Laser-focused on intense hydration and targeted ingredients that address unique skin issues, K-Beauty (Korean beauty) has taken the skincare world by storm. It’s given us the widely popular TikTok trends of skin flooding, the 7-step skin method and glass skin — and who doesn’t want a part of that? Going by the social media buzz, nobody.
So, what is it really all about, and how to achieve glass skin? We’ve got you…
Skin Flooding vs. Glass Skin — What’s The Difference?
They’re two different things, but they’re closely intertwined.
Skin flooding is an intensive hydration technique that involves layering multiple intensely hydrating products to saturate the skin.
Glass skin is what we all hope to achieve after skin flooding — a flawless, luminous complexion that looks smooth and reflective, just like glass. Achieving glass skin involves a comprehensive, meticulous skincare routine focused on brightening, hydrating and refining.
Achieving Glass Skin: Step-by-Step Routine
The essence of K-Beauty is moisture and its crucial role in great skin health. Correct and consistent hydration will help to improve and maintain the skin’s elasticity, texture and strength. It’s the heart of any effective skincare routine, and especially that of skin flooding techniques.
K-Beauty’s emphasis on texture, tone and clarity is equally integral to the trend, and calls for powerful natural ingredients to address skin issues of pigmentation, pimples and breakouts, uneven skin and more.
A gentle but effective daily routine will kickstart the glass skin journey and is easy to fit into your day.
1. Double Cleanse
Begin with a double cleanse — once for make-up and the second time for the day’s debris. The hydration journey, and indeed the path to glass skin, begins with a thorough yet gentle cleanse. This prepares the skin for maximum absorption of your targeted ingredients.
It’s a great idea to use a cleansing oil, which will infuse the skin with hydration as it melts away makeup, sunscreen and impurities. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a light oil that helps to purge impurities. It’s safe to use around the delicate eye area and with a non-comedogenic formula, it won’t further congest the skin.
2. Exfoliate
For glass skin, you need to exfoliate regularly ideally with active skincare or fruit-derived acids. This creates a smooth skin surface that’s better able to reflect light. Exfoliation also clears the way for your targeted ingredients to absorb, and is a key step in helping to address issues of pigmentation, pimples and acne.
Use a gentle exfoliant to gently slough away cellular waste from the skin to support healthy cell turnover and leave you with that glass skin effect.
3. Toner layering in 7 steps
Toner layering, or the wildly popular ‘7-step skin method’, is essential for achieving glass skin. This K-Beauty technique involves applying multiple layers of toner to deeply hydrate and refine the skin’s texture. Toner layering provides intense deep hydration, improves texture and skin radiance, and enhances the absorption of the targeted ingredients in the skincare steps that follow.
After cleansing, apply the first layer of toner to slightly damp skin and gently pat it in. Continue layering, allowing each application to absorb fully before adding the next. Repeat this process up to seven times, depending on your skin’s needs.
Try TirTir Milk Skin Toner, which has a hydrating and brightening effect, thanks to targeted calming and hydrating ingredients like centella and rice bran.
4. Serums
Apply hydrating and brightening serums to boost moisture and luminosity. Layer them starting with the lightest formulation and building up. For instance, layering a hydrating essence underneath a vitamin C brightening serum can give a really great boost of radiance, while quenching thirsty skin.
5. Eye Cream
Don’t forget your eyes! Dark shadows and puffiness can detract from your glass skin look. Try Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream to hydrate and firm the eye area. With the highly effective plant-based ingredient Bakuchio, it aims to minimise the appearance of dark circles, as well as provide hydration and brightness.
6. Moisturise
Lock in all that fabulous hydration and nourishment with a quality moisturiser like SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream. This lightweight moisturising cream with Centella Asiatica will soothe the skin and strengthen its natural barrier.
7. Sun Protection
Sun protection is key to keeping skin pigment-free for the glass skin look. Try SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++. This reef-friendly, non-nano chemical formula offers the highest UV protection available to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. With calming and hydrating Madagascar Centella, it also soothes dry, red, sensitive and irritated skin, as well as doses it with moisture. This sunscreen is ideal for everyday use, especially for that perfect glass skin complexion.
Glass Skin At Any Age
You can get that glass-skin glow and maintain it — at any age. It’s simply about consistent care and focus on holistic hydration and brightening. Here are a few lifestyle tips to support your skincare:
1. Stay internally hydrated
Drink plenty of filtered water each day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. You can add flavour with yummy herbal teas or by adding mint and fruit slices to your drink.
2. Enjoy a healthy, well-balanced diet
Incorporate antioxidant- and fibre-rich foods to support skin health. Also look for foods with high Omega fatty acid content, such as salmon and avocado. Finally, ensure you’re enjoying plenty of water-rich foods each day. Think: salad greens, veggies, and plenty of fibre and water-rich fruits, like apples, berries and citrus fruits.
3. Hit the snooze button
Sleep is super important for skin regeneration and that gorgeous glass skin glow. Try to get at least eight hours a night, and go to sleep before 11pm.
4. Manage stress
Stress and anxiety can really impact skin health and show up in a lacklustre complexion and tired eyes. Incorporate plenty of stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation and simple daily movement.
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