How to Achieve 'Glass Skin' The Korean Way

Most people dream of achieving clear, glowing skin as portrayed in Korean beauty icons. While the radiant, flawless skin looks great, it is not just a matter of genes. It is more about the attention and efforts that go into skincare. In this article, we explore the secrets behind Korean glass skin and what you can do to achieve the much sought-after dewy skin.

What is Korean Glass Skin?

The Korean glass skin refers to luminous and poreless complexions with a polished feel. The skin is smooth and intensely hydrated with a complexion that appears almost transparent. It is also often referred to as dewy skin or glowy skin.

How to Achieve Korean Glass Skin

The secret behind the Korean glass skin is not just about choosing the right products, but having good skincare rituals. Here are the top tips:

1.     Adopt Steamy Sessions

Simple methods, such as a face steaming session or taking a steamy shower, can improve your skin’s health by opening pores and removing deep-seated impurities. You can stake steam from a warm shower or a facial steamer and massage your face in an upward motion, repeating this for about 7 minutes to deeply cleanse your skin.

2.     Daily Facial Exercises

The goal of dewy skin care is to achieve a youthful, sculpted face. Simple facial exercises such as stretching your neck, puckering your lips, and massaging your face in an upward motion will enhance your skin elasticity and achieve a V-shaped jawline.

3.     Adopt the Korean Skincare Routine

The Korean glass skin is best achieved through a meticulously planned skincare regimen. This routine infuses the skin with the right balance of minerals, vitamins, humectants, antioxidants, fatty acids, and emollients:

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Massage an oil cleanser onto dry skin in small, circular motions to dissolve oil-based impurities like makeup and excess sebum. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth and follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove excess dirt and sweat from your pores.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Apply a small amount of a chemical exfoliant gel (containing AHAs and BHAs in low concentrations) and massage in a circular motion using upward strokes for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Toner

Choose a toner that is suitable for your skin type and free of alcohol. Damp it in a cotton pad or use your fingers to lightly dab the product onto your skin.

Step 4: Essence

Essences are water-based formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, natural plant extracts, essential oils, and humectants. You only need to take 3 to 4 drops and gently pat the product onto your skin to make it firm, brighter, and plump.

Step 5: Sheet Masks

Use glass skin masks 2 to 3 times a week or more, depending on your skin’s needs. Apply the mask directly to your face after cleansing, toning, and using an essence. After this, you can skip directly to the moisturizing step.

Step 6: Serum

 

Serums contain a variety of active ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, plant oils, and herbal/ floral extracts that target specific skin issues like wrinkles, dehydration, collagen depletion, dark spots, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and acne. Take 3 to 4 drops on your palm and gently pat the product onto your skin. Avoid rubbing or dragging on the skin.

Step 7: Emulsion

Emulsions are lightweight, water-based moisturizers with a milky texture that help prevent dry skin, especially during the winter months. Simply pump a coin-sized amount of the product, dab it onto skin, and massage lightly in circular motions.

Step 8: Eye Cream

Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic eye cream to reduce fine lines or crow’s feet around your eyes. It also helps in address skin issues like puffiness and dark circles while improving your skin elasticity. Take a pea-sized amount of the product and gently tap it around your eyes, avoiding the eyelids.

Step 9: Moisturizer or Night Cream

Moisturize the skin twice daily to lock in the nutrients from the previous steps. Choose a product with a dense texture that forms a protective layer over your skin without leaving a greasy film.

Step 10: SPF or Sleeping Mask

 

Apply a minimum SPF 30 lightweight sunscreen in the morning and a sleeping mask at night. While the sunscreen prevents skin aging and hyperpigmentation, applying the mask 3-4 times a week allows your skin time to repair itself.

Best Skincare for Glowing Skin

The skincare for glowing skin routine comprises products specially formulated to encourage the generation of new cells and deep hydration of your skin. To achieve the best results, you need to follow the morning and nighttime routine daily. The key ingredients of the products used in the various steps include:

·       Alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHAs): AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are top ingredients in dewy skin products. They act as exfoliants that gently clear dead skin cell layers to reveal fresher skin underneath.

·       Hydrating ingredients:  Ingredients like squalene and hyaluronic acid boost moisture delivery into the skin and strengthen the skin barrier so it can retain water content for longer.

·       Antioxidants: These help to protect skin and reduce oxidation that causes uneven, discolored skin tones. Ferulic acid, Vitamin C, and plant extracts like turmeric and peony extract are also important ingredients in the glass skincare routine.

Start Your Korean Skincare Journey

Starting your Korean skincare journey is simple. Once you embrace the above skincare tips and adopt the Korean skincare routine, you can start shopping for the right products. At Shop Palace Beauty Palace, we stock the best Korean skincare and beauty products at friendly prices. Check out our online store for a selection of our top picks.