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By Michelka M.
April 25, 2024
The Western world is catching up with K-beauty practices, focusing more on skin care over makeup. Lina Kim, founder of GlowNest, attributes this to a blend of trends from Korea's emphasis on hydration and skin health. "The glass-skin trend mirrors a global shift toward prioritizing natural beauty and efficient routines," she tells Glowkor. With many K-beauty products available, achieving glass skin is more accessible. Kim and Dr. Christine Hall detail steps and product recommendations for a radiant complexion.
According to London-based general practitioner Dr. Christine Hall, double cleansing is essential for achieving glass skin. 'Sebum, most makeup, and SPF are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in oil, while sweat, pollutants, and other impurities are water-soluble,' she explains. 'To thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove all the buildup from the day, it's necessary to use a double cleansing method, starting with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Try Anua’s cleansing oil, a noncomedogenic blend of heartleaf extract with sunflower, olive, jojoba, and moringa seed oils, which effortlessly removes makeup, blackheads, and impurities.
Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, resulting in a smoother texture and brighter complexion," says Kim. "However, avoid harsh exfoliants that can cause irritation and breakouts. Instead, choose gentle exfoliating acids like PHAs," advises Dr. Sarah Lee
Anua’s toner pads are a great exfoliator option. These single-use pads contain PHAs, 77% heartleaf extract, and centella asiatica extract to reduce sebum, prevent breakouts, and soothe skin.
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence, with soybean ferment extract, hydrates, exfoliates, and smooths skin texture for a radiant, supple look.
Dr. Hall explains that toners and essences are crucial first steps for hydration and repairing the skin barrier, key for achieving glass skin. Kim notes that they also "balance the skin’s pH levels, hydrate, and enhance the absorption of serums and moisturizers.
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner calms, tones, and hydrates the skin with 77% Houttuynia Cordata Extract. It soothes sensitive skin, balances pH, and provides lasting hydration, making it suitable for all skin types.
Hydrates, brightens, and absorbs quickly with a lightweight milky texture. Ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Achieve a radiant, balanced complexion effortlessly.
Next in your glass-skin routine are serums. Thicker and more viscous than essences, serums enhance hydration and address concerns such as acne, dullness, fine lines, and dark spots.
ANUA’s serum targets dark spots with 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid, and 2% Arbutin. It brightens, hydrates, and strengthens skin with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides
Brighten and fade dark spots with this serum featuring 5% Niacinamide, Rice Bran, and plant-based Squalane. It softens, hydrates, and evens out skin tone while its lightweight texture suits all skin types.
Consider moisturizer as the final step in your hydration routine. 'It’s the thickest product, so apply skin care from the thinnest to the thickest, sealing in everything applied previously,' says Dr. Hall. 'Opt for ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids for deep hydration, and cica and ectoin to calm and soothe the skin.'
A moisturizer with 92% snail mucin that soothes and repairs irritated skin. Its rich gel formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin fresh and comfortable.
DR. ALTHEA Azulene 147 Intensive Soothing Cream hydrates and strengthens with Ceramides, 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid, and soothing Centella Asiatica. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula is ideal for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
A radiant, plump complexion requires sun protection. '90% of visible aging is due to UV rays, so wearing SPF daily is the best anti-aging advice I can give,' says Dr. Sarah Lee. Kim adds that 'sunscreen is essential for preventing sun damage, pigmentation, and premature aging, maintaining the skin’s clarity and glow.'
Relief Sun is a lightweight, organic SPF50+ sunscreen offering broad-spectrum protection. With 30% rice extract and grain probiotics, it nourishes and moisturizes without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. Ideal for sensitive skin, it absorbs easily, feels like a light cream, and provides a natural glow. Lab tests confirm its high efficacy.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is an SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen that calms, brightens, and moisturizes without a white cast. With 30% rice extract and probiotics, it deeply nourishes and suits sensitive skin.
'Glass skin refers to a dewy, hydrated, and flawless complexion that shines so brightly it resembles glass,' explains Dr. Sarah Lee. She notes that this glow is achieved through not only skin care but also good sleep, a healthy diet, and low stress. 'The concept of beauty in South Korea dates back to the Three Kingdoms era (37–668 BC), with the ideal of young-yook-il-chi-sa-sang, meaning ‘Within a beautiful body, rests a beautiful soul,’' Dr. Lee adds. According to Kim, the glass-skin trend 'gained momentum on social media, where K-beauty routines drew widespread attention and became a global phenomenon.'
