Glass Skin Explained: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Start

Youtube
Glass skin—you’ve heard it, seen it, maybe even chased it. It’s the kind of complexion that seems to glow from within: smooth, dewy, and quietly radiant. But if you’re wondering whether it’s real or just another filtered illusion on your feed, you’re not alone. The term has flooded skincare conversations, and the expectations it carries can feel just as overwhelming as they are alluring.

Here’s the truth: what most people are calling glass skin is less about perfection and more about consistent care. The point is to build healthy skin that reflects light, holds moisture, and feels soft to the touch. It’s a texture you cultivate, a kind of hydration you maintain, and a tone you gradually even out. And despite how complicated it might sound, it’s a straightforward process rooted in a few practical habits.

What Is Glass Skin, Really?

It helps to cut through the hype first. Glass skin is a visual result—skin that looks clear, reflective, and well-hydrated. Many people might think of it as some sort of aesthetic trend, but it is actually both: your skin not only looks good but it is also healthy. 

What makes it different from just having “good skin” is how intentional it is. The glass skin look comes from refined texture, deep hydration, and an even tone—all working in harmony. As Dr. Locke puts it, “Our goal here is to have healthy skin that you feel confident in… not flawless, perfect skin.” To get that healthy glass skin here are a few things you need to do. 

Exfoliate

One of the first things that derails a dewy look is skin dullness. As we age, skin cell turnover slows down. Dead cells hang around longer than they should, trapping light instead of reflecting it.

Here’s where exfoliation earns its place. Dr. Locke explains, “When light hits our skin, it just kind of dies and gets absorbed… but if you can fix your skin cell turnover… light will reflect off, and you will give off a much more youthful glass skin look.”

That doesn’t mean grabbing the harshest scrub you can find. What you choose depends on what your skin needs.

• For rough or congested skin: salicylic acid.
• For dryness or crepey texture: glycolic acid.
• For sensitive skin: stick to gentle acids like lactic or mandelic.

There’s also no need to overspend. In Dr. Locke’s words, “This is one of the steps where you can get the best of the best products for a really affordable price.” Reliable brands like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, and Good Molecules deliver powerful formulas without the markup.

Frequency matters, too. Once or twice a week is usually enough. Cleanse, apply the exfoliant as directed, then seal it in with a good moisturizer. And don’t skip sunscreen the next morning—exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV damage.

With this small step, you will notice smoother skin, fewer rough patches, and a surface that catches the light rather than muting it.

Glass Skin Needs Hydration

When skin lacks hydration, everything else falls flat—literally. The glow disappears, fine lines show up more, and makeup settles in the wrong places. Hydration is what gives skin its bounce, and for the glass skin effect, it’s non-negotiable.

Dr. Locke is clear about that: “If you have dry or dehydrated skin, you are not going to look very glassy-like.” Evening is your chance to go heavier. Creams or balm textures work well to lock in moisture while you sleep. In the morning, you can layer in hydration boosters—think hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane—under your usual moisturizer.

One of Dr. Locke’s go-to products is the Ben Hyaluron Active Serum, which contains both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. “When I put this on my skin, it is glowing and looks so hydrated,” she says. Another option she recommends is the Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum by The Inkey List, which “makes my skin look more bouncy” and works well for layering.

Hydration doesn’t stop with topical products. It also comes from within. Increasing water intake sounds obvious, but it still helps. So do certain supplements. “Supplements like hyaluronic acid have been shown in studies to improve your skin’s hydration, decrease the look of your aging and your wrinkles,” says Dr. Locke.

Another under-the-radar ally is Red light therapy. “Red light therapy is so good for your skin texture, for anti-aging, and really just to give you this boosted, hydrated, glowy look,” she adds. It’s not essential, but it’s a useful bonus if you want to take things a step further.

Even Tone, Better Glow

Even when skin is hydrated and smooth, uneven tone can disrupt the effect. Blotchy patches, dark spots, or redness tend to draw the eye and can make skin look less uniform.

Two ingredients can help: vitamin C and retinoids. Dr. Locke suggests rotating them into your routine on nights when you’re not exfoliating. “Cleanser, your skin brightener product—either your vitamin C or your retinoid—then a great occlusive moisturizer.” That’s the basic structure.

These don’t need to be layered every single day. Alternating mornings or nights is enough to see steady progress. And if irritation is ever a concern, ease off—consistency always beats intensity when it comes to skincare.

Beyond Products: Lifestyle Still Matters

It’s easy to focus entirely on serums and creams. But skin reflects more than your shelf—it reflects your habits.

Dr. Locke makes a solid case: “I do not want you to overlook things like getting adequate sleep and exercising to help you get glass skin.” Exercise improves circulation, which in turn nourishes skin. Sleep allows repair. Stress levels, diet, and hydration all tie into what shows up in the mirror.

Even the most elegant routine can only go so far if the foundation—your daily habits—isn’t holding up its side of the deal.