Glass skin is the latest skincare sensation to dominate our feeds, capturing the hearts of beauty aficionados around the globe. Hailing from South Korea, a country celebrated for its pioneering skincare and beauty innovations, the concept of glass skin has taken social media by storm. Beauty influencers and skincare enthusiasts alike have embraced this trend, setting a new, albeit extremely high, standard in the skincare world. But what exactly is glass skin, and why is everyone talking about it?
What is Glass Skin?
When it comes to skin texture, it appears there is a new goal. No longer is the aim to have skin that looks like skin, we are now aiming for a complexion so smooth, luminous, and clear that it resembles a pane of glass! For those ready to take on this challenge, your skin should appear flawless, plump, and soft, almost as if it is devoid of pores. Of course, achieving this look requires a dedicated and intensive skincare regimen. Here are a few of the trending steps...
How to Achieve Glass Skin
Double Cleansing: Ensuring the skin is impeccably clean without stripping its natural oils.
Exfoliation: Regular, gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother surface.
Toning: Using hydrating toners to prep the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.
Essences and Serums: Layering lightweight, hydrating products to deeply nourish the skin.
Moisturising: Locking in hydration with rich, emollient creams.
Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen diligently to protect the skin from damage.
'The aim is to create a complexion so smooth, luminous, and clear, it resembles a pane of glass.'
This multi-step routine is designed to flood the skin with moisture, promote cellular turnover, and create an ethereal glow that mimics the flawless finish of glass.
So, what could possibly be wrong with that?
Well, while this skincare routine may work well for those with normal or resilient skin, it can be problematic for individuals with sensitive skin. The extensive use of products and frequent cleansing can lead to reactions or irritation. Additionally, the most concerning aspect of this trend is the unrealistic expectation it sets.
The Allure and the Anxiety of Glass Skin
The allure of glass skin lies in its promise of perfection—a complexion free of blemishes, pores, and imperfections. The pursuit of flawless skin is nothing new in the beauty industry, but glass skin takes it to a new and uncomfortable level, requiring a significant investment of time, money, and effort - for a very unrealistic and often unattainable reward.
Some have claimed that this trend perpetuates an unhealthy obsession with perfection, fuelled by beauty companies and a need to sell more products. But more importantly, many have claimed that it inadvertently excludes women who are aging or those with naturally imperfect skin (which, let’s be honest most of us have) placing unrealistic pressures to achieve the mostly unachievable.
In short, the glass skin trend is a celebration of a type of beauty with very narrow criteria. Skin, by its very nature, is not meant to be perfect. It ages, it breaks out, it has texture and pores—qualities that are natural and beautiful in their own right. The emphasis on achieving a glass-like appearance marginalises women, particularly those who are ageing or who have skin that can never achieve this extreme level of perfection. Ageing skin has different needs and characteristics. It tends to be drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging.
"The pursuit of a glass skin finish can lead to frustration and disappointment."
Mature skin simply does not respond to the same treatments and products in the same way younger skin does. What's more, skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation are common and can be difficult to manage, regardless of age. The influence that this trend could have over young women, particularly those going through puberty, could also lead to unhealthy skincare routines and the use of unnecessary products in the pursuit of ‘perfection’.
"The beauty industry is increasingly recognising the importance of inclusivity and the celebration of diverse forms of beauty."
The glass skin trend feels, in many ways, to be a skincare step in the wrong direction.
Embracing Real Skin and Organic Skincare
Real skin has texture, pores, and imperfections. These qualities do not detract from one’s beauty but rather they tell a story of life, experience, and individuality. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, using products that suit your unique skin type and that focus on the health of your skin will allow you to embrace the natural beauty that comes with every line, scar, and pore. Using gentle and nourishing products that nurture and improve your skin - whether you need hydrating, calming or detoxing - is an option that we all can buy into. The goal is to get the very best out of YOUR skin!
Glass skin may be the latest trend, but beauty is not one-size-fits-all. Instead of chasing the elusive ideal of glass skin, let’s celebrate the beauty of real, diverse, and perfectly imperfect skin, skin that can be healthy and thriving without the need for extreme products, chemicals or routines.
