Medically reviewed by Dr Sukhsagar Ratol, MBBS, MDPunjab Medical Council Reg. No. 32252Last updated
WHAT TO KNOW
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Glass skin has become popular nowadays due to Korean skincare. Most people will see glass skin in close up videos. A study found that moisturised skin showed less surface light scattering and greater translucency (Jiang and DeLaCruz, 2011). This helps explain some visual differences but does not make ‘glass skin’ a medical outcome.
Most people are confused about glass skin. Some people feel they need to follow a 10-step routine with lots of serums whilst others feel they will achieve glass skin after just one facial. Usually this is not the case as it depends on whether your routine is suitable for your skin.
Curious about improving your skin’s texture or hydration? Explore which skincare and treatment options may suit your concerns.
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is a term used for skin which looks smooth, even and well hydrated with a light glow, and it is also called as Korean glass skin.
The top layer of your skin reflects light more evenly when it has enough water in it and that is why hydrated skin looks clear and fresh. Nevertheless the shine you see is not always hydration, as oil, sweat, a dewy moisturiser or makeup can also make the skin look glossy, and many people with well hydrated skin do not look shiny at all which is completely normal.
Pores and a little texture are also a normal part of every skin. Skincare can make the pores look smaller but it cannot remove them, and this is something that many people get confused about after watching glass skin videos which are often shot with good lighting, makeup and filters.
How to Get Glass Skin at Home
Good news: you don’t need a long list of products. Dermatologists say a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen do most of the work, and using too many products can irritate your skin (AAD, n.d.a).
| Morning: gentle cleanser, a moisturiser that doesn’t feel tight, and sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Night: cleanse, use any cream your doctor prescribed, then moisturise. |
If your skin is oily, a light gel may feel nicer in Indian summers. There’s no need to exfoliate every day.
What Ingredients Will Help?
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid pull water into your skin, ceramides help lock it in, and niacinamide may help with oiliness. Exfoliating acids and retinoids treat acne and texture but don’t hydrate. Add one active at a time, because too many together can irritate your skin and leave dark marks in darker skin (Ngan and Oakley, 2015).
Glass Skin Routine vs In-Clinic Treatments
Your routine is daily maintenance and a clinic treatment is an occasional boost. A facial can’t undo a routine that irritates your skin, and a routine can’t fix every concern on its own.
At Ageology, the Glass Skin Facial and HydraFacial mainly cleanse and hydrate, the Glow Peel works on texture and light pigmentation, and skin boosters may be considered for selected hydration concerns. If you have darker skin, make sure an experienced doctor does your peel (AAD, n.d.c), and discuss treatment timing before an event, as recovery varies by procedure. A hydrating facial may offer a temporary refresh, whereas a chemical peel can involve redness, dryness or visible flaking during recovery.
| At-Home Skincare Routine | In-Clinic Treatments | |
| Potential benefits | More comfortable, hydrated-looking skin with consistent use | May improve dullness, congestion or certain texture and pigmentation concerns, depending on the treatment |
| Limitations | Cannot remove pores or correct deeper scars | A general facial cannot address every cause of acne, pigmentation or uneven texture |
| Possible risks | Irritation from unsuitable or excessive products | Temporary redness, sensitivity or other treatment-specific reactions |
When Would You Need More Than a Facial?
Sometimes you may be able to achieve glass skin with just your skincare. If your main issue is dryness or slight dullness you may not need to do anything extra. If you suffer with any of the following issues a general facial may not be your best bet.
- Painful or frequent spots leaving marks.
- Dark patches getting worse or changing.
- Ongoing irritation and flaking despite simplifying your skincare.
- Pitted acne scarring.
These issues should be checked by a dermatologist as acne scarring and pigmentation are treated differently.
| Dermatologist’s Perspective “Many patients come in asking for glass skin after seeing videos online, but what I always tell them is that shiny skin is not always healthy skin. Sometimes the shine is just oil or a heavy product while the skin barrier underneath is irritated. At Ageology we first check whether the skin is simply dehydrated or if there is acne, pigmentation or damage from too much exfoliation, because each of these needs a different plan. Protecting the skin barrier always comes before chasing a particular look.” Dr Sukhsagar Ratol, MBBS, MD Founder & Director, Ageology Skin Clinic, Reg. No. 32252 |
Glass Skin Treatment in Chandigarh at Ageology
At Ageology we will check your skin to see if it is just dehydration or if you have acne, pigmentation or irritation that needs to be treated differently. We will then advise you if altering your skincare, having a facial, peel or skin boosters will help. We will also talk about cost and downtime.
If you are already using many products, bring them along or click a photo of the labels. This helps us see if something in your routine is causing irritation. Sometimes just removing one product makes a big difference.
Wondering whether skincare alone is enough for your skin? Discuss suitable options with Ageology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to achieve glass skin?
There is no exact time frame. You may start to notice your skin feeling better in a few weeks as it will be more hydrated. Pigmentation and texture can take longer.
Can oily/acne skin achieve glass skin?
Yes! Oily skin can still be dehydrated. Use a light non-comedogenic moisturiser and treat your acne.
Is a glass skin facial better than skincare?
No. They are two different things. A facial may offer a temporary refresh, while regular skincare supports skin health over time.
Do I need to do a 10 step Korean skincare regime?
No. For most people, a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are enough. Add extra products only for a reason.
Is glass skin the same as dewy skin?
Yes and no. Dewy skin is usually used to describe skin that looks fresh and hydrated. Glass skin is skin that looks smoother and more even with a glossy finish.
Can glass skin treatments remove your pores?
No. Pores cannot be removed but can look smaller if you manage your oils and blockages.
Can I get glass skin with just home remedies?
Not really. Aloe vera may feel soothing but kitchen ingredients such as lemon or baking soda can irritate your skin. A gentle routine is safer.
Can men also follow a glass skin routine?
Yes of course. Men have the same skin barrier so a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen will work for them too, especially after shaving when the skin can feel dry.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d.a) Skin care on a budget.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d.b) Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?
American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d.c) Chemical peels FAQs.
Jiang, Z.-X. and DeLaCruz, J. (2011) ‘Appearance benefits of skin moisturization’, Skin Research and Technology, 17(1), pp. 51–55.
Ngan, V. and Oakley, A. (2015) Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. DermNet.
