In the K-beauty world, everyone is talking about glass skin: clear, poreless and almost translucent skin. However, a good skin care routine requires good products, time and commitment. Glass skin is often sought after not only in Korea, but also Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries across Asia—but, if you ask any Korean, it’s not about spending a lot of money on products.

It’s about habits and routines that don’t even cost a single thing. All you need is a sustainable and strategic skincare routine to tackle your beauty issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation or just plain old sun-damage to get flawlessly fabulous and healthy skin.

Below, Beauty Insider listed out some tips and products that will do wondrous to your skin.

Steps To Get Glass Skin

1. Start By Gentle Cleansing 

First and foremost, cleanse, cleanse, cleanse! To achieve glass skin, it’s crucial to wash away all that dirt and grime. And the best way is to use a gentle cleanser/wash in the morning and at night. This way, you’re sure to get rid of make-up and all the dirt and oil from the day. 

2. Use Toner To Remove Extra Oils 

Remove all that residue make-up and extra dirt or oil by toning your skin. I can’t believe many people skip this step because they’re afraid of overdrying their skin. But honestly, guys, toner is just the opposite. Instead, it helps nourishes the skin, gets rid of bacteria, and “double-cleanses” your skin by thoroughly getting rid of all the stuff we don’t want clogging up our pores.

3. Flood Your Skin With Moisturizer 

After toner, come moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin is an important step to help get those smooth and glassy skin, and also prevent further breakouts. When your skin is dry and irritated, it actually causes breakouts and acne. By moisturizing, you reduce your chances of any skin problems arising.

4. Use A Facial Essence

Facial essences have a light, watery consistency—which is what glass skin is about. Essence helps hydrate your skin after cleansing (which prepares it to absorb serums and moisturizers) and infuses it with nutrients. Instead of using just one thick cream to moisturize, apply several layers of thin hydrating products. It’s easier for your skin to absorb, and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable in a hot or humid Asian climate. For best results, use a patting motion. It’s like giving yourself a mini-facial massage each time you do your skincare.

5. Protect You Skin Layer With SPF

Sunscreen is probably the most crucial part of a daily skincare routine. After all, laying in the sun gives you a gorgeous glowy summer-perfect tan, but, if you’re not being careful, it can affect your skin. So, you have to protect it. When you’re stepping out on an especially hot/sunny day (hello Asian weather), make sure your sunscreen contains at least SPF 30 level to help get an even tone and texture for the glass skin appearance. 

6. Clear Pores Regularly With A DIY Facial Steam

Boil distilled water in a large pot., covering it with a lid to capture the steam. (Optional but totally relaxing: add essential oils to the water: Try peppermint. It’s a natural astringent and smells so refreshing.) Transfer the pot to a table, and lean over it with a towel draped over your head. Sit there for about 10 minutes, or until the water cools.

Best Products For Glass Skin

1. ZarZou Brightening & Hydrating Facial Serum

BHS

Drench your skin with this ZarZou Brightening & Hydrating Facial Serum which is infused with 2% Hyaluronic Acid and unleash your inner beauty by giving your skin a natural and healthy glow with Vitamin C and Arbutin in this lightweight serum. Now, you can slowly let go of your acne scars, sunburn, uneven skin tone and dull skin and say hi to glowing skin!

Why we love it: 

  • Hydrating
  • Reduces acne scars
  • Brightens uneven skin tone

Price: RM 59.00

Where to buy: ZarZou

2. Axis Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel

Unveil a brighter, smoother complexion with the PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel. This innovative skincare solution is designed to target acne, enlarged pores, and dull skin tone. Its 10% PHA gel-water base ensures gentle yet effective exfoliation. Enriched with natural extracts from cucumber, green papaya, and Centella Asiatica, the Glow Peel provides soothing and nourishing benefits from the first use, rejuvenating the skin and enhancing its natural radiance.

Perfectly suited for all skin types, especially those prone to acne, the peel is a versatile addition to any skincare routine. It offers a straightforward yet effective way to achieve a healthier, more luminous complexion. Regular use can help enhance skin tone and texture, contributing to a more vibrant appearance and reduced pore visibility. It is more than just a skincare product; it’s a step towards embracing your skin’s natural beauty.

Why we love it:

  • Smooths skin texture through mild exfoliation, suitable for regular use.
  • Enriched with the goodness of fruits and vegetables for maximum skin health.
  • Specially designed to cater to the needs of acne-prone skin.
  • Vegan-friendly formulation, ensuring ethical and sustainable skincare choices.

Price: RM 48

Where to buy: AXIS-Y Official Shopee, AXIS-Y Malaysia Official TikTok

3. Hada Labo AHA/BHA Acne Control Facial Wash 

hada labo

For those of you who are constantly battling with acne-prone problems, try this AHA/BHA Acne Control Face Wash from Hada Labo. It contains the most trusted ingredients like Bentonite Clay from Amazon forest, banana extract, and wild pansy, all known to treat acne, even the most stubborn ones! Not only will they defuse acne growth, but also minimize your pores, even out your skin tones and control sebum development. 

Why we love it: 

  • Suitable for acne prone skin
  • Protect skin for dangerous radical 
  • Minimize pores

Price: RM 30.52

Where to buy: Watson

4. Garden of EDEN ROSA E Brightening Hydra Cream

glass skincare regimen

Lock-in moisture onto your skin for up to 72 hours with the Rosa E Brightening Hydra Cream by Garden of EDEN! Its 95% plant origin formulation delivers moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and brightens up the complexion for healthy skin. This multi-functional intensive cream does two things for your skin: Hydration + Skin Lightening. It promotes the reduction of pigmentation and dark spots and gradually evens out the skin tone for luminous-looking skin. Thanks to its’ 95% plant origin formula, it’s rich in 8 types of hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, Vitamin C and natural extracts of rosehip, cucumber, hibiscus, mulberry bark and silver vine  to boost skin lightening. Dermatologically tested to suit all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Best used together with Garden of EDEN ROSA E Pigmentation Serum for best results.

Why we love it:

  • Deeply moisturises and boosts radiance for dewy, supple skin 
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formula
  • Clean formula and contains no animal ingredients, colourants, artificial fragrances, parabens, alcohol, silicones, and mineral oil. 

Where to buy: Garden of Eden, Guardian, Watsons

Price: RM69.90

5. ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare BB Foundation

anessa

A tone-up sunscreen that will not only serve as a sun protection but also your makeup base. There’s a reason why this Anessa sunscreen is considered No.1 in the Japanese beauty market. They will help cover large pores, dark circles and obvious acne scarring. It will give you a perfect matte finish, too. 

Why we love it: 

  • Can be worn as a sunscreen or makeup base
  • Flawless matte finish
  • Hydrating

Price: RM72.00

Where to buy: Watsons

6. KIEHL’S Cactus Flower & “Tibetan Ginseng” Hydrating Mist

glass skincare regimen

Formulated with Cactus Flower to keep skin hydrated even under sensitive conditions. The Tibaten Ginseng inside helps increase skin-cell respiration; this formula helps skin maintain its essential moisture to keep it soft and smooth. A blend of Lavender, Geranium and Rosemary helps to detoxify and protect skin from environmental aggressors. 

Why we love it: 

  • Purifies and hydrates your skin
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Easy to bring anywhere!

Price: RM 100.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s

7. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Best For Acne Skin

glass skincare regimen

Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% face serum is one of the most anticipated items of all time. This product is incredible, especially if you have acne-prone skin. This facial serum is ideal for those suffering from acne, red patches, or uneven skin tone. Efficiently shrink enlarged pores and combat greasy skin, which mainly lead to unclogged pores. Before using any thick moisturising cream, apply this serum—both morning and night. 

Why we love it: 

  • Non sticky, non greasy
  • Works wonder for all acne skin type
  • Sulphates and paraben-free

Price: RM 45.00

Where to buy: Threebs

8. PIXI Overnight Retinol Oil

Despite it being a bit expensive, this PIXI Overnight Retinol Oil is the savior to your skin problems, no matter your type—combo, ace prone, sensitive or dry. They retinol will totally help to restore skin plumpness and improve the appearance of your complexion. Literally your skin will thank you for this.

Why we love it: 

  • Smoothing night oil
  • Suitable for all skin types (work best for combination skin)
  • Paraben-free

Price: RM 120.00

Where To Buy: Sephora

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