GLASS ACT

The path to achieving glass skin isn't always clear-cut. But a breakthrough aesthetic treatment promises a crystalline complexion.

- TENGKU ZAI

When it comes to anything K-something—be it K-Pop or K-Beauty—I don’t buy into it except for K-Fried Chicken. While K-Pop comes down to musical taste (no judgement here), K-Beauty to me has committed some crimes against skincare with their too-long routines (I’m so glad this wasteful and excessive trend has passed). That said, there’s one aspect of K-Beauty that I’ve become increasingly intrigued by—the pursuit of glass skin.

But what is glass skin, anyway? It’s a luminous, dewy, exceptionally clear complexion. A beauty trend (or standard?) originating from South Korea, the term ‘glass skin’ itself evokes a vision of skin so radiant that it resembles glass. Simply put, it’s the complexion that every K-Pop star has; and I want it for myself.

THE DOCTOR IS IN

What’s possibly the most important thing to know when on your own path to attaining a crystalline complexion is that it takes trips to the clinic. As effective as some skincare products can be, there’s only so much they can do. Skincare focuses its effects on the upper layers of skin, but for a complexion worthy of a K-Pop star, you’re going to have to go deeper. Functional skincare should be considered maintenance instead.