If you’ve been following Korean beauty trends for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the term “glass skin” and the skincare routine used to achieve it: smooth, extremely hydrated, clear skin – beyond even the “dewy” look. The term refers to skin at its healthiest – in all respects. In Korea they refer to it as clear, luminous, see-through, or bouncy skin.
Achieving that beautiful translucent glow has been a popular trend for a while now, but (and this is our holistic philosophy at the Euro Institute) achieving this look must include a healthy and balanced lifestyle, as well as dedication to a skin care regimen. Even if your skin genes are amazing, these results take time – and commitment.
The Glass skincare process:
Products:
· 2 cleansers for the double cleanse – a creamy or oil cleanser and gentle foam or exfoliating cleanser
· Exfoliant
· Toner
· Serum (or facial oil like rosehip seed or evening primrose oil)
· Moisturizer
· Sunscreen
· Facial mask
The Routine:
1. Double cleanse: Wash with the cream or oil-based cleanser first (always non-comedogenic and gentle to keep pores from clogging, and not to strip natural oils). Follow with the exfoliating cleanser or foamy cleanser to remove all residue from the skin.
2. Exfoliate: Using a gentle scrub, enzyme mask or gel to remove dead skin cells and surface skin debris. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate no more than twice per week with a gentle product.
3. Toner: The toner helps balance the skin’s pH and helps prepare the skin to better absorb the products that go on next. Stay away from toners containing alcohol which can be excessively drying to the skin (even oily skin).
4. Serum or facial oil: Choose products containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or other antioxidants and soothing, hydrating ingredients. Lightweight, fast absorbing plant-based facial oils (like our Evening Primrose Oil or Hempseed Oils) help protect the skin without weighing it down.
5. Apply eye cream: The skin around your eyes is usually the first to show signs of aging. Eye-creams address the delicate skin around the eyes to reduce appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. Apply a pea-sized amount of the product and gently tap it into the skin beneath your eyes using your ring finger.
6. Moisturize: Choose an appropriate one for your skin type (and condition, which can change) that gives you instant hydration and leaves your skin feeling smooth and supple.
7. Protect: Sunscreen is a must. A dedicated sunscreen is better than a moisturizer/sunscreen combination, but if you need to save a step, so be it. Look for a product that is physical as opposed to chemical, at least SPF 30 or higher, and is hydrating. A water-based physical sunscreen will absorb quickly and not leave any residue or “white” cast.
8. Face masks: As an additional step (add to your evening routine), apply a face mask 2-3 times a week. A clay-based mask or detoxifying mud mask will draw out toxins and reduce the appearance of pores without excessive dryness to the skin. Sheet masks are an easy and convenient way to hydrate and give your skin an immediate glow. If your skin is very dry, choose a gel or cream hydrating mask to add more hydration.
All skin types and conditions can achieve a version of “glass skin” – even oily or blemish prone. It’s simply a case of finding the right products that work for you and making the commitment to healthy skincare inside and out.
What else can you do for a natural glass skin look?
Stay hydrated, don’t smoke, minimize caffeine and alcohol intake, follow a healthy diet that works for your body and get a good night’s sleep.
Eat healthy fats. They help your skin stay hydrated and supple. Salmon and other cold-water fish have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and protect the skin from free-radicals. Avocados contain oleic acid, a good for you fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation.
Eat fruits and vegetables. No brainer. Leafy greens like spinach, blueberries (full of antioxidants), grapes, peppers, and citrus – are all skin friendly.
Drink water. Hydrate from the inside out and your skin will thank you. There are studies suggesting that overly dry skin may cause the body to produce excess sebum in an attempt to counteract the dryness, causing or worsening breakouts.
Sleep well. Studies show that too little sleep can result in dark undereye circles, puffiness, exacerbation of fine lines and dull skin texture and color. Get your zzz’s!
Luminous, glowy, translucent – whatever you want to call it – skin is never about just treating symptoms. It’s a holistic (there’s that term again!) approach and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. What you put into your body is as important as what you’re putting on your skin. Let’s get glowing!