You’ve seen it on Instagram, you’ve admired it in K-dramas and you’ve secretly wished for it yourself: glass skin. It’s that ethereal, translucent glow that seems to come from within. But what does it really take to achieve this coveted complexion — genetics, luck or a meticulously crafted skincare routine? I tapped top dermatologists to find out the exact steps to getting this look. Let's dive in and discuss the ins and outs of how to get glass skin.
In a nutshell
A good glass skin routine is all about creating a consistent, nourishing skin regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating and maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.
If you’re experiencing irritation, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Be careful not to overexfoliate your skin.
Make sure to sleep well, eat an antioxidant-rich diet and drink plenty of water.
What is glass skin?
Board-certified NYC dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin, Dr. Ryan Turner, says that “‘glass skin’ is a term that originated as a Korean beauty trend, referring to skin that is so clear and smooth that it practically looks like glass. It also has a dewy finish, making skin reflective and extra glassy.”
Which products do you need?
There are many products that can be used to achieve glass skin, but the most important goals to focus on when shopping for products are improving the texture, clarity and hydration of the skin, Turner says. “Glass skin is clean, fresh and clear,” he adds, so you’ll need to start with a good cleanser, like Double Dare OMG Dizzolv’It Balm Cleanser. Turner naturally recommends his own brand’s TRNR Skin Glycolic Gel to Foam Cleanser, saying that it “features glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that breaks down the dead skin cells that build up on the skin’s surface and can cause dullness and pore congestion.”
Double Dare OMG Dizzolv'It Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm, 100ml
TRNR Skin Glycolic Gel to Foam Cleanser
Once skin is clean and exfoliated,Turner recommends applying an antioxidant serum like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to “help protect your skin from future damage and help treat existing concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and enlarged pores. This will support your goal of smoother and more even skin.” Another serum I personally love for a glass skin effect is Shaklee Youth Ageless Shaping Wand for Face and Neck, a peptide-packed blend that helps skin look fresher, firmer and more lifted on the face, neck and décolletage.
Shaklee Youth Ageless Shaping Wand for Face and Neck
To top off the glass skin look, a moisturizer with a dewy finish is best. Turner recommends Versed Skin Soak Moisture Cream, saying that, “It’s formulated with a blend of humectants and emollients, including hyaluronic acid and squalane, to help draw water into the skin and lock it in, leaving skin looking plump and hydrated.”
Versed Skin Soak Moisture Cream
Don’t forget your sunscreen, too, Turner adds. Speaking from experience, I’d recommend Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40, a sheer, tinted sunscreen with a slightly luminescent finish, which gives skin a hint of that reflective glass skin effect.
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides DreamBeam Sunlit 1.3 oz / 40 ml
How to get glass skin
For achieving that coveted glass skin glow, a few key skincare steps are essential. Board-certified dermatologist Trisha Khanna, M.D., says to begin with the basics: a daily cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. “Twice a week, exfoliate with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to promote cellular turnover and banish dullness,” she explains. “Enhance your routine with occasional antioxidant serums and toners, such as vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol, for an extra boost.”
On days when your skin faces more sweat and makeup, consider double cleansing, Khanna says. You can start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to refresh the skin.
What ingredients are essential for a glass skin skincare routine?
Exfoliants
Exfoliants — preferably chemical or enzymatic exfoliants rather than a scrub — are a must-have in any glass skin routine, Turner says. “A buildup of dead skin cells makes skin look rough and dull, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation, as well as congesting the skin and potentially causing breakouts,” he explains. “Removing that buildup regularly will keep your skin looking fresh and smooth, not to mention help other skincare products absorb better and work more efficiently.”
Turner recommends using ingredients that include alpha-hydroxy acids — such as glycolic and lactic acids — as well as salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid. “Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can exfoliate within the pore, making it ideal for those with skin prone to blemishes and congestion,” he says.
That said, it’s important not to overexfoliate the skin. “Nobody needs to exfoliate on a daily basis,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, explaining that it can lead to more harm than good, creating skin irritation. “It takes about two weeks for skin cells to make their way from the base layer to the surface,” he continues. Additional time will allow enough cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin to lead to a dull complexion. Generally speaking, Zeichner recommends exfoliation twice weekly as maintenance to keep the skin complexion looking radiant.
Antioxidants
Many skin concerns that detract from glass skin, such as fine lines and dark spots, are often signs of free radical damage. To combat this, Turner advises a regimen that includes antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide. “We’re exposed to free radicals every single day via factors like UV rays and pollution, so using antioxidants every day to keep your skin fresh and healthy-looking is crucial,” he explains.
Moisture
“The cornerstone of a glass skin regimen is effective moisturizing to protect and replenish the skin barrier,” says Khanna. “This often means layering hydration with ingredients like ceramides, peptides and centella asiatica (an herb). Incorporating face oils, especially jojoba oil, can be incredibly beneficial as it mimics the skin's natural sebaceous secretions, leaving your skin soft and radiant.”
Turner agrees, adding that if your skin is dry or dehydrated, it won’t look like glass skin, even if it’s smooth and clear. “Dry skin cells don’t reflect light nearly as well as hydrated ones do. Using humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid will help draw water into the skin while emollients like squalane will help prevent that water from escaping the skin, causing skin to look fresh, dewy and luminous.”
How long does it take to achieve glass skin?
This depends entirely on your baseline, says Turner. “If your skin is young and healthy, you might need to simply exfoliate and hydrate your skin to make it instantly appear glassy. More mature or damaged skin may need more time and effort,” he explains. It can take at least four to six weeks to see the effects of active ingredients.
Additional tips for achieving glass skin
“Lifestyle factors should not be overlooked — avoid picking at skin and focus on sleep, hydration and an antioxidant-rich diet,” says Khanna. Using light or medium coverage foundation products like Monika Blunder Cover All-in-One Foundation and Concealer can also help once you’ve gotten your skin into glass skin-ready shape.
Monika Blunder Blunder Cover All in One Foundation in 5.5 - Fünf.5 at Nordstrom, Size 0.625 Oz
The AP Buyline roundup
Achieving glass skin is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, consistency and, of course, the right products for your skin. By incorporating exfoliation, hydration and protection into your routine, you can gradually — emphasis on the “gradually” — enhance your skin's clarity and radiance.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also enjoy our guides to the best Korean sunscreens, Korean moisturizers and Korean skin care products.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can all skin types achieve glass skin?
Absolutely! Khanna says that it's a matter of knowing your skin type and some trial and error to figure out the products which will give you the desired outcome. “Not all skin types may achieve the ‘glassy look’ as easily or in the same time frame as others — consistency is key here,” she explains. The general principles remain to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, protect and be mindful of lifestyle. “Working with a dermatologist may help you further tailor the routine based on whether skin is oily, dry, combination, mature or sensitive,” she says.
“It’s important to remember that skin has variations, it has texture, it has imperfections — the perfectly poreless complexions we see on social media aren’t real,” Turner notes. “But with a little bit of effort and consistency — not to mention applying sunscreen every day — everyone can make their skin appear healthier and more luminous.”
What should I do if my skin reacts negatively?
If your skin reacts negatively, you likely need to make some adjustments. “Immediately stop new products,” says Khanna. “Furthermore, you likely need to simplify the routine long-term. A negative reaction may be a sign you’re using too many products at once or the wrong products for your skin type. If removing inciting factors for a few weeks does not improve matters, you may need to consult a dermatologist or allergist.”
Turner says to always perform a patch test before incorporating a new skincare product into your routine, to determine if it’s compatible with your skin. “If your skin reacts negatively to your new routine, stop using those products and return your skin to baseline by using the simplest formulas your skin can tolerate,” he advises. “If you know that your skin reacted negatively because you used too much of a product or used it too frequently, try slowly reintroducing it into your routine. If a formula caused a rash or allergic reaction, don’t use it again.”
Turner adds that the most common mistake people make when trying to achieve glass skin is overdoing it, whether that’s by exfoliating too frequently or aggressively or by applying too many layers of thick moisturizers that aren’t compatible with your skin. “Skincare doesn’t need to be harsh or time-consuming to be effective,” he says. “You genuinely can achieve glass skin by just using three or four products a day if you’re using the right ones.”
How often should I exfoliate for glass skin?
Cleansers with chemical exfoliants may be gentle enough to be used daily to exfoliate and clarify the skin, Turner says. “If you’re using dedicated peels or physical scrubs, once to twice a week is often enough for most people. More mature and resilient skin may be able to tolerate more frequent exfoliation.”
Are there any specific ingredients to avoid?
Turner says to avoid mattifying ingredients and products. “The whole point of glass skin is to get your complexion to reflect light!” he says. “Ingredients like charcoal, silica and zinc are a few examples of mattifying ingredients. The first two absorb excess oil while zinc helps control oil production.”
