This article is a translation of the original French article “Glass Skin : la nouvelle tendance pour un teint éclatant” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
What is Glass Skin?
The concept of "Glass Skin" refers to skin that looks smooth, luminous and as clear as glass (the term means 'glass skin' in Korean). It is not just about surface radiance, but about skin that is deeply hydrated, plumped and in perfect health: a healthy appearance, skin that seems to glow from within, almost translucent. This trend is based on a holistic approach to skincare, aiming to optimise the skin's health so that it radiates naturally from within.
Where does the Glass Skin trend come from?
Originating in South Korea, Glass Skin is part of K-Beauty (Korean Beauty), a philosophy that focuses on prevention, hydration and in-depth care rather than concealing imperfections. This approach favours comprehensive routines, combining several steps to achieve flawless, radiant skin.
How do you achieve Glass Skin?
Achieving the Glass Skin effect calls for a meticulous, consistent skincare routine, suited to even the driest skin, built around key steps to boost hydration, improve skin texture and strengthen the skin barrier.
1. Exfoliate for smooth, radiant skin
Regular exfoliation removes dead cells and reveals more luminous skin. Exfoliating acids (AHAs or fruit acids, BHAs, PHAs) help improve cell renewal and refine skin texture, while boosting the complexion's natural radiance.
2. Intensive hydration: the key to bouncy skin
Hydration is essential to achieving the Glass Skin effect. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides help keep the skin plump and supple by retaining moisture and supporting the skin's barrier function. Layering hydrating serums optimises the absorption and effectiveness of the active ingredients.
3. Nourish the skin with essential active ingredients
Glass Skin is well-nourished skin, thanks to ingredients rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Niacinamide, vitamin C and essential fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier and prevent premature ageing.
4. Protect the skin from external aggressors
Healthy skin is protected skin. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation, skin ageing and UV damage.
For perfectly clear, smooth and luminous skin, nothing beats a Hydrafacial treatment. This treatment combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction of impurities and infusion of hydrating and antioxidant active ingredients for plumped, protected skin in perfect health. It is also very effective combined with the PRX-T33 bio-revitalising treatment, to work on skin quality and an even complexion.
The benefits of well-hydrated skin
Beyond the aesthetic aspect, optimal hydration offers major benefits for the skin:
- A stronger skin barrier: well-hydrated skin is more resistant to external aggressors and irritation.
- Elimination of toxins: healthy skin promotes cell renewal and the removal of impurities, contributing to a radiant complexion.
- Better absorption of nutrients: well-hydrated skin absorbs the active ingredients in skincare more effectively, optimising their benefits.
The star ingredients of Glass Skin
To adopt this routine, certain ingredients are a must:
- Peptides: improve skin elasticity and promote cell regeneration.
- Niacinamide: evens out the complexion, regulates sebum and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant action to brighten and protect the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
- Ceramides: strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
These ingredients can be found in suitable skincare routines, particularly for dry and sensitive skin, in:
- The Pepto-Collagen Firming Serum which contains a growth factor, oligopeptide-1, widely used in aesthetic medicine for cell regeneration. A suitable skincare routine at home extends and multiplies the effects of the treatments carried out in our centres: a skincare routine enriched with Mesotides® (Innerskin's signature complex) penetrates deep into the skin and guarantees results, because that is where conventional cosmetics cannot reach.
- The Hydrating H.A. Complex Serum containing high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that hydrates the upper and deeper layers of the skin, effective for improving texture, reducing wrinkles and plumping.
- The Antiox-Glow C15 Serum which contains 15% stabilised vitamin C, helping to protect against external aggressors, brightening and evening out the complexion by reducing pigmentation spots.
- The must-have Hydrafacial treatment in our centres, combined with Innerskin skincare, to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities and rehydrate the skin, for plumped skin in perfect health that radiates from within.
Conclusion
Glass Skin is much more than a simple beauty trend: it is based on a scientific, meticulous approach to skincare. By adopting a suitable routine and choosing the right active ingredients, it is possible to achieve healthy, glowing and naturally radiant skin.
