What is the “Glass Skin” look and how can you get it?

If skincare is one of your passions, then you've surely heard of the "glass skin" concept. Although it originates from the Korean beauty industry, the concept has become extremely popular in Europe as well.

It refers to a specific type of skin appearance, which involves very hydrated skin, with an even texture, luminous, and without imperfections, as if it were translucent, hence the comparison to "glass skin."

This article will answer essential questions about "glass skin" and help you find out what skincare products you can use to achieve this effect.

Table of Contents

What is "glass skin"?

"Glass skin" is a concept that describes smooth and radiant skin that appears translucent, as if it effortlessly glows from within.

The idea of "glass skin" originated in South Korea and is part of a broader "cultural" and aesthetic phenomenon known as Korean beauty, or K-beauty for short. This skincare and makeup trend developed against the backdrop of a Korean culture deeply interested in skin health and appearance.

In their understanding, flawless, luminous, and blemish-free skin is perceived as an ideal of beauty and health.

What ingredients are essential for a "glass skin" routine?

To achieve "glass skin" appearance, we recommend including some essential ingredients in your skincare routine that play a role in improving skin appearance:

• Glycolic Acid – provides gentle exfoliation, which helps to even out skin tone and diminish fine lines. This makes the skin brighter and healthier.
• Hyaluronic Acid – is a key ingredient for achieving "glass skin." Its role is to maintain an optimal level of hydration in the skin.
• Antioxidants – for example, vitamin C, which protects the skin from free radical damage and helps maintain a youthful and luminous appearance.
• Retinoids – are vitamin A derivatives, extremely potent in terms of cellular regeneration. They improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin texture, and fight against hyperpigmentation.
• Ceramides – are natural fats that form the skin's protective barrier, also preventing transepidermal water loss. Skin with a high level of ceramides is hydrated and smooth.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to even out texture and reduce pigmentation spots. It also improves skin elasticity and reduces redness.

What other healthy habits help in the process of achieving "glass skin"?

Glass skin is not just about ingredients and skincare products, but involves an entire lifestyle that leads to this result. In Korea, the emphasis has always been on careful and especially preventive skin care, not just on covering imperfections with makeup.

Instead of quick fixes, the Korean lifestyle focuses on building a healthy foundation that provides natural radiance, without the need for excessive skincare products. Here are some changes you can make to your lifestyle to achieve the glass skin effect:

• Drink enough water – every day to increase skin elasticity.
• Adopt a balanced diet – based on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
• Make sure you get enough rest – because during sleep, the skin regenerates.
• Exercise every day – because sport improves blood circulation and thus increases nutrient supply to the skin.

How can "glass skin" effect be achieved?

The key element to achieving the much-desired "glass skin" is a well-established routine, consistently followed, and including the following steps:

1. Cleansing – use a cleansing product that gently exfoliates the skin, but does not dry or irritate it, such as Ivatherm Glycolic Acid 3% Cleansing Gel. Cleansing helps to remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural barrier.
2. Moisturizing – Ivatherm Aquafil Hydra Light Moisturizing Cream is a moisturizing cream with a pleasant and light texture, ideal for all skin types. It is essential in your skincare routine to achieve the "glass skin" effect, providing intense and long-lasting hydration.
3. Sun Protection – sun exposure accelerates the skin aging process and can cause pigmentation spots and wrinkles, so an SPF50 product, like Ivatherm Sunlight 360° Face Moisturizer with Very High Sun Protection SPF50 is absolutely essential to maintain the "glass skin" appearance.

How does skin type affect the process of achieving "glass skin"?

Of course, each person is unique and our skin has different needs that we must listen to before desiring a certain appearance and following a skincare trend.

Skin type plays an important role in how we should adapt our routine to achieve the "glass skin" effect:

• Dry skin – needs much more intense hydration and products that restore the skin barrier.
• Oily skin – it is important to keep the skin hydrated, but with reduced excess sebum through cleansing gels and non-comedogenic creams.
• Combination skin – requires products that balance hydration between the drier and oilier areas of the face.