How to Get Flawless Korean “Glass Skin”

In ancient Greece, women used olives to make an olive oil moisturizer to put on their skin. Skin care has come a long way since, but moisturizers still play an important role in skin health.

 

An aspiring makeup artist took Instagram and Twitter by storm a few years ago when she detailed her extensive skin care routine, a routine which was given the name Korean “Glass Skin.”

 

What is “Glass Skin”?

 

Lustrous, smooth, glossy and translucent are all words used to describe the effects of the “glass skin” phenomenon. Women have long admired the enviable complexion of babies. “Soft as a baby,” is a compliment women aspire to hear about their own skin, using intense moisturizing routines to achieve such smoothness.

 

Popular with women in Korea, the skincare regimen is being adopted by women across all regions and cultures.

 

The “glass skin” beauty routine purports to leave skin so clean and flawless that it literally looks like glass. It is achieved by routinely washing away dead skin cells with a variety of steps while keeping skin as hydrated as possible.

 

Best “Glass Skin” Products

 

To be blunt — the skincare routine for “glass skin” doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to purchase separate products to use for each of the steps in the elaborate routine. However, there are a few DIY recipes for toners, which can help reduce your expenses.

 

Here are 5 of the best skin care products for the “glass skin” routine:

 

Glossier Solution exfoliating skin perfector

 

This product promises to transform your skin in a few short weeks. Using chemical exfoliation instead of scraping off the dead skin cells physically, the Glossier Exfoliating Solution gently sheds the dead cells. It also helps reduce acne and clean your pores, leaving your skin smoother and glowing.

 

 

LA PURE Snail Regeneration Korean Facial Mask 

 

Each of these sheet masks contains 7 milligrams (7000 ppm) of snail secretion, which has been shown to rejuvenate skin cells. Snail secretions have been used in beauty routines for centuries. The masks also contains additional healthy vitamins and minerals for skin hydration. Reducing wrinkles and other effects of aging will help give your skin the sought-after glassy appearance.

 

 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

 

The watermelon glow sleeping mask will help continue to moisturize and nourish your face while you are deep in slumber. You’ll wake up with brighter, fresher skin. If you prefer not to sleep with the mask cream on your skin, you can leave it on for intervals of 15 or 30 minutes. The company also sells a watermelon glow moisturizer.

 

 

DERMAdoctor Lucky Bamboo Jukyeom 9x Water Gel

 

Jukyeom is traditional Korean remedy created by monks thousands of years ago that leaves a flawless, clear complexion. The Korean-inspired beauty solution includes restorative electrolytes, antioxidants and minerals. Jukyeom consists of roasted bamboo salt crystals.

 

 

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

 

This primer and serum infusion can be used before applying makeup or as a bonus step in your skincare routine. Made from 28 ingredients, including 14 essential oils, the primer moisturizes the skin and softens wrinkles and age lines. The versatile product can also be used to replenish split ends.

 

DIY “Glass Skin” Toner

 

If you’d prefer a more natural, down-home skin toner, you can make one using some ingredients you might have in your kitchen. The rice water toner uses any type of rice – white, brown, basmati, etc.

 

Papayas are rich in nourishing minerals and enzymes. Toners sometimes dry the skin out, but a papaya-infused toner will brighten and moisturize your skin.

 

Rice & Water Toner Recipe:

• 1/2 cup of rice
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 medium bowl
• 1 glass jar with lid

 

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup of rice with 1 ½ cups of water. Allow the rice to soak in the water for 30 minutes. After a half-hour, pour the mixture into a glass jar with a lid. The product can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days between uses.

 

To use, wet a cotton pad with the rice water mixture. Use cotton pad to apply the rice water toner to your face. Let the toner air dry before moving onto the moisturizing step of the routine.

 

Papaya & Water Toner Recipe:

• Fresh papaya
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 medium bowl
• Blender

 

Directions:

Begin by blending the fresh papaya into a paste. In a medium bowl, mix the papaya paste with 1 ½ cups of water. If the mix is too thick, add more water.

To use, wet a cotton pad with the papaya water mixture. Use cotton pad to apply the papaya toner to your face. Let the toner air dry before moving onto the moisturizing step of the routine.

 

 

“Glass Skin” Care Routine

 

Remove Makeup

This skincare routine can be done at night after a long day of work. While even the simplest of skincare routines seem like a chore, this multi-step routine will feel like a trip to the spa.

By the end of the routine, you will feel refreshed and revitalized, all the grime and stress from the day wiped clean. It begins by removing your makeup with make-up remover and cotton pads or a pre-wet pad.

 

Double Cleanse Part 1 – Oil-Based Skin Cleanser

 

Your makeup has been removed and you’ve let your skin air dry. Washing your face with two different skin cleansers may seem redundant, but you would be surprised how much residue is still left on your face after just one cleanse.

 

For this first pass over your face, you want to keep your skin dry and use a cleanser that removes excess oil.

 

Double Cleanse Part 2 – Hydrating Foam Cleanser

 

While the first cleanser is used to remove oil-based debris, the foam cleanser is meant to remove sweat, dirt and other pollutants that end up on your face throughout the day.

 

For the second part of the double cleanse, you want your face wet. The cleanser for this step should be a foam, soapy cleanser. Rinse and towel dry your face after using the foam cleanser.

 

Exfoliate

 

You’ve removed the outer oil and grime; now you want to clean your pores and remove the dead skin cells from your face using an exfoliating product.

 

If you have overly sensitive skin, you will only want to do this step once or twice a week. Even if you have tougher skin, you don’t need to do this EVERY night. Several times a week will suffice.

 

Toner

Many women skip this step, thinking that all toners are alcohol-based, which dry out your skin and goes against the purpose of any skincare routine.

 

After the first few steps, your skin will be in desperate need of hydration. The toner helps prep the skin for the moisturizing steps that follow.

 

Apply an Essence

 

Essences are lightweight, slightly watery crosses of toners and serums. This step is a staple of Korean skincare culture that women around the world have adopted to their own skincare routine.

 

Look for an essence with ingredients like glycerin, which helps pull atmospheric water into your skin and squalane.

 

Moisturize

 

Even the simplest of skincare routines involves moisturizing the skin. This routine strips your skin of moisture and then replenishes the hydration necessary for the youthful, shiny look of “glass skin.”

 

If you have brown spots or pigmentation, you may want to add an extra step here, using serums or other boosters for smoother skin.

 

Face Mask

For this step, you can choose to use a face mask cream or pre-packaged sheet masks. The sheet masks come pre-soaked with the necessary nutrients.

 

Face masks are a popular addition to any beauty routine. They are the simplest way to replenish your tired skin and lock in the necessary moisture. However, face masks only need to be used once or twice a week instead of daily.

 

Wear Sunscreen

 

Regardless of your skin type or how advanced your skin routine is, wearing sunscreen is something everyone should do, regardless of the weather.

 

Sunscreen is the first line of defense against brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. Some even offer moisturizing benefits.

 

Drink Lots of Water

The cheapest step in your skincare routine is to drink plenty of water. Experts recommend 6 to 8 glasses of water every day for a healthy body, including healthy skin. Water helps keep your body hydrated and that hydration can make your skin glow.

 

Many women with great skin swear that drinking water is their secret weapon.

 

Conclusion

 

When applying many skincare products, be sure to pat the product into your skin. Rubbing the product into the skin can unintentionally result in the skin stretching, causes wrinkles.

 

While many skin care routines are a quick wipe with soap and water, the Korean “glass skin” routine can feel like a skin pampering session after a long day of walking around in unseen pollution.

 

The steps of the routine can also nourish your dry, dehydrated skin, which will ultimately help reduce wrinkles and give you a fresh-faced appearance.

 

The Korean “glass skin” routine can make you flawlessly Instagram ready without even needing filters!

 

References

 

https://blog.glowrecipe.com/2017/11/08/exactly-how-to-get-glass-skin-in-5-easy-steps/

 

https://www.dermstore.com/blog/what-is-glass-skin/

 

https://www.allure.com/story/viral-glass-skin-skin-care-routine