Korean skincare is all the rage and for good reason. No one can deny the almost universally FLAWLESS skin you see from South Korean influencers.
People often describe the skin as “glassy,” radiant, and free of pretty much any discernible imperfections. Of course, we all want skin like that, right? So we need all the details on this Korean skincare miracle.
We dug into all things Korean skincare to discover where this glass skin comes from. We’ve got the info, and we’re ready to share with you how you can achieve a perfect complexion with the right daily beauty routine.
Here’s what you should try:
How to Get Glass Skin: Your Guide To A Flawless Complexion
Sharing skincare tips, tricks, and deep secrets has always been a big goal of ours and that doesn’t change when we look at skincare regimens beyond our borders. We’ve got a lot to learn from Korean beauty experts, so we definitely recommend trying some of their skincare strategies to get that GORGEOUS glass skin effect.
What is Glass Skin?
As we mentioned, glass skin is a skincare trend that started in Korea and gained fame all over the world. The skin is usually smooth, luminous, even-toned, and wrinkle-free. But, what really makes it stand out as “glassy” is the dewy, ultra-hydrated quality of the skin that makes it shine like glass.
Glassy, dewy skin requires A LOT of hydration, nourishment, and general maintenance. It’s a lot of work to maintain a radiant, poreless complexion that doesn’t look oily or irritated.
If you need some help getting started, we’re here for you with the expert tips as usual. Here’s our TSC glass skin routine:
How to Get Korean Glass Skin
Step 1: Use a high-quality cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and other junk. (Then double it!)
One of the distinct features of a Korean skincare routine is the concept of double cleansing. The first round, you go in with something strong and oil-based like STEP ONE from House of Preservation to remove makeup and grime.
Then, follow that up with a gentler cleanser like the one from Dr. Barbara Sturm that’ll ensure no impurities are left behind. We’re looking for a clean slate here.
Step 2: Gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
To achieve glass skin, you’ve got to have a smooth starting surface. Exfoliating once or twice a week will not only ensure your skin is always smooth, but it’ll also help make your skin glossy and totally radiant as you remove dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover.
To exfoliate, you can definitely use a gentle chemical exfoliator like Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel. However, it’s not just about removing dead skin cells.
Peach fuzz can also prevent you from getting that glassy face texture. So, we recommend shaving your face. If you’re new to the idea of shaving as a woman, let us convince you–here’s all the pros of shaving your face. There are still some TSC razors left here.
Step 3: Balance your skin’s pH with toner.
With all the cleansing, you run the risk of tearing down your moisture barrier, irritating the skin, and drying it out. However, the rest of the steps in this routine will make sure you reap all the benefits and don’t experience any of the downsides.
When you’re done double cleansing and exfoliating, apply your toner. Toner balances the pH of the skin to restore that protective barrier, reduce irritation, and boost hydration. We love this YINA Toner or this Holi(Water) Pearl and Rose Hyaluronic Acid Toner.
Step 4: Hydrate and smooth your skin with face oil and an ice roller.
Again, hydration is super important after the cleansing and exfoliation. The next step in moisturizing your skin is with a glass skin refining serum, essence, or face oil. We’re obviously biased to the Depuffing Oil. It can help further build-up that moisture barrier while replenishing hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
To double-up on the benefits, apply your face oil then use the ice roller or the Mint Roller. The facial massage combined with the cold roller can help minimize puffiness, and alleviate the appearance of wrinkles. As well as enhance skin texture, soothe any sensitivity, and boost circulation for a healthy glow.
Step 5: Nourish your skin with a sheet mask 1-2 times a week.
When you exfoliate, it’s a good idea to nourish your skin with face masks during the evening routine. We like the SKIN111 masks and the Mediheal NMF Korean Sheet Mask.
If you’re looking to try something new, we’re in love with Dr. Dennis Gross’s LED face mask. You can find more info about that here in Lauryn’s post on why and how to use an LED face mask.
Step 6: Use a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin.
We’ve been adding one layer of moisture at a time and we’re not done yet. Find a moisturizer that suits your skin type and massage it into your skin. Soon you’ll be seeing that glassy look.
Some great moisturizers for most skin types include Epicuren Discovery Colostrum Cream and if you’re really sensitive, try this lotion by SOS.
Step 7: Apply eye cream or eye patches to ditch dark circles.
Hopefully that ice roller helped ditch the discoloration and puffiness around your eyes, but if they’re still hanging out, it’s time for eye cream or patches.
These beauty products are specially designed to hydrate, firm, boost, and even out the skin around your eyes. Lauryn loves the resuable ones by Barefaced.
Step 8: Protect and tone your skin with caffeinated sunscreen.
Sunscreen is always a must. The sun can worsen wrinkles, irritation, dryness, discoloration, and more. And, don’t worry about a white cast across your face. There are plenty of facial sunscreens that don’t leave you with ashen skin. Our recommendation? Our CAFFEINATED SUNSCREEN.
This sunscreen not only protects the skin, but it’s caffeinated to tighten and lift too. These ingredients help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness while it firms and hydrates the skin.
Step 9: Stay super hydrated and eat well.
Great skin isn’t just about having a great skincare routine. You need to take care of yourself too.
Drink lots of water and prioritize a balanced diet with hydrating foods to help you maintain radiant skin and reach your beauty goals. Lucky you, Lauryn is about to drop a supplement that helps you glow from within, while hydrating and replenishing your body. Get on the list to be the first to shop when it drops.
Step 10: Don’t forget your beauty rest.
Great sleep is essential to all aspects of health . . . including skincare. There are so many benefits of a good night’s sleep and our Korean skincare routine demands a good 8-10 hours. To get more from your sleep, try using mouth tape, a silk pillowcase, and a humidifier. If you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, here’s how to elevate your night time routine for better relaxation and sleep.
Get trending Korean glass skin with this beauty routine.
Great skincare not only helps you with makeup application and looking your best overall, but it’s also essential for your health and confidence.
Invest in yourself and your beauty goals by adopting these skincare practices. And if you want to glow from the inside out (who doesn’t) be sure to order NEW Beauty Water on subscription. It’s an efficient solution to optmize your morning supplents. It’s a seamless and simple way to hydrate before your morning coffee.
x, The Skinny Confidential team.
+ Lauryn’s exact Korean routine and why she loves it.
++ Learn more about Lauryn’s salmon semen facials.
GLASS SKIN:
