What is glass skin? Plus how to get the look

Korean skincare — with its moisturizing products, multi-step treatments, and of course, the concept of sheet masks — has delighted the global skincare industry for years. Perhaps one of the hottest K-Beauty trends that has become the paradigm for flawless skin in many cases is the concept known as “glass skin.” The term caught on a few years ago but is still one of the most coveted skin conditions we know of. In fact, it has even inspired eponymous products from a variety of brands. Below is your guide to glass skin, including what exactly it is, how it can be achieved, and the products we swear to use to achieve the glass skin look, stat.

What is glass skin?

“Glass skin is simply the appearance of virtually pore-free, clear, lustrous skin,” says Ayanna Smith, cosmetologist at The Skin Xperience. Sarah Kinsler, an esthetician who specializes in Korean skin care, shares this sentiment: "Glass skin is a term used to describe flawless skin without pores." "Glass" in the terminology refers to its resemblance to glass: smooth, reflective and almost transparent in its transparency - like clear window glass. This is an almost flawless skin condition, of course, a pretty lofty goal. While you've likely seen glass skin flaunted on social media, Kinsler says it's important to remember that "what we see on social media and ads are filters, cosmetics and great products!" In other words, the glassy skin we see so often isn't necessarily the natural, newly awakened skin condition we're led to believe. However, there are a few skin care steps and important habits, and ingredients to look for that can power up your skin for glassy skin radiance. 

What are the key elements of glass skin?

small pores

One of the key components of glass skin is its apparent porelessness. Of course, we all have pores; some of us have bigger pores than others, a fact that often comes down to genetics. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to physically reduce the size of pores. “Pore sizes are usually determined by our genes,” says Smith. Kinsler agrees: "While it is possible to achieve the perfect complexion, pore size is often genetically determined" and therefore cannot be altered to the extent that many people believe. However, certain skincare and lifestyle habits can increase pore size, including excessive sun exposure, which can break down collagen and elastin (the building blocks of firm, youthful skin). In addition, removing the stain can lead to pore enlargement even after it has healed, Kinsler explains. Finally, pores clogged with excess sebum and dirt can appear significantly larger than clean and balanced pores. While the first two factors are somewhat irreversible once they have occurred, the last factor, clogged pores, can be greatly improved with oil-control skincare products. By dissolving excess sebum — or the oil that makes pores appear larger than they actually are — sebum-regulating skincare products can make pores look smaller and take you one step closer to a pore-free appearance. , for which the glass skin is revered.

Vigorous hydration

Ultra-moisturized skin tends to take on a dewy, almost reflective quality that is indistinguishable from real glass. Therefore, it is not surprising that hydration is the defining feature of glass skin. Cooling the skin, as well as healing the body with sufficient water intake, is a daily necessity to achieve radiant, glassy skin. Fortunately, the skincare world is filled with thirst-quenching products, including essences, toners, and moisturizers infused with substances like hyaluronic acid (HA), squalane, ceramides, and glycerin. HA and glycerin are humectants, meaning they draw moisture from the surrounding air into the skin. Squalane and ceramides are excellent at maintaining skin softness and strengthening the skin's critical moisture-retaining barrier.

Smooth tone

Much like the smooth, even nature of glass itself, glass skin boasts an ethereal level of evenness in tone and texture. In particular, glass skin is (nearly) devoid of discoloration, be it post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, age spots, or an alternative form of visible sun damage. Some types of discoloration are notoriously difficult to fix. However, certain products, including gentle exfoliators like lactic acid and skin-lightening ingredients like high-quality vitamin C, can help improve the appearance of discoloration and pave the way for more even-toned, smoother skin. Similarly, these ingredients can, among other things, transform a rough or uneven skin texture into a softer, smoother version of itself, thereby increasing its ability to reflect light. If you're not sure which ingredient to use for discoloration, see a dermatologist for personalized advice.

How to get glass skin in 3 easy steps

Curate your skin care products

According to Smith, the "glassy" look of skin can be achieved in part through the use of certain skin care products. In particular, she points to moisturizing toners and skin-soothing serums containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. In addition, Smith touts vitamin C as an integral part of the glass skin puzzle. Vitamin C, as mentioned earlier, is valued for lightening dark spots and improving overall skin health. The ingredient, according to Smith, also "helps fight dryness and discoloration."

Avoid over-exfoliating

While a weekly AHA-based peel can prove fantastic for boosting radiance, too much of a good thing can actually backfire on any glass skin efforts. According to Kinsler, "Excessive exfoliation weakens the skin barrier." In turn, a compromised skin barrier is less able to retain moisture; the moisture needed for a hydrated, radiant complexion that is practically synonymous with glass skin. For this reason, Kinsler says it's "important to limit exfoliation." Consider exfoliating once or twice a week. If your skin is especially dry or sensitive, look for gentle exfoliators like lactic acid and fruit acids like malic acid. Your dermatologist can help you determine which exfoliation method and ingredients are right for your skin type.

Skin supporting primer

While glass skin tenants wear mostly skin, makeup can also play a key role in creating that glossy vibe. In addition to opting for a radiant, hydrating foundation (try the celebrity-approved Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation), "a primer can go a long way" in supporting your smooth skin efforts, notes Kinser. Notably, primers can create a radiant, dewy base for foundation that glides over skin in an ultra-smooth manner; in addition, primers help keep makeup looking fresh throughout the day. In many cases, primers, especially luminous primers such as Giorgio Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, can also add a glow from within that reflects the radiance of glass skin. In addition to primers, Kinser says that many BB cream formulas, which tend to give a sheer, dewy finish, provide a sort of fast track to glassy looking skin. "[Many BB creams] can give the illusion of glass skin," she says. "Just make sure they're non-comedogenic!" We recommend trying Maybelline New York Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Skin Perfector BB Cream.

10 Best Skin Care Products to Get the Glass Skin Look

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer

On the plus side, makeup can serve almost as important a purpose as the care of the skin it's applied to. This primer creates an ultra-smooth base canvas; hides enlarged pores and gives a dewy glow. This glow radiates throughout the day under medium to light foundation. And, living up to the word "castle" in its name, this primer keeps makeup in place throughout the day.

La Roche Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

While it's easy to dismiss a cleanser as a skincare step that just flushes down the drain, a cleanser that both removes pore-clogging impurities and provides hydration is definitely important—and important at the same time. This award-winning cleanser is formulated for dry skin so it doesn't strip the skin of essential natural oils. Instead, it removes impurities while maintaining the health of the skin barrier. A blend of ceramides and niacinamide, a form of vitamin B known to soothe and brighten sensitive skin, is included in this stellar moisturizing cleanser. Plus, it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it less likely to irritate even the most sensitive skin types and less likely to clog pores that cause blemishes.

CeraVe Hydrating Toner

Toners get a bad rap because they dry out the skin. While some toners are astringents or alcohol based, this toner from CeraVe is definitely not. Rather, it is rich in hyaluronic acid in addition to skin-brightening niacinamide. Instead of stripping skin of moisture, it saturates it with moisture, acting as a base for subsequent moisturizing products. Simply apply a little of this toner after cleansing and before moisturizing to give skin a dewy, glassy sheen. Feel free to use morning and evening to prep the skin and remove any remaining impurities after cleansing. It is also free of alcohol, fragrances and astringents.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Prima Luminous Moisture Cream

Because hydration is a key element in creating dewy, glossy, glass skin, this glow-inducing moisturizer is a great addition to your glass skin toolbox. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient renowned for its hydrating properties, and rose water for its softness, this moisturizer instantly makes skin more radiant and hydrates for up to 24 hours.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Acid

With 15% Ascorbic Acid, a potent form of Vitamin C, this fan-favorite serum is virtually unmatched in its ability to even out skin tone and texture. Dark spots and fine lines disappear over time with constant use, leaving the skin more even and translucent. Plus, it only takes a small amount of serum for each use, making this a surprisingly good value bottle.

Maybelline New York Face Studio Glass Spray, Glass Skin Finishing Spray

Enriched with glycerin, a humectant, this fixing spray is a breath of fresh air among the commonly drying fixing sprays on the market. While it contains alcohol, which is an essential ingredient for setting makeup all day long, you'd be hard-pressed to guess: one spray makes any makeup look glossy, radiant and, as the name of this product suggests, akin to glass skin in one spritz.

Biotherm Aqua Bounce Flash Mask

Sheet masks are practically synonymous with K-beauty given their popularity in South Korea and how they can speed up the process of skin hydration and firmness. This one from Biotherm gives a dewy glow 10-15 minutes after wearing. Simply apply to cleansed skin and let your skin soak in the soothing, hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid and nourishing marine plankton, the brand's hydration-focused key ingredient.

Kiehl's Squalane Ultra Face Cream

There are many reasons why Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a bestseller; key among these are its ultra-nourishing and moisturizing properties. This moisturizer works great as both a day and night cream, especially during the cold and dry months. It contains glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin from the surrounding air, as well as squalane, which gives it elasticity and firmness. This cream hydrates skin for up to 24 hours, so you can expect smooth, hydrated skin all day long.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the world's leading hydrating ingredients in skincare, known for its ability to quench skin's thirst and leave it radiant and smooth on contact. As the name suggests, this serum is primarily based on HA, which is specially formulated to provide firmness and radiance on contact. Over time, fine lines also become less visible.

Thayers Hydrating Milk Toner

Thayers Milk Formula (but it really does look like milk) is another hard-working, non-marking toner. It contains hyaluronic acid and snow fungus, which provide additional skin hydration - up to 48 hours. . Gentle in nature, it is alcohol and fragrance free and glides on easily on the skin when applied with a cotton swab.