If you've spent any time on social media recently, you've probably come across the term 'glass skin'. Originating in K-beauty, glass skin refers to skin that looks noticeably smooth, deeply hydrated and luminous, combining the three essentials for a fresh, healthy-looking glow.
The good news is that achieving glass skin doesn't require dozens of products or complicated techniques. With the right routine, and formulas designed to help maintain healthy-looking skin, achieving a naturally dewy complexion is within reach.
In this guide, we'll explain how to get glass skin, why hydration plays such an important role, and how to build an effective ritual using skincare products that work with your skin’s needs.
What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is a skincare term used to describe skin that appears deeply hydrated, smooth, even-toned and naturally radiant, so much so that it appears to have a 'mirror-looking’ finish — without appearing greasy.
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How to Achieve Glass Skin
While the name may suggest perfection, achieving glass skin isn't about a completely flawless or poreless complexion. Instead, it's about building a nourishing skincare routine that helps support your skin barrier and keeps your base looking balanced, radiant and well-hydrated.
Start With a Cleanser
An effective glass skin routine begins with clean skin.
Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that leaves skin feeling refreshed rather than tight, such as the No7 Cloud Bounce Whipped Foam Cleanser.
Incorporating this into your morning routine will help to remove excess oil without disrupting your skin's natural moisture barrier, creating the perfect base for the rest of your routine.
For the evening, incorporate a double cleanse, beginning with an oil-based cleanse to dissolve sunscreen, stubborn makeup and environmental impurities, followed by your gentle cleanser to sweep away any remaining residue.
Expert Tip: Cleanse with lukewarm water rather than hot water to avoid skin feeling dry and uncomfortable.
Exfoliate Gently
Adding gentle exfoliation to your routine can help keep your complexion looking its best by removing the buildup of dead skin cells that may leave it looking dull. Over time, this helps reveal a brighter-looking complexion while improving the appearance of uneven texture.
To help your skin thrive and to get the most out of your glass skin routine, choose an exfoliator based on your skin type and concern.
For dry skin, consider exfoliants with lactic acid and PHAs that gently sweep away surface debris without stripping. For oily and combination skin types, look to formulas with pore refining actives such as salicylic acid that can help to reduce excess sebum. Finally, for normal skin, opt for formulas with glycolic acid and enzyme exfoliators to target general skin texture while balancing the complexion.
Expert Tip: One of the biggest misconceptions about how to achieve glass skin is that more exfoliation produces better results. To maintain a healthy skin barrier, introduce exfoliating products gradually and use them as directed, as excessive exfoliation may increase the risk of dryness and sensitivity.
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Layer Hydration With a Serum
Hydration sits at the heart of every successful glass skin routine. When skin is well hydrated, it appears plumper, smoother and more luminous.
Serums are an ideal way to deliver concentrated hydration where your skin needs it most.
Look for formulas that combine hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin and aloe vera, with actives that support the skin barrier — think hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The No7 Good Intent Radiance Reflect Spray Serum is an ideal choice for added hydration, thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid and smoothing oils.
Expert Tip: Choose one serum that targets your main skin concern rather than layering multiple formulas. Keeping your routine simple makes it easier to stay consistent, which is key to getting the most from your skincare routine.
Don't Forget the Eye Area
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, which could make it more prone to looking dry or tired. Applying an eye cream after your serum helps ensure this area gets the hydration it needs for a radiant routine.
Choose a lightweight eye cream that supports hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Good Intent Skin Sip Bouncy Eye Cream is formulated with collagen and squalane to help nourish the delicate eye area while supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier. Its bouncy texture layers comfortably into your routine morning and evening.
Expert Tip: Apply your eye cream using your ring finger, gently tapping it around the contour of your eyes rather than rubbing. This helps distribute the product evenly while being gentle on the delicate eye area.
Support Your Skin Barrier With a Moisturizer
After applying your serum, follow with a moisturizer to help support your skin barrier and lock in moisture. Used consistently, this step helps leave skin feeling soft and looking smooth, healthy and radiant, everything needed for a true glass skin look.
Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type:
Oily Skin: Lightweight, gel-like moisturizers, such as the No7 Good Intent Dew Bank Water Cream provide hydration without feeling heavy. - Dry Skin: Richer cream formulas help nourish the skin and support the skin barrier, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.
Combination Skin: Lightweight, balancing formulas, such as the No7 Good Intent Skin Sip Moisture Milk help maintain moisture while feeling comfortable across different areas of the face.
Never Skip SPF
Daily sunscreen is one of the most important yet overlooked steps in any glass skin routine.
UV exposure can contribute to visible dullness, uneven skin tone and premature signs of aging, all of which can make achieving the glass skin look more difficult.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning as the final step of your skincare routine, even on cloudy days. Healthy-looking, glowing skin starts with protecting the progress you've already made.
Apply a Face Mask Weekly
Glass skin isn't just about your daily routine; it's also about giving your skin an extra dose of hydration alongside nourishing actives when it needs it. Adding a face mask two or three times a week can help replenish moisture and leave your complexion looking refreshed and radiant.
If you're looking to elevate your routine, No7 Good Intent Dream Drench Wrapping Mask is an ideal addition. Formulated with niacinamide and panthenol, this silky gel mask helps replenish lost moisture while supporting a more even skin tone.
