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How to Get Glass Skin, According to K-beauty Experts

Call it the Western world catching up to K-beauty practices or the increasing prioritization of skin care over makeup, but it seems everyone wants glass skin these days. Erica Choi, licensed esthetician and founder of skin-care brand Superegg, thinks it’s a combination of the two factors. “Originating from Korea’s beauty culture, where the trend emphasizes hydration, radiance, and overall skin health, this aligns with the global shift towards skin care as a vital aspect of self-care and wellness,” she tells Vogue. “Overall, the glass-skin trend reflects a broader desire for natural-looking beauty and consumer practices prioritizing effortless beauty routines and a ‘high-maintenance to be low-maintenance’ mindset.”

With unprecedented accessibility—there’s no shortage of K-beauty-inspired skin-care products formulated to brighten, hydrate, and smooth skin right now—it’s easy for anyone to take up the approach. Though Choi explains that variations in skin type, genetics, and environmental factors certainly play a part in achieving the look, test-driving a glass-skin routine by adopting a tailored routine, protecting the skin from environmental stressors, and caring for one’s unique skin type will only improve your complexion over time. Ahead, Choi and London-based general practitioner Christine Hall walk us through the steps to get glass skin—plus the best products to shop.

Double Cleanse

London-based general practitioner Christine Hall says that double cleansing is the foundation of a glass-skin routine. “Sebum, the majority of makeup, and SPF are lipophilic, meaning that they dissolve in oil, while sweat, pollutants, and other impurities will be water-soluble,” she says. “So the only way to get a really deep clean and completely remove all of the buildup from the day is to a double cleanse by using an oil followed by a water-based cleanser.”

Exfoliator

“Exfoliation is crucial for sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which results in a smoother texture and brighter complexion,” says Choi. Just be sure to choose your exfoliant with care. “Using overly abrasive exfoliants can lead to irritation, breakouts, and potentially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), setting back your skin-care progress.” Instead, reach for gentle exfoliating acids like PHAs, which, per Dr. Hall, “can achieve exfoliation but with less irritation.”