Whether you are a K-drama fan or not I am sure, like me, you can’t help being a fan of the dewy, flawless, glass-like complexion of Korean people. I bet you can’t say that the term “Korean glass skin” has never drawn your attention and made you envious.
Want to know the secret behind Korean glass skin? Well, you’re in luck! Because in this article, I am going to share some tried-and-true hacks that helped me and no doubt, will help you too in your journey towards radiant and glowing skin. But first thing first. Let’s discuss what exactly Korean glass skin is.
What is Korean Glass Skin? Is It Real or Just A Myth?
Korean glass skin is a skin trend that originated in South Korea, where people strive to achieve a clear, pore less and transparent complexion which looks like glass and reflects light like a mirror. But if we think deeply, is it really possible to have poreless, transparent, light-reflecting skin? The answer is, no. No person can have absolutely pore less, flawless skin all the time, not even the Koreans. Then what does the term glass skin mean?
Korean people generally have healthy, glowing and well-hydrated skin. They follow specific skincare routines and lifestyle habits from the early days of their lives. So if we consider the nature and complexion of Koreans as the standard, then glass skin is all about plump, healthy, well-hydrated skin with less visible pores and radiant complexion.
Key Conditions to Achieve Korean Glass Skin
The key condition to achieve Korean glass skin is having a healthy skin barrier. The skin barrier is the front line of your skin that defends your skin against free radicals, pollution and bacteria. If your skin barrier is compromised then you are likely to experience some dullness, itchiness and reduced skin elasticity. And if your skin barrier is healthy then your skin is well-hydrated, plump and supple.
There are many great active skincare ingredients that tackle anti-ageing and skin plumpness including retinol and vitamin C. These are all great ingredients. However, if your skin barrier is compromised, it is highly likely that those ingredients will not absorb into your skin and may even cause irritation. So, keeping a healthy skin barrier is the first step towards achieving Korean glass skin.
Secret Skincare Ingredients for Korean Glass Skin
Hyaluronic Acid
The first skin barrier-strengthening ingredient you can consider in your skincare routine is hyaluronic acid. It has moisture-binding properties, so it keeps the water within our skin. It also has the effect of plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keeps our skin very supple and hydrated.
Glycerin
The second ingredient is glycerin. It is the moisturizing agent that prevents the moisture from evaporating from our skin. Hyaluronic acid keeps the moisture within our skin and glycerin hydrates the outer layer of our skin. So hyaluronic acid and glycerin are often used together in a single cosmetic.
Panthenol
Panthenol is also a great skin barrier-strengthening ingredient. It not only binds the water into our skin but also seals all the cracks.
Ceramide
Ceramides work as a glue to keep our skin cells intact and healthy. It is a great skin barrier-strengthening ingredient that can quickly repair a damaged skin barrier and increase the skin’s moisture level.
Allantoin
Another ingredient I want to introduce is Allantoin. Allantoin is usually found in a plant like Chamomile and is used to treat inflammation, itchiness and dull skin. So if your skin barrier is weakened, allantoin is also another great ingredient to repair your skin barrier.
Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan is another type of hydrator which is slightly less well-known compared to hyaluronic acid, but it offers great moisturizing and hydrating properties as well as plumps the skin texture.
Natural Plant-based Oils
Last but not least, there are many natural plant-based oils that help to repair our skin barrier and prevent our skin from losing moisture. Also, many natural plant-based oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
If your skin barrier is compromised then I would recommend avoiding any product that has artificial fragrance. Yet, if you want to use fragrance products, use those that are sensitivity-tested.
Hacks to Achieve Korean Glass Skin
You have probably heard or read about the 10-step skincare routine of Korean people everywhere on the internet. Well, I am not going to repeat the multi-step process here. Instead, let’s check out some fabulous hacks that will help you glow like a K-drama star and achieve the most coveted Korean glass skin.
Steam Massage
Spa and massage parlors are very common in South Korea. Most Korean women
get facial steam massages just like a ritual to keep their skin healthy and glowy. The easiest thing you can do to get the Korean glass skin is to indulge in a steam session. You can do it at a massage parlor or at home.
When you apply steam to your face, it helps to open up your pores. Then, slowly tap your skin with your fingertip, covering your whole face and neck. Continue the process for 5-7 minutes. It will help to increase blood circulation in your face and result in a dewy, radiant complexion. To get the maximum result, you can use a facial oil while massaging.
Exfoliate with a Washcloth
Washcloths are small towels typically used in Korean bathhouses and at home as part of a regular skincare routine. They are normally designed to effectively remove dead skin cells, improve blood circulation, and leave the skin smooth and refreshed.
You can use a cotton washcloth or a microfiber washcloth. First, dampen the washcloth with warm water. Make sure your skin is damp as well. Then scrub, scrub and scrub! Apply it in a circular pattern moving upward from your chin to forehead. I like to start from the bottom and work up because gravity already pulls things down, so I like to lift everything. You will know you did it right if you see small dead skin accrue. This method will help you get closer to the luminous, Korean glass skin you desire.
Remember not to exfoliate your face more than 1-2 times in a week, according to your skin type.
Sheet mask
Sheet masks are an iconic part of Korean skincare. They are soaked in serums and provide an instant boost of hydration and nutrients. Koreans use different kinds of sheet masks for various concerns like adding extra moisture, hydration or preventing wrinkles. Even Japanese women are also fond of sheet masks to tackle their different skin concerns.
Charcoal Sheet Face Mask
Among a lot of sheet masks, charcoal sheet masks are most popular among Koreans. Charcoal has detoxifying properties. It absorbs the toxic elements from your skin, exfoliates your skin well and leaves your skin healthy and supple.
Apply the charcoal sheet mask to your face once or twice a week. Leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then remove it, and you are done!
Use of Essence
Most of us may not be too used to applying essence. But in Korean skincare, applying essence is as important as applying serum or moisturizer to get radiant, smooth skin. Essence is full of nutrients, and it’s formulation is also very gentle. Normally helps to add extra hydration to the face. As we know, hydration is the key to achieving the desired Korean glass skin, so how can we skip essence here?
Drinking Barley Tea
Here comes another secret ingredient to achieve Korean glass skin: barley tea. It is a common substitute for water in many Korean households. Most Korean people grow up drinking this specific water. It has a slightly nutty taste and can be served either hot or cold. As it is caffeine-free and great for hydration, you can drink it whenever you want.
Roasted barley tea is rich in antioxidants, multivitamins and an amino acid called lysine which helps to promote collagen synthesis.
Use of Ampoules
If you are familiar with the Korean 10-step skincare routine, you must be familiar with ampoules as well. An ampoule is a supercharged serum with higher concentrations of actives. It can serve as a booster or a stronger alternative, designed to address specific skin concerns. Though ampoule is not necessary for everyone, if you have severe acne, breakouts or extreme skin concerns, you can try it to get healthy, flawless skin.
Face Yoga
It’s not a secret anymore that Korean skincare isn’t complete without face yoga. Face yoga increases blood flow to the skin and delivers oxygen and essential nutrients for healthy skin. This increased blood circulation can give your complexion a natural, rosy glow.
Face yoga is a great technique for lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and signs of ageing, strengthening your facial muscles and more. And then of course, it will increase elasticity and lead to a a smoother, more lifted appearance.
So don’t forget to give your face a yoga treat on a daily basis.
Final Words
Achieving Korean glass skin is not just about slapping on multiple products and calling it a day. It’s a whole process that requires commitment, patience and a genuine love for skincare. And I am sure you have all these three, that’s why you are here. So, my dear, give these hacks a try and let’s glow like you’ve always cherished.
What is Korean Glass Skin? Is It Real or Just A Myth?
Korean glass skin is a skin trend that originated in South Korea, where people strive to achieve a clear, pore less and transparent complexion which looks like glass and reflects light like a mirror. But if we think deeply, is it really possible to have poreless, transparent, light-reflecting skin? The answer is, no. No person can have absolutely pore less, flawless skin all the time, not even the Koreans. Then what does the term glass skin mean?
Korean people generally have healthy, glowing and well-hydrated skin. They follow specific skincare routines and lifestyle habits from the early days of their lives. So if we consider the nature and complexion of Koreans as the standard, then glass skin is all about plump, healthy, well-hydrated skin with less visible pores and radiant complexion.
Key Conditions to Achieve Korean Glass Skin
The key condition to achieve Korean glass skin is having a healthy skin barrier. The skin barrier is the front line of your skin that defends your skin against free radicals, pollution and bacteria. If your skin barrier is compromised then you are likely to experience some dullness, itchiness and reduced skin elasticity. And if your skin barrier is healthy then your skin is well-hydrated, plump and supple.
There are many great active skincare ingredients that tackle anti-ageing and skin plumpness including retinol and vitamin C. These are all great ingredients. However, if your skin barrier is compromised, it is highly likely that those ingredients will not absorb into your skin and may even cause irritation. So, keeping a healthy skin barrier is the first step towards achieving Korean glass skin.
Secret Skincare Ingredients for Korean Glass Skin
Hyaluronic Acid
The first skin barrier-strengthening ingredient you can consider in your skincare routine is hyaluronic acid. It has moisture-binding properties, so it keeps the water within our skin. It also has the effect of plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keeps our skin very supple and hydrated.
Glycerin
The second ingredient is glycerin. It is the moisturizing agent that prevents the moisture from evaporating from our skin. Hyaluronic acid keeps the moisture within our skin and glycerin hydrates the outer layer of our skin. So hyaluronic acid and glycerin are often used together in a single cosmetic.
Panthenol
Panthenol is also a great skin barrier-strengthening ingredient. It not only binds the water into our skin but also seals all the cracks.
Ceramide
Ceramides work as a glue to keep our skin cells intact and healthy. It is a great skin barrier-strengthening ingredient that can quickly repair a damaged skin barrier and increase the skin’s moisture level.
Allantoin
Another ingredient I want to introduce is Allantoin. Allantoin is usually found in a plant like Chamomile and is used to treat inflammation, itchiness and dull skin. So if your skin barrier is weakened, allantoin is also another great ingredient to repair your skin barrier.
Beta-glucan
Beta-glucan is another type of hydrator which is slightly less well-known compared to hyaluronic acid, but it offers great moisturizing and hydrating properties as well as plumps the skin texture.
Natural Plant-based Oils
Last but not least, there are many natural plant-based oils that help to repair our skin barrier and prevent our skin from losing moisture. Also, many natural plant-based oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
If your skin barrier is compromised then I would recommend avoiding any product that has artificial fragrance. Yet, if you want to use fragrance products, use those that are sensitivity-tested.
Hacks to Achieve Korean Glass Skin
You have probably heard or read about the 10-step skincare routine of Korean people everywhere on the internet. Well, I am not going to repeat the multi-step process here. Instead, let’s check out some fabulous hacks that will help you glow like a K-drama star and achieve the most coveted Korean glass skin.
Steam Massage
Spa and massage parlors are very common in South Korea. Most Korean women
get facial steam massages just like a ritual to keep their skin healthy and glowy. The easiest thing you can do to get the Korean glass skin is to indulge in a steam session. You can do it at a massage parlor or at home.
When you apply steam to your face, it helps to open up your pores. Then, slowly tap your skin with your fingertip, covering your whole face and neck. Continue the process for 5-7 minutes. It will help to increase blood circulation in your face and result in a dewy, radiant complexion. To get the maximum result, you can use a facial oil while massaging.
Exfoliate with a Washcloth
Washcloths are small towels typically used in Korean bathhouses and at home as part of a regular skincare routine. They are normally designed to effectively remove dead skin cells, improve blood circulation, and leave the skin smooth and refreshed.
You can use a cotton washcloth or a microfiber washcloth. First, dampen the washcloth with warm water. Make sure your skin is damp as well. Then scrub, scrub and scrub! Apply it in a circular pattern moving upward from your chin to forehead. I like to start from the bottom and work up because gravity already pulls things down, so I like to lift everything. You will know you did it right if you see small dead skin accrue. This method will help you get closer to the luminous, Korean glass skin you desire.
Remember not to exfoliate your face more than 1-2 times in a week, according to your skin type.
Sheet mask
Sheet masks are an iconic part of Korean skincare. They are soaked in serums and provide an instant boost of hydration and nutrients. Koreans use different kinds of sheet masks for various concerns like adding extra moisture, hydration or preventing wrinkles. Even Japanese women are also fond of sheet masks to tackle their different skin concerns.
Charcoal Sheet Face Mask
Among a lot of sheet masks, charcoal sheet masks are most popular among Koreans. Charcoal has detoxifying properties. It absorbs the toxic elements from your skin, exfoliates your skin well and leaves your skin healthy and supple.
Apply the charcoal sheet mask to your face once or twice a week. Leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then remove it, and you are done!
Use of Essence
Most of us may not be too used to applying essence. But in Korean skincare, applying essence is as important as applying serum or moisturizer to get radiant, smooth skin. Essence is full of nutrients, and it’s formulation is also very gentle. Normally helps to add extra hydration to the face. As we know, hydration is the key to achieving the desired Korean glass skin, so how can we skip essence here?
Drinking Barley Tea
Here comes another secret ingredient to achieve Korean glass skin: barley tea. It is a common substitute for water in many Korean households. Most Korean people grow up drinking this specific water. It has a slightly nutty taste and can be served either hot or cold. As it is caffeine-free and great for hydration, you can drink it whenever you want.
Roasted barley tea is rich in antioxidants, multivitamins and an amino acid called lysine which helps to promote collagen synthesis.
Use of Ampoules
If you are familiar with the Korean 10-step skincare routine, you must be familiar with ampoules as well. An ampoule is a supercharged serum with higher concentrations of actives. It can serve as a booster or a stronger alternative, designed to address specific skin concerns. Though ampoule is not necessary for everyone, if you have severe acne, breakouts or extreme skin concerns, you can try it to get healthy, flawless skin.
Face Yoga
It’s not a secret anymore that Korean skincare isn’t complete without face yoga. Face yoga increases blood flow to the skin and delivers oxygen and essential nutrients for healthy skin. This increased blood circulation can give your complexion a natural, rosy glow.
Face yoga is a great technique for lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and signs of ageing, strengthening your facial muscles and more. And then of course, it will increase elasticity and lead to a a smoother, more lifted appearance.
So don’t forget to give your face a yoga treat on a daily basis.
Final Words
Achieving Korean glass skin is not just about slapping on multiple products and calling it a day. It’s a whole process that requires commitment, patience and a genuine love for skincare. And I am sure you have all these three, that’s why you are here. So, my dear, give these hacks a try and let’s glow like you’ve always cherished.
