“Glass skin” is a term that is gaining popularity quickly. This trend originated in Korea and promotes a hydrated and youthful appearance with skin that is ultra dewy – like glass.

The TikTok hashtag, #koreanskincare, is currently rendering over 7.4 billion views and counting,  but is Korean skincare really better, or are we just caught up in the hype?

According to experts at Derma Health Skin & Laser, unlocking the secrets to achieving glass skin is achievable with the correct guidance.

Benefits of Korean Skincare

The Korean approach is gentle and focuses on bringing moisture back to the skin, rather than getting rid of acne and clogged pores.

Common ingredients and their advantages include:

  • Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) exfoliate the skin at the surface level and don’t go too deep like other acids
  • Ceramides are moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together
  • Centella asiatica decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness and swelling
  • Niacinamide keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil

Difference between products offered in America vs. Korea

The difference between Korean skincare versus the Western approach lies in the ingredients and focus areas.

Western skincare ingredients rely on harsh chemicals, while its Korean counterpart utilizes natural ingredients such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to protect and sustain the skin.

Korean skincare promotes hydration which saves our irritated skin barriers by reducing inflammation, rather than the Western approach which tries to get rid of clogged pores and excess oils.

The Western approach also focuses on anti-aging and reducing redness, while Korean skincare focuses on maintenance and skin barrier health.

Tips for achieving “glass skin”

Here are eight recommendations for attaining the radiant complexion you’ve always desired from experts at Derma Health Skin & Laser:

  1. Double cleanse morning and night to ensure clean skin before beginning with creams and serums.
  2. Utilize an essence (hydrating and soothing substance with a liquid texture that is more substantial than water or toner) morning and night to help hydrate and support skin barrier health.
  3. Reserve retinol for night-time only to help treat any discoloration, fine lines or dark spots.
  4. Whether applied in the morning or night, serums can help target specific issues like discoloration or aging – consult an expert to confirm which serums will be most beneficial for you
  5. Moisturize twice a day to help seal in other products.
  6. Use sunscreen in the morning to help decrease the chance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  7. Maintain skin smoothness and clarity by incorporating an exfoliator into your routine once a week. This will remove dead skin cells without causing unnecessary irritation.
  8. When it comes to makeup, cream-based blushes, highlighters and liquid foundations are key to achieving a glass-like finish.

While the ingredients and holistic methods used in Korean skincare can provide results that cause the “glass skin” effect, it is possible to achieve the same results with a dedicated routine and the correct guidance. 

Author: Vanessa Sonthipanya is director of training for aesthetics at Derma Health Skin & Laser.