The Secret to Glowing Glass Skin
By Michelka M.
April 25, 2024
The Western world is catching up with K-beauty practices, focusing more on skin care over makeup. Lina Kim, founder of GlowNest, attributes this to a blend of trends from Korea's emphasis on hydration and skin health. "The glass-skin trend mirrors a global shift toward prioritizing natural beauty and efficient routines," she tells Glowkor. With many K-beauty products available, achieving glass skin is more accessible. Kim and Dr. Christine Hall detail steps and product recommendations for a radiant complexion.
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According to London-based general practitioner Dr. Christine Hall, double cleansing is essential for achieving glass skin. 'Sebum, most makeup, and SPF are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in oil, while sweat, pollutants, and other impurities are water-soluble,' she explains. 'To thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove all the buildup from the day, it's necessary to use a double cleansing method, starting with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
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Anua - Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing oil
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Exfoliator
Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, resulting in a smoother texture and brighter complexion," says Kim. "However, avoid harsh exfoliants that can cause irritation and breakouts. Instead, choose gentle exfoliating acids like PHAs," advises Dr. Sarah Lee
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Anua - Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
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Mixsoon - Bean Essence
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Toners and Essences
Dr. Hall explains that toners and essences are crucial first steps for hydration and repairing the skin barrier, key for achieving glass skin. Kim notes that they also "balance the skin’s pH levels, hydrate, and enhance the absorption of serums and moisturizers.
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Anua - Heartleaf 77% Toner
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TIRTIR - Milk Skin Toner
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Serums
Next in your glass-skin routine are serums. Thicker and more viscous than essences, serums enhance hydration and address concerns such as acne, dullness, fine lines, and dark spots.
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Anua - Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum
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AXIS - Y - Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
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Moisturizers
Consider moisturizer as the final step in your hydration routine. 'It’s the thickest product, so apply skin care from the thinnest to the thickest, sealing in everything applied previously,' says Dr. Hall. 'Opt for ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids for deep hydration, and cica and ectoin to calm and soothe the skin.'
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COSRX - Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - 100ml
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DR. ALTHEA - AZULENE 147HA INTENSIVE SOOTHING CREAM
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Sunscreen
A radiant, plump complexion requires sun protection. '90% of visible aging is due to UV rays, so wearing SPF daily is the best anti-aging advice I can give,' says Dr. Sarah Lee. Kim adds that 'sunscreen is essential for preventing sun damage, pigmentation, and premature aging, maintaining the skin’s clarity and glow.'
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BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
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SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
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What is glass skin?
'Glass skin refers to a dewy, hydrated, and flawless complexion that shines so brightly it resembles glass,' explains Dr. Sarah Lee. She notes that this glow is achieved through not only skin care but also good sleep, a healthy diet, and low stress. 'The concept of beauty in South Korea dates back to the Three Kingdoms era (37–668 BC), with the ideal of young-yook-il-chi-sa-sang, meaning ‘Within a beautiful body, rests a beautiful soul,’' Dr. Lee adds. According to Kim, the glass-skin trend 'gained momentum on social media, where K-beauty routines drew widespread attention and became a global phenomenon.'