The 2024 Approach to Glass Skin

Glass skin, a trending concept in K-beauty, has made its way to the United States. It refers to skin that is incredibly smooth and radiant, resembling a clear pane of glass. However, achieving this ideal is not feasible for many people, as it is typically associated with having "normal" skin that is free from breakouts, dark spots, and other common concerns.

In modern times, the definition of "glass skin" has evolved to be more inclusive. It is now seen as a goal that can be accomplished for all skin types, rather than an unrealistic fantasy of flawless and poreless skin. It takes into account the unique characteristics, textures, and concerns of each individual. In other words, regardless of blemishes or cystic acne, attaining glass skin is still possible.

So how can you achieve this? The key is to revamp your skincare routine holistically, incorporating gentle exfoliants to rejuvenate the skin and active ingredients that enhance your skin's natural radiance.

Understanding skin texture is crucial to achieving glass skin. It refers to the overall appearance and feel of your skin, and glass skin is just one possible manifestation. Various factors can influence skin texture. Dryness or skin irritation, for example, can cause flakiness. Acne breakouts or scarring can also impact texture, resulting in raised or indented areas on the skin. All these elements contribute to the uniqueness of your skin texture.

Pores are another aspect to consider. Everyone has pores, but in some individuals, they may appear larger. Improving their appearance should be done with caution as they cannot be completely eradicated. The reason for this is that pores play a vital role in releasing sebum, which acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.

The key is to avoid overdoing it. While it may seem logical to exfoliate aggressively in an attempt to achieve smoothness, this can do more harm than good. It can lead to issues with the skin's barrier function, resulting in discomfort and redness. Instead, the goal is to be gentle and avoid excessive exfoliation or harsh scrubs.

How to make that happen? Give your routine a holistic makeover, with gentle exfoliants to refresh your skin and active ingredients that help your texture shine through.

First, a little background: Skin texture describes how your skin looks and feels, and glass skin is just one way it can look — like glass. However, there are a ton of factors that affect it. “In some situations, skin texture can be affected by dryness or irritation of the skin that may also lead to flaking of the skin,” says Nacharel.

“Similarly, sometimes having acne breakouts or scarring can impact the texture in that some areas of the skin may seem more raised or elevated, while other areas may be depressed or indented.” All these things can make your skin texture unique.

Then, there are pores. “Pores exist in everyone, but in some individuals, they may be larger,” says Kanika. “You don’t want to overdo it when trying to improve the appearance of them, because they won’t go away completely.” And you shouldn’t want them to, since pores release the sebum that serves as your skin’s natural moisturizer.

Not overdoing it is a good rule of thumb. For instance, buffing away all blemishes, flakes, and rough patches can seem like the obvious way to smooth skin, like sandpaper on wood, that does more harm than good. (If anything, it just opens a Pandora’s Box of skin barrier issues, from discomfort to redness.) Rather, to get your version of glass skin, be gentle. “It’s best to avoid over-exfoliating or harsh scrubs that can disrupt the skin barrier, as this can lead to irritation, dryness, and increased moisture loss from the skin,” says Kanika. If you’re too enthusiastic, they can create micro-tears in the skin.

Efficient exfoliation requires a less-is-more approach as emphasized by Kanika. This approach ensures that dead skin cells are removed without causing any harm to the skin's protective barrier. The use of chemical exfoliants aids in this process by dissolving the bonds between skin cells and facilitating the elimination of dead skin cells.

In addition to a careful approach, incorporating exfoliating acids into skincare formulas is highly recommended. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, play a crucial role in improving skin texture by effectively shedding dead skin cells. This not only reduces dullness but also maintains a smooth and rejuvenated appearance.

For individuals dealing with enlarged pores or prone to breakouts, beta hydroxy acid, specifically salicylic acid, proves to be highly beneficial. This acid not only unclogs pores but also helps prevent breakouts while simultaneously exfoliating the skin, resulting in a soft and blemish-free complexion.

Enhancing components, like vitamin C, enable you to amplify your glow. This essential nutrient not only repairs impairments in the skin, but also evens out skin tone, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and stimulates collagen synthesis. The serum accomplishes this through a blend of pineapple enzymes and natural AHAs, offering a gentle exfoliation as we previously mentioned.

Read more: Get Clear Skin with Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion for Dry Skin

For achieving a smoother complexion, retinol is also a reliable option. According to Kanika, they are specifically designed to regulate the turnover of skin cells. Additionally, they stimulate collagen production, making them ideal for addressing fine lines and wrinkles.