How to Get Glass Skin: Step-by-Step Guide to a Radiant, Flawless Complexion (2023)

Master How to Get Glass Skin in 2023: Expert steps for a luminous, flawless complexion. Essential advice for every skin type.

Have you ever caught your reflection and thought, “My skin could be better”? I’ve been there. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a photo of a Korean actress with skin so radiant and flawless, it looked almost ethereal. That’s when I first heard the term “glass skin,” and it immediately became my skincare goal.

The allure of glass skin isn’t just its radiant appearance; it’s the confidence that comes with it. You don’t have to be a celebrity or spend a fortune to achieve this look. I’ve done the research, tried the products, and refined the techniques. Now, I’m sharing the insider tips that helped me achieve that flawless, translucent skin glow. So, grab your notepad, because you’ll want to remember these steps.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts.

Understanding Glass Skin: What Is The Real Definition?

In the era of social media, where flawless skin care routines are often showcased, learning how to get glass skin has become a popular trend. First off, let’s clear up a big misconception: glass skin doesn’t mean perfect skin. According to celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon, who helped bring this trend into the spotlight, glass skin is all about your skin being at its healthiest. That means skin that’s luminous, smooth, and clear. The term itself comes from the Korean phrase “Yuri pibu,” which literally translates to “glass skin.” So, we’re talking about skin that’s so healthy it glows.

Can Anyone Achieve the Glass Skin Effect?

Now, you might be thinking, “Healthy, glowing skin sounds great, but is it realistic?” Especially if you’re like me—I’ve got sensitive, acne-prone skin that scars easily. But here’s the deal: glass skin isn’t about some unattainable ideal. It’s about making your skin the healthiest it can be, according to your own standards. So yes, it’s doable.

Ultimate Guide On How To Get Glass Skin

There are two main steps to achieving glass skin:

1. Nourish Your Skin: First, you’ve got to feed your skin the right stuff. We’re talking about ingredients that support overall skin health, like fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

2. Target Specific Issues: The second step is to tackle any specific skin issues you might have. Whether it’s sun damage, pollution, or stress, these factors can mess with your skin tone and firmness. So, bring in the big guns like retinol for firming and brightening ingredients to even out your skin tone.

And just a heads-up: if you’re looking for a quick fix, this isn’t it. Glass skin is about being consistent and giving your skin what it needs, tailored to your specific skin type. Let’s dive into the good stuff—how to get that glass skin glow. Trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds, but it does require some commitment.

Tip #1: Hydrate Your Skin: The Foundation of Glass Skin

A good place to start with achieving glass is hydrating your skin. Think of your skin like a sponge, it craves hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and snail mucin. These hydrating ingredients help your skin barrier healthy while giving you luminous skin. Lastly, finish off with a moisturizer to lock everything in and keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Best Hydrating Serums

Tip #2: Exfoliate Your Skin For Smooth, Clear Skin

Exfoliation is like giving your skin a little refresh. It helps remove dead skin cells and treats your uneven skin tone, giving you a radiant complexion. Did you know that chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are better for your skin? Unlike physical scrubs that can be too rough, chemical exfoliants speed up cell turnover and control oil production without causing any harm to your skin barrier.

Some chemical exfoliants are better for specific skin types. If you have dry skin or struggle with sun spots, choose AHAs like lactic acid. They work to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. So you’ll have smoother, more even skin.

On the other hand, if have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, BHAs like salicylic acid will be your absolute go-to. They go deep into your pores, clearing out excess oil and impurities to prevent breakouts.

But don’t overdo it. Too much exfoliation can do more harm than good. Exfoliate once or twice a week, and always follow up with a nourishing moisturizer.

Tip #3: Use Targeted Treatments: Serums and Essences To Perfect Your Complexion

Each step in your routine is equally important, but to achieve glass skin this step is a must. This is the time to treat, hydrate and illuminate your skin with different skincare ingredients. The difference between a Korean serum and essence hydrates the skin, while serums target specific skin issues like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

Most Korean serums, treatments, and essences focus on gentle ingredients that slowly improve your complexion overtime. Unlike western treatments, getting Korean glass skin is all about prevention. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can mix and match western treatments (e.g. retinol, Azelaic Acid, benzoyl peroxide) with Korean ingredients (e.g. snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil, centella asiatica, ginseng, bee venom, and more) to prevent irritation.

Here are my favorite skincare actives for specific skin issues. For product recommendations that contain these ingredients, read my post on the best Korean serums.

Best Vitamin C Serums

Tip #4: Sun Protection: Your Daily Shield for Lasting Glass Skin

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but I’ll say it again: don’t skip the SPF. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend using a Korean mineral sunscreen, which are non-irritating to skin.

If you have oily or dry skin, I highly recommend the Round Lab Birch Sunscreen. It’s one of my go-to favorites. Even if you’re just running errands, those UV rays are no joke. Use a Korean sunstick to easily reapply your sunscreen on the go.

Tip# 5: Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

When it comes to achieving that coveted glass like skin, there’s more to it than just the skincare products you apply. Having a healthy and balanced lifestyle plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. Here are a few ways to get clear skin with a natural glow other than using skincare products.

• Antioxidants: Eat antioxidant rich foods like berries, leafy greens and nuts to help fight off skin-damaging free radicals. Foods high in Vitamin C (e.g. citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries) and vitamin E (e.g. spinach, almonds, avocados) aid in collagen production to keep your skin firm and smooth. A healthy diet rich in healthy fats can also help to keep your skin looking young and plump.

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help retain skin moisture and to deliver essential nutrients to skin cells.

• Get enough sleep: Promote skin repair and avoid a dull complexion by getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

• Exercise regularly: Increase blood flow to nourish and invigorate your skin by doing yoga, jogging, or even brisk walking.

Tip #6: Be Consistent With Your Glass Skin Routine

If you’re serious about achieving glass skin, you’ve got to be consistent. A skincare routine isn’t something you do when you feel like it; it’s a daily commitment. And it’s not just about slapping on some Korean moisturizer and calling it a day. Each step in your routine serves a purpose.

Remember, no two skin types are the same. What works for your best friend might not work for you. For example, if you’re acne-prone, look for water-based cleansers with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you’re on the drier side, hydration is your top priority.

Customizable Skincare Routine For Glass Skin

Here’s a basic routine you can start with and tweak to fit your own needs and skin type to get glass skin.

Step 1: Cleanse with Face Wash – Morning and Night

Our skin collects oil, sweat, and pollutants throughout the day. These can clog pores and make your complexion dull. To start, use micellar water or a cleansing oil (e.g. oil-based cleanser ) like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm to get rid of impurities.

Then, follow up with a hydrating face wash like COSRX low pH Gel Cleanser. If you have acne-prone skin, go for Korean cleansers that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Also, look for soothing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, chamomile, and green tea.

Here are my favorite gentle, yet effective cleansers.

Step 2: Apply Essence Both Morning and Night

Essences are packed with powerful ingredients that deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. After cleansing, you can apply a treatment essence like Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. It’s got hydrating hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts to give your skin some extra love.

Step 3: Apply Retinol At Night

Retinol is an incredible ingredient for combatting signs of aging and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporate it into your nighttime skincare routine a few times a week.

If you have sensitive skin, consider giving bakuchiol a try – it’s an excellent alternative to retinol that offers the same benefits without irritating.

Since retinol may irritate those with sensitive skin, it’s important to introduce it gradually into your skincare regimen. Start by using it 1-2 nights per week and increase the frequency over time if your skin tolerates it well.

On another note: Retinol can be irritating especially if you use other potentially skin irritating ingredients like vitamin c and salicylic acid.

Step 4: Treat With Serums During Morning And Night Routine

This is the step in the glass skin routine, where you get to select Korean serums to target your specific skin concerns. You can opt for a hydrating serum that has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and madecassoside. Or if you’re looking for bouncy skin with a glassy glow, try a serum infused with vitamins C and E, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid.

Check out some of my favorite Korean serums to treat and give you dewy skin.

Step 5: Hydrate Your Skin With Moisturizer Both Morning and Night

Moisturizers help lock in hydration and seal in the benefits of your serums and essences. Just apply a thin layer of a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. If you struggle with dark circles, you can use a Korean eye cream to help brighten and plump up your under eye area to get that see through, clear skin under-eye look.

If your skin is feeling extra thirsty, add a few drops of hyaluronic acid or face oil to your moisturizer for a boost of hydration. Here a a few of my favorite Korean moisturizers based on skin type.

Step 6: Apply Sunscreen During Your Morning Routine

The last step of your morning routine is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s best for your skin type. Sunscreens are the key to maintaining and protecting your glass skin. Do not skip this step. Use a sunscreen stick to reapply throughout the day. They’re super easy to use, glide smoothly on your skin, and can fit in any purse or bag.

Here are my favorite Korean sunscreens for all skin types.

Step 7: Exfoliate Your Skin At Night, 1 -2 Times Per Week

Exfoliation is key to getting rid of dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and allowing skincare products to work their magic. If you’ve got dry skin or dark spots, opt for something like lactic acid (AHA). For those with acne-prone skin, give salicylic acid (BHA) a try. It’ll help keep those breakouts at bay.

Here are my favorite salicylic acid exfoliants.

Step 8: Sheet Mask – At Night Once or Twice a Week

Face masks provide an extra boost of hydration and active ingredients. Apply a hydrating sheet mask, like Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask, once or twice a week for an extra boost of hydration.

Conclusion

Follow these tips consistently, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving glass skin. And hey, remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all skincare regimen. If you’re not getting the desired results, reach out to a board certified dermatologist to personalize a routine just for you.

Because, ultimately, glass skin is all about achieving your best skin possible, not some impossible standard. If you’ve found these tips helpful, drop your email and subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll receive insider skincare tips and products that you need to try.