of aging with fine lines and dark circles. Applying eye cream under the eyes can help firm the delicate skin and prevent fine lines, such as crow’s feet, and hyperpigmentation. It is best to look for eye creams that contain hydrating ingredients such as ginseng, honey, and ceramides, and eye creams should be gently applied by tapping the treatment area rather than rubbing.
Moisturizer for skin hydration
To seal in moisture and keep the skin smooth and hydrated, moisturize the skin’s surface every morning and evening as the second to last step of the 10-step process. Moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extra, Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and bamboo help to keep the keep from drying out overnight and throughout the day, which helps to smooth the skin and prevent the development of wrinkles. There are many different forms of moisturizers, including creams, gels, and serums, and depending on your skin type and local environment, the best form of moisturizer can change. For advice on what kind of moisturizer to choose, you can consult with Dr. Green.
Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
The last step of the Korean skincare routine, and the most important for long-term skin protection, is applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50. Patients should always be advised to put on sunscreen at the beginning of the day to protect the skin from UV rays, which can lead to sunspots and skin cancer. You can look for a Korean sunscreen, such as the Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 sunscreen, or opt for any sunscreen that contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
What is glass skin makeup?
The glass skin routine aims to generate the healthiest, most hydrated skin possible using skincare products rather than makeup. Following the glass skin process, patients should achieve clear, evenly textured skin, in which the skin’s hydration generates a natural highlighter. Theoretically, foundation is unnecessary because the skin is already smooth and poreless. That said, patients can always apply makeup during the day. Following the glass skin routine, patients should apply all skincare products before adding a makeup layer.
How to get glass skin in 1 day / 2 days / 3 days
Glass skin cannot be achieved overnight; rather, patients must follow the glass skin routine for several weeks before the full results of the process become visible. Dark spots, blemishes, and large pores will not disappear instantly, even when you start using effective products. Exfoliants, boosters, and serums can help to trigger the body’s natural skin cell turnover and collagen production processes, which are effective at helping to achieve smooth, clear, evenly textured skin. However, those natural processes will take more than a few days.
How long does it take to get glass skin?
Patients who follow the glass skin routine typically begin to see improved skin tone and texture within one week of starting the process. Full glass skin results are usually achieved two to three weeks after beginning the routine. To maintain dewy, clear, glowing skin, patients should continue to apply their skincare products morning and night and exfoliate at most twice a week.
How to get glass skin without products
Patients often wonder, “How to get glass skin naturally.” While the full glass skin look is typically achieved using a combination of moisturizing and hydrating serums, boosters, and lotions, patients can help to create this look with simple lifestyle changes. Because hydration is key, drinking water and staying hydrated can help patients achieve glass skin naturally from the inside out. Reducing stress, eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep every night can also have profound anti-aging effects on the skin.
How to get glass skin at home
Patients sometimes wonder, “How to get glass skin naturally at home.” Glass skin can be easily achieved at home with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter skincare products. Find hydrating products with fatty acids, humectants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to moisturize the skin’s surface. Proper skin care also requires strict sun protection daily. The sun’s UV rays can reduce collagen production, emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and generate dark spots. So, applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning is essential, and reapplying every two hours whenever you are outside.
Is glass skin oily?
Glass skin is a trend in creating balanced, clear, and hydrated skin with a smooth texture like glass. In contrast, oily skin occurs when the oil glands produce excess sebum, which usually happens on the forehead, nose, and chin. Too much sebum is not ideal for the skin, as it can contribute to clogged pores, which lead to acne blemishes. Glass skin aims to stop excess oil production by keeping the skin hydrated, so the dewy appearance comes from moisture rather than oil.
Is glass skin healthy?
According to the founder of Peach & Lily skincare and the woman who originated the term, Alicia Yoon, glass skin is “your skin at its healthiest.” The goal with following a glass skin routine is to create balance by using a combination of products that moisturize, exfoliate, protect, and hydrate the skin. Yoon also recommends finding gentle skincare products and avoiding over-exfoliation of the skin, which can cause skin irritation and occurs when you exfoliate too frequently or combine vitamin C products with AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. The K-beauty trend also emphasizes sun protection as a cornerstone of your skincare routine, which helps to prevent aging, dark spots, and more serious skin concerns like melanoma.
Is glass skin real?
Glass skin is a beauty trend that is centered around keeping the skin balanced, clear, and hydrated to create a luminous, dewy, and glowing complexion. Following the full skincare regime requires commitment and dedication, but many patients feel that the results make the time and care for the skin fully worth it. If you are just getting started with Korean skincare, it is best to begin by adding one product at a time and letting the skin adjust for several days before adding the next product. This way, you can find out which products work best for your skin.
How to get started with effective skincare today
When it comes to skincare, it can feel difficult to know what products to use and what regimen to follow to get glowing, clear, glass skin, which is why many people are turning to the globally trending Korean beauty skincare routine. The Korean skincare routine is a ten-step regimen (that can be simplified to as few as five steps) with skincare products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients, that work to hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin for a glass skin look. When beginning any multi-step skincare process, it can be difficult to know which skincare products will work best for your skin type. That is why the best first step in achieving glass skin is to consult with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who can recommend safe and effective products for you.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to her patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or contact our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and determine how you can achieve a glass-skin look today.