Korean skincare has been trending since 2018, and for good reason. They are known for their “revolutionary formulations, surprising ingredients and ready-to-use packaging”, sheet masks, snail mucin and essence are elements that come from K-beauty.
Another thing that was born some time ago is glass skin, which is basically smooth, even skin, appearing in the healthiest state your skin can ever be. Also known as “honey” or “dew” skin, it gives the skin a plumped and firm appearance. So how do you get there?
1. Do NOT use a lot of products
While researching glass skin, I came across tons of articles stating that it takes about 10 things to get the perfect glass skin, which is totally untrue. There are tons of myths out there that if you put more products on your skin, it will look better. Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York, says that “health and beauty products are studied for their effectiveness on an individual basis, not as part of a layered routine”. The products alone will work well, but if you layer them with several products, you don’t know whether the active ingredients of each of the products penetrate deep into your skin or not. Chwalek also says, “Not only that, but you’re also adding something where there are other ingredients that could deactivate the active ingredient or affect the pH at which the active ingredient works.” She says doing too much to your skin can actually irritate it, and it becomes difficult to determine which ingredient is causing the severe reaction. A simple skincare routine can be as follows;
Step 1: Clean
Cleansing is great for your skin, especially if you have makeup on your face. It helps remove dirt and grease your skin has built up throughout the day, and cleansing your face day and night can help prevent pimples or breakouts. There are different types of cleansers, ranging from oil, foam, and cream cleansers.
Step 2: Essence/Serums
Serums and essences are similar; essence is a less concentrated version of a serum. They add moisture and hydration to your skin, leaving it not too dry after cleansing. Each essence and serum has different purposes; some are anti-aging, some for burning, and some for hydration. Try to find an essence with hyaluronic acid, as it reduces fine lines and helps makeup apply more easily.
Step 3: Cream
Hydration is a must in your skin care. Try to look for a cream specifically designed for the face, not just a body cream. Aim for light creams with extracts and antioxidants. A popular ingredient in Korean skincare is Cica, which has “healing, anti-aging, and barrier-restoring properties.”
Step 4: FPS
A lot of people don’t put SPF on because they don’t think it’s important and only put it on if they’re going to a place like the beach. You can’t get glassy skin if you don’t put on sunscreen. Even if you’re not traveling and staying at home, FPS is important. The lightweight, hydrating formula is something you want to look for and make sure it doesn’t have a white cast.
Some additional things you can have are sheet masks, which help soothe the skin, repair damage, and lock in moisture. Face oil and eye creams are not a necessity, but can help your skin.
2. Diet
Skincare isn’t the only thing that’s variable for glass skin; your diet also plays a role. There are three types of food according to Chinese medicine and Ayurveda; cold, hot and neutral foods. Eating too much of a certain food can cause an imbalance in your body, which will cause your skin to react. Pimples and other rashes are signs that you need to change your diet and stop eating unhealthy. Try to have more green foods; vegetables and fruits help “your body’s ability to fight free radicals and provide your skin with powerful anti-aging benefits.”
3. Sleep
Hypocritical of me to say this since I am writing this article at 1am, but sleep is an important factor for your skin. “Some research suggests that less than forty blinks can lead to dark circles, fine lines, and dull color.” Wash your face before sleeping and try to sleep around eight hours so that your body wakes up refreshed. Also, keep a glass of water next to your bed, as hydration is key to achieving clear skin.
Glass skin isn’t just about using the right products, it also involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can’t expect to have clear, flawless skin if you stay up until 3 a.m. doing your chemistry homework. Adopt a healthy schedule and healthy skin will come your way.
