What Is Glass Skin and How To Get Glass Skin Naturally?

Is glass skin your ultimate skin goal? Experts say that following the 10-step Korean glass skin routine can bring about magical skin transformation within weeks.

While the glass routine guarantees enhanced skin health, it needs to be customized according to your skin type.

Read on to know what steps the glass skin routine comprises and useful glass skin tips for your skin type.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Physical exercise, a diet free of refined carbs and sugar, regular bowel movements, sound sleep and healthy happy thoughts nurture Rasa from within and can make glass skin a possibility for all.”

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Is Glass Skin?
• Step-By-Step Glass Skin Routine
• How Do You Get Glass Skin Naturally?
• Glass Skin Tips For Your Skin Type
• Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Skin?

What Is Glass Skin?

Those who are well-versed with Korean beauty (K-Beauty) trends know that glass skin refers to unblemished, smooth, flawless skin that appears so luminous that it almost seems to reflect light. This impeccable dewy radiance is achieved with a meticulously planned skin regime that infuses your skin with the right amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, humectants, emollients and fatty acids.

This repair rejuvenates and immunizes your skin against common skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, premature aging, infections and acne. When your skin is well-hydrated and devoid of problems, it naturally appears glass-like perfect.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “Excellence of Rasa dhatu (Lymph) offers Glass skin, according to Ayurveda. The skin appears poreless, radiant and well hydrated. Products can help heal and maintain the skin. Physical exercise, a diet free of refined carbs and sugar, regular bowel movements, sound sleep and healthy happy thoughts nurture Rasa from within and can make glass skin a possibility for all.”

Step-By-Step Glass Skin Routine

The Korean glass skin routine aims to take your skin to its healthiest state. It’s a full-proof plan that pays attention to all your skin needs. Though at a glance the routine appears to be laborious, remember that each step serves a specific purpose to enhance your skin’s natural glow.

Step 1: Double Cleanse

• Experts advise starting your glass skin routine with an oil or cream cleanser. This helps dissolve oil-based impurities such as sunscreen, make-up and excess sebum. As it cleanses, the oil also keeps your skin nourished and hydrated. Apply oil/ cream cleanser directly on dry skin and massage in a small circular motion. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
• Follow this up with a gentle water-based cleanser meant for cleaning dirt and sweat out of your skin pores.
• If you are dealing with dry skin, keep double cleansing only for the evenings when your skin has make-up and sunscreen on it. Cleanse only with a foam cleanser in the morning.

Step 2: Exfoliate

• Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells that can clog your pores and lead to acne. It is also beneficial for those who deal with comedonal acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. There are two types of exfoliators- physical and chemical.
• While physical scrubs contain abrasive particles such as grounded walnuts, apricots, sugar, coffee etc., chemical exfoliating gels are made of AHAs and BHAs in low concentrations. Though both perform the same function, Korean dermatologists often root for chemical exfoliators as their effects last longer and are more gentle on your skin.
• Research on The Evolving Role of Skincare shows that physical exfoliators temporarily disrupt the skin barrier thus causing an increase in transepidermal water loss.
• Now whichever exfoliator you choose, remember 30 seconds of exfoliation is more than enough. Splash your face with water, take a small amount of the product and massage in a circular motion using upward strokes. According to Ayurveda, this improves subcutaneous blood circulation thus enhancing nutrition supply to your skin.

Step 3: Toner

• Toners enhance skin hydration [1] and help maintain your skin’s pH balance. It is also highly effective in controlling excess sebum secretions. However, remember that it is important to choose a toner according to your skin type. Avoid those which contain alcohol. If you have dry skin, go for a toner that boosts hydration.
• As for oily and combination skin, a toner which contains astringent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea extracts or tea tree oil is likely to be beneficial.
• When applying a toner, use a cotton pad or your fingers to lightly dab the product onto your skin.

Step 4: Essence

• The main purpose of an essence is to replenish your skin’s moisture requirement. These have a water-based formula for quick absorption into the deeper layers of your skin.
• Most essences contain the super hydrant hyaluronic acid, natural plant extracts, essential oils and other humectants that brighten, firm and keep your skin looking plump and radiant.
• Similar to applying a serum, take 3 to 4 drops of essence and gently pat it on your skin.

Step 5: Sheet Masks

• While sheet masks [2] are not included in one’s daily skin regime, they are an essential part of the Korean glass skin routine. You can use them 2 to 3 times a week or more as per your skin’s requirement. There are plenty of options to choose from so look for one that suits your skin type.
• A sheet mask can be directly applied on the skin after cleansing, toning and essence, at any time of the day whenever your skin feels dry or needs a little more pampering. Since these are usually dipped in serum, after a sheet mask you can directly skip to the moisturizing step.

Step 6: Serum

• The serum can definitely be called the superhero product of the glass skin routine. These contain a variety of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, plant oils, floral and herbal extracts.
• Serums are designed to target specific skin issues such as wrinkles, collagen depletion, dehydration, dark spots and hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dullness and acne. Regularly applying serums can boost your skin’s resilience, making it look hydrated, plump and radiant.
• Serums can be on the expensive side but since you use a tiny amount of the product, those small bottles tend to go a long way. Take 3 to 4 drops on your palm and gently pat it onto your skin. Avoid rubbing or dragging.

Step 7: Emulsion

• Now if you are not too familiar with the Korean skin routines, emulsion might be a new term for you. These are lightweight, water-based moisturizers that have a milky texture.
• Though emulsions are often followed by moisturizers, those with oily, combination or even sensitive skin may prefer it as a moisturizer substitute for its non-comedogenic and immensely hydrating formula. The Japanese and Korean people often layer moisturizer over emulsion to prevent dry skin in the winter months.
• Pump a coin size amount of the product and dab onto your skin. Massage lightly in circular motion for better absorption.

Step 8: Eye Cream

• Eye creams help reduce fine lines or crow’s feet around your eyes. They improve your skin elasticity and help fade dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Choose an eye cream that is lightweight and non-comedogenic as the fine skin around your eyes is more prone to getting clogged.
• Take a pea size amount of the product and gently tap it around your eyes. Avoid applying on the eyelids.

Step 9: Moisturizer/ Night Cream

• Moisturizing twice daily is essential for locking-in all the nutrients derived from the previously applied products. Moisturizers and night creams have a dense texture and form a protective layer over your skin. Look for one that is non-comedogenic, devoid of chemicals and doesn’t leave a greasy film over your skin.
• Take a small amount and dab onto your skin. Gently massage for better absorption.

Step 10: SPF/ Sleeping Mask

• SPF in the morning and sleeping mask at night is how you complete your glass skin routine. Protecting your skin from the sun is necessary to keep skin-aging and hyperpigmentation at bay. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 that has a lightweight formula so your pores don’t get clogged.
• At night, give your skin time to repair. Using sleeping masks 3 to 4 times a week can boost hydration, even out wrinkles and reduce dark spots. As a result you wake up with skin that looks younger and refreshed.

How Do You Get Glass Skin Naturally?

The right skin routine is just one of the steps to achieve glass skin naturally. A planned lifestyle is also necessary for your skin to look its healthiest.

A. Healthy Diet

Include a lot of vegetables and fruits to supply your skin all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy from the inside. Consuming foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids such as ghee, fatty fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, seed oils, avocados and others prevent eczema, dry skin, inflammation, allergies, free radical cell damage and skin barrier depletion.

B. Drink Plenty Of Water

Hydration is the key to good-looking skin. Research states that drinking low quantities of water and spending too much time in the sun can make your skin dry. Drink about 3 liters of water a day to flush out toxins and improve your skin texture.

C. Practice Yoga

There are various asanas that improve blood circulation, blood oxygen levels, digestion and stabilize your hormones for enhanced skin health. Regular 15 to 30 minutes of yoga in the morning helps to balance your doshas and keeps your skin young and radiant.

D. Sleep Well

A good 7 to 8 hours of sleep is needed for your skin to renew itself [3]. While you sleep, your skin cells regenerate themselves, collagen is produced and nutrition is sent to your skin. Sleep deprived skin appears dull and lifeless thus proving that the term ‘beauty sleep’ is indeed a reality.

E. Reduce Stress

Excess stress leads to high cortisol levels in the body. This can stimulate your sebaceous glands into producing more oil leading to breakouts. Living a stress-free, calm life keeps your skin more healthy, reduces chances of stress lines and automatically enhances your skin glow.

Glass Skin Tips For Your Skin Type

1. Dry Skin

• A lot of products that deal with dry, eczema-prone skin include oats as one of their main ingredients. This helps tackle skin irritations and inflammations. So look for scrubs, moisturizers or creams that contain colloidal oatmeal.
• If you are using a toner, choose one that infuses your skin with more hydration.
• Aim for products that repair the skin barrier. You can choose a humectant serum that draws moisture into your skin and seal it off with rich creamy moisturizer. This will help reduce the amount of transepidermal water loss.
• Include hydrating sheet masks and skin repairing sleeping masks at least 2 to 3 times a week in your glass skin routine.
• You can also opt for a nourishing, antioxidant-rich facial oil instead or along with a serum that keeps your skin looking fresh and dewy.
• Certain ingredients that you can look for if your skin feels dry and flaky are vitamin E, ceramides, fatty acids, glycolic acid, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, green barley vinegar, orchid extracts, avocados, shea butter and soy extracts..

2. Normal Skin

• Things are easy if you are blessed with a well-balanced normal skin. Yet this skin-type is not exempted from common issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, dryness and sun damage. So, opt for products that help rejuvenate, repair and maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
• Anti-aging and skin brightening serums with vitamin C and natural plant extracts are likely to benefit your skin type.
• Don’t skip your sunscreen and prevent frequent sun exposure.

3. Oily And Combination Skins

• Make sure all your products are non-comedogenic to prevent acne issues. A disruption in the epidermal barrier can make your skin more prone to acne [4]. Hence, look for creams, masks and moisturizers that help repair the epidermal barrier.
• Use a pH balancing toner.
• Choose products that contain tea tree oil, green tea, turmeric, licorice, niacinamide, propolis resin and other anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients.
• Use an exfoliating gel 2 to 3 times a week to prevent sebum and dead skin build-ups.
• Opt for clay masks (volcanic, fuller’s earth or multani mitti, kaolin, bentonite) and clarifying sheet masks a few times a week.
• Use water-based, hydrating moisturizers.

4. Sensitive Skin

• If sensitivity is your concern, plan your glass skin routine with skin-calming, immunity-boosting herbal products. Include ingredients like chamomile, calendula, aloe vera, triphala, neem, oatmeal and lightweight plant oils. These help deal with allergic reactions and redness.
• Sheet masks [5] also help soothe irritated sensitive skin. Include them at least 2-3 times a week in your glass skin routine.
• Read the labels carefully and look for products that state terms like hypoallergenic, unscented and chemical-free. Chemical dyes, preservatives like parabens and fragrances can irritate sensitive skin.
• Do a patch test for any new product you wish to add to your skin routine. Apply a bit of the product at the back of your hand to check for stinging or burning sensations.
• Avoid combining vitamin C serums with products that also contain ingredients which are acidic in nature such as retinols. Too many acids can irritate sensitive skin [6].

Vedix Tip: Gotu kola, manjistha, kumkuma, haridra, chandanam, sariva and ashwagandha are some amazing anti-aging and skin brightening Ayurvedic herbs that you can look for while deciding on your glass skin routine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Skin?

1. Is Glass Skin Possible?

Glass skin is nothing but translucent, flawlessly radiant skin that one can achieve with the right lifestyle choices and skincare routine. It is not a mythical concept that everyone is running after. It is all about attaining the right balance where your skin appears at its healthiest.

2. How Long Does It Take To Get Glass Skin?

The harsh truth is you cannot get glass skin overnight. Following the glass skin routine and being consistent about your diet and lifestyle will surely start showing results in 2 to 3 weeks and get better over time.

3. How Do You Get Korean Glass Skin?

Every skin type is different. Your skin tone and texture and even your skin concerns depend largely on factors like heredity, exposure to the elements, choice of diet and way of living. To get spotless, radiant glass skin, understand your skin type, choose the right skincare products that hydrate, repair, nourish and protect, consume a wholesome diet and don’t cut down on your sleep.

The Last Word

We all desire flawless skin and that’s where the concept of glass skin comes from. While you cannot stop your skin from aging, you can give it enough support to delay the signs. A well planned skin care routine that takes care of all your skin concerns and provides balance, health and hydration is a primary requirement. Follow this up with the right diet and lifestyle and you’ll soon notice radiant, plump skin like never before.