What is glass skin and how can you achieve it?

What is glass skin?

Glass skin is a skincare technique turned trend that gives the complexion a long-lasting, luminous glow akin to a piece of glass—all without touching your makeup bag.

Wondering how to get glass skin? We thought you might be! Well, the trick to this trend lies in the layering. Strategic stacking of exfoliating, nourishing and hydrating products works to reduce dullness, strengthen the skin barrier and promote radiance. In short, you’ll have ultra-glossy skin (without the greasy look and feel).

Step 1. Double cleanse

To start your glass skin routine with a clean canvas, the first step (arguably the most important) is to double cleanse. The first cleanse will wash away surface-level SPF, makeup and pollution, and the second will allow for a deeper clean, working on excess oils and grime hiding under the surface.

In pursuit of glass-like skin, try to avoid using foaming cleansers, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for an oil-based cleanser for the first round, followed by a water-based face wash for a second thorough cleanse.

Many also opt for a gentle face scrub to exfoliate the skin in this stage; however, this can be too harsh for more sensitive skin types.

Step 2. Exfoliate

[Note: If you used a face scrub as part of your double cleanse routine, you’ll want to skip this step to avoid over-exfoliation and skin sensitivity.]

Next, it’s time to tackle glass skin’s nemesis: dullness – often caused by a build-up of dead skin cells. To combat this, exfoliating helps to slough away the dead skin and reveal the tighter and brighter skin below.

If physical face scrubs aren’t your bag, liquid (a.k.a. chemical) exfoliants could be for you. Despite their complicated names, liquid exfoliants such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids make lightwork of evening skin texture and banishing dead skin cells. To apply, soak a cotton pad with a liquid exfoliant and gently swipe across the face (no need to rinse after).

Step 3. Apply serum

Serums are lightweight, easily absorbed forms of hydration that can reach the deeper layers of the complexion. Therefore, they are the perfect product to bring back any lost moisture after cleansing and exfoliating. Plus, they layer well under the heavier hydration products to come.

Top tip: look for serums with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (to help your skin absorb moisture), vitamin C (to boost collagen and brighten) and peptides (for skin smoothing).

Step 4. Apply moisturiser

Once your serum has dried, it’s time to bring out your favourite moisturiser for long-lasting hydration. Don’t be afraid to apply a liberal amount – it will only help prolong the glow and bring you one step closer to glass-like skin.

If you’re following this glass skin routine in the morning, remember to finish up with an SPF (30+) to protect your skin from sun damage and add an extra layer of luminosity.

Lifestyle factors

It’s worth noting that a stellar skincare routine will help you get most of the way to glass skin, but combining these with the following habits will help to maximise skin health and glow:

• Drinking between 6-8 cups of water or fluid a day.
• Eating a balanced diet (foods rich in omega 3, fatty acids and antioxidants are all high on the skin-supporting list).
• Sleeping between 7-9 hours a night (or whatever feels suitable for you).
• Wearing SPF daily to help minimise skin damage.
• Consulting your GP about taking supplements to support your skin health.