The term ‘glass skin’ is constantly being thrown about in the skincare world and some part of you wants to join in on this phenomenon… but what exactly is glass skin? Healthy skin is one thing, but glass skin takes it up to a whole other level that gets you naturally radiant and dewy. If you’re looking to understand glass skin and achieve it for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. This is your guide to everything you need to know about achieving glass skin, including the skincare superstars to add to your daily routine for the glowiest results. Get your shopping cart ready because a haul is sure to ensue - keep scrolling to start your glass skin journey.

What is glass skin?

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

Glass skin refers to a complexion that’s healthy and hydrated to the point that it becomes as radiant and reflective as glass. It originally derived from Korean skin trends, but slowly gained fame worldwide as skincare enthusiasts attempted to capture that luminous complexion for themselves. Glass skin is recognised to be smooth, firm and clarified, free of unevenness and blemishes. All skin types are capable of achieving glass skin, and it’s a matter of a solid skincare routine plus healthy skin habits to get you to your glass skin goals.

How can I achieve glass skin?

1. Double-cleanse

The first step to ensuring a clear and clarified complexion is making sure your skin is clean. Double cleansing consists of 2 cleansing steps - first with an oil cleanser, followed by a water-based one - to give your skin a thorough cleanse and clear away any remaining buildup or residue. While your water-based cleanser catches most things, it won’t be able to catch all, which is why it should be accompanied by an oil-based cleanser for the more stubborn debris. Do take note that double cleansing should be performed in the PM only so as to not overwhelm your skin; you’re more likely to collect more buildup, sunscreen and makeup throughout the day when you’re out and about, as opposed to when you’re sleeping in bed.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

Step 1: an oil-based cleanser. The Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil reaches deep into your pores with its Black Rice-infused formula, gently lifting away dead skin cells, excess sebum, sunscreen and makeup for clean and soft skin. Its key ingredient provides a dose of antioxidant protection, in addition to necessary minerals and proteins to support strong, glowing skin.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ETUDE

With your oil cleanse done, follow up with a water-based cleanser. The ETUDE Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser is made to be used by all skin types, specially formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. It features a duo of Panthenol and Madecassosside to hydrate and soothe the skin, respectively, delivered to the skin through a gentle, non-irritating foam that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture. Simply lather up, and emerge from your cleanse with pH-balanced, plush skin.

2. Strengthen your skin barrier

At the core of skin function is the skin barrier. In short, it works to keep necessary substances in and harmful substances out. A compromised skin barrier is unable to perform its duty, therefore leading to weakened skin that may be dry, itchy or irritated. In order for your complexion to reach glass skin status, it’s important to have fundamental skin barrier health in check; only with a fortified skin barrier will your skin have the ability to maintain optimal hydration levels and a natural radiance.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TirTir

The social media-famous TirTir Milk Skin Toner hasn’t attained its viral status for nothing. Think of this toner like a fortifying milk concoction for your skin: it’s made with Rice Bran extract, Cermaide, Panthenol and Niacinamide to keep the skin barrier hydrated and happy, paving the road towards bright and dewy skin. As it promotes a healthy and gleaming complexion, it also alleviates redness, irritation and skin tone unevenness - no wonder the skin just drinks this stuff up.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ma:nyo

Fermented ingredients are excellent for strengthening the skin barrier because they provide healthy skin bacteria for its maintenance. The ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule shines the spotlight on Bifida Ferment Lysate, responsible for balancing the skin’s microbiome, offering hydration, and enhancing skin elasticity. Free of harmful ingredients, it visibly plumps and nourishes the skin for a glass look appearance that reflects skin health from deep within.

3. Hydrate

Hydration is a basic function of skincare that everyone requires, regardless of your skin type. By locking in moisture and balancing the skin’s oil-water levels, this keeps the skin barrier functioning as it should and allows your skin to become naturally radiant and plump (aka reach glass skin status). For those with dry skin it may be more obvious when hydration is needed, but for anyone with an oilier skin type: the production of excess sebum is a sign that your skin needs hydration, as it produces more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

Slip in an extra layer of splash into your routine with the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Serum. This booster douses the skin in lightweight hydration, courtesy of Birch Juice and Hyaluronic Acid, without heaviness or greasiness to weigh down the complexion. The watery texture absorbs rapidly and instantly leaves the skin feeling refreshed as it forms a moisture defense barrier to seal in the hydration.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - I'm From

The I'm From Rice Cream goes above and beyond for your skin to merely deliver hydrating benefits. Ceramide derived from Rice Bran extract forms a protective layer over the skin to shield it from sun damage and improve moisture retention. The Rice extract itself regulates sebum production to prevent clogged pores and maintain clarified skin. Reviewers have described this cream as ‘a hug for the skin’, attesting to its silky and deeply nourishing formula.

4. Seek out glow-giving ingredients

So you’ve got the skin barrier and hydration down - what’s next? After nailing these fundamental steps, you’re ready to start turning up the dial on the glow factor. Keep an eye out for skincare ingredients that will boost your natural radiance and get you the desired reflective effect that is characteristic of glass skin. Popular ones include Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Rice extract, Alpha-Arbutin and Glutathione.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MISSHA

A luminous, firm complexion is the endgame of the MISSHA Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule. As its name suggests, it supports the 2 primary functions of brightening the skin with Vitamin C and revitalizing skin elasticity with Collagen; both ingredients join forces in microcapsules that target various skin concerns like sun damage, hyperpigmentation, a loss of elasticity, and rough skin texture.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

Toner pads aren’t just for toning the skin post-cleanse - the numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad floods the skin with vitamins, Niacinamide and more brightening ingredients to improve dark spots and the overall skin tone. The cotton gauze side of the pad works to gently resurface the skin, while the Glutathione jelly side promotes skin brightness and clarity, restoring luster and vitality back to the skin.

5. Protect from damaging UV rays

Protecting your skin from sun damage is key to preventing a host of skin concerns that stand between you and your desired glass skin complexion. UV rays can irritate and dry out the skin barrier, causing it to lose hydration and bounce. Sunscreen is your best bet against UV damage, allowing you to go about your day without having to shoulder hard-to-reverse damage. After all, prevention is the best cure.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

There’s nothing better to add to your daily skincare routine than the cult-favorite Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++. Loaded with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid, this featherlight sun gel sinks into the skin to intensely moisturize several layers of the dermis while defending against UV damage. Not only does it help to balance oil-water levels, it even supports the skin barrier with Centella Asiatica and Ceramide, taking you one step closer towards your complexion goals.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TOCOBO

No white cast? Check. Comfortable hydrating formula? Check. The TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ applies like a moisturizing serum and blends into the skin effortlessly, forming a protective UV layer made up of oil and moisture components. Contrary to the assumptions (or even qualms) of hydrating sunscreens, this formula feels light and non-sticky upon application and throughout the day.

6. Stay consistent with your routine

As much as we’d love for it to happen, glass skin doesn’t quite happen overnight. It takes commitment and discipline to routinely care for your skin and perform the necessary steps to achieve that bouncy, glowing complexion, as well as maintain it in the long term. Luckily this process isn’t difficult, thanks to all the innovative and high-performing skincare at your fingertips that will essentially do the work for you. Just remember to form the right routine and stick with it.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

On a daily basis, hydration is non-negotiable. The medicube Collagen Jelly Cream helps you meet your glass skin goals with its Collagen, Elastin and Niacinamide-packed formula that smooths out fine lines and plumps the complexion. Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer lifts sagging skin and bumps up skin radiance, transforming and improving the skin over the long term.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - LANEIGE

For a weekly booster to double down on the glass skin effect, turn towards the LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX. This sleeping mask recharges your complexion with Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane as you get your beauty sleep, alongside a Probiotic-derived complex to foster a hydrated glow. Wake up the next morning with tight and bright skin that suggests you got your recommended 8 hours of sleep (even if you didn’t).

With the right habits and skincare products in hand, you’re ready to begin your glass skin journey! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!