5-Minute Glass Skin Routine for Busy Schedules
This easy glass skin routine from esthetician Kayla Moore will have you glowing in five minutes or less.
Our editors only select items and brands we genuinely love. You can support us by shopping through our links as we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Have you ever caught yourself admiring the radiant, poreless look of glass skin but thought, “Who has the time for that?” — trust me, I get it. As an esthetician with over eight years of experience, I’ve worked with countless clients who wanted the same flawless glow but needed it to fit into their busy lives. The good news? Achieving glass skin doesn’t require an hour-long, 10-step beauty routine or breaking the bank. Let me walk you through a simple, effective 5-minute glass skin routine that helps you achieve glass skin and delivers luminous results without sacrificing your schedule.
Meet The Experts
Kayla Moore, Esthetician
Dr. Ife Rodney, Dermatologist
Skip to the Glass Skin Routine >>
So, What is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is the ultimate skincare goal: smooth, hydrated, and radiant skin that practically glows from within. The glass skin trend, originating from South Korean skincare culture, has gained popularity through social media, emphasizing a natural look and simplified beauty routines. As mentioned, the concept comes from Korean beauty (K-beauty), where the focus is on skin health, and not just masking imperfections. And here’s the truth: You don’t need a dozen pricey products, special “Korean Glass Skin” products or hours in front of the mirror to get it. Glass skin is more about consistency and smart product choices than sheer quantity.
Benefits of Glass Skin
Achieving glass skin can transform your complexion in more ways than one. Here are some of the standout benefits:
Improved Skin Texture: Glass skin is synonymous with a smooth, even texture that feels as good as it looks. By regularly removing dead skin cells and hydrating deeply, you can achieve a flawless skin surface and get glassy skin.
Reduced Appearance of Pores: One of the hallmarks of glass skin is its poreless appearance. Consistent care can help minimize the look of pores, giving your skin a refined, even tone.
Increased Hydration: Skin hydration is key to achieving that plump, dewy glow. Well-hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhanced Radiance: Glass skin is all about that lit-from-within glow. With the right products and routine, your skin can achieve a radiant, dewy complexion.
Improved Skin Elasticity: Regular hydration and care can boost your skin’s elasticity, making it look more youthful and supple over time.
Now without further ado, let’s break this easy glass skin routine down.
How to Get Glass Skin in 5 Minutes: Easy Glass Skin Routine
1. Your Clean Slate: Use a Moisturizing Cleanser
Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Look for hydrating cleansers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. I personally love CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser as an affordable option or the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser for a luxe pick. If you have oily skin, you can also consider double cleansing.
2. Bye-Bye Dead Skin: Remove Dead Skin Cells by Exfoliating 3-4 times a Week
Exfoliating to remove dead skin cells is an important part of any routine, but we want to be sure not to overdo it. Exfoliate your skin 3-4 times a week. That’s all you need. To save time, you can combine cleansing with exfoliating using a cleanser like SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser or use a standalone exfoliant like The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%.
3. Get Toned: Apply a Hydrating Toner
A hydrating toner or essence is the secret sauce for plump, dewy skin and can effectively address dull skin for a more radiant complexion. It is used to help balance hydration and prep your skin for the next steps. The Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a two-in-one product that saves time and the viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of my personal favorites.
4. Your Glow Getters: Apply a Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Serums, this is where the real magic happens for achieving glowy glass skin. Opt for a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or a brightening serum with niacinamide. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% are budget-friendly and effective, while Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum adds a touch of indulgence.
5. The Hydration Hero: Apply a Nourishing Moisturizer
Lock in all that hydration with a lightweight, glow-boosting moisturizer, especially if you have oily skin. If you’re tight on time, choose one with built-in SPF for double-duty protection. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is a drugstore gem, while Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream will intensely boost hydration with a luxurious feel.
6. Shimmer and Shield: Apply at least SPF 30 Sunscreen
If you want to get glass skin, this is the most important step, especially for overall skin health. Finish with a layer of sunscreen for protection, especially if you have sensitive skin. Sunscreens like Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 gives you that lit-from-within look while keeping your skin safe. For a finishing touch, gently massage on a bit of Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum to complete your glass skin look. No matter your skin type, if you’re not using SPF daily to help protect the skin barrier, you might as well just throw your entire routine away.
Enhance Your Glow Even More
For those days when even five minutes feels like a luxury, opt for time-saving heroes like glass skin masks or multitasking products. Masks like the Dr. Jart + Cryo Rubber Mask or the TikTok viral Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Hydrogel Mask can give your skin an instant boost of hydration and radiance overnight to wake up glowing or while you complete your morning routine.
To really save time, don’t sleep on multitaskers. A moisturizer with SPF, or even a tinted sunscreen like my all-time favorite hero product, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, can simplify your routine without sacrificing results.
Is Achieving the Glass Skin Effect Really That Simple?
Yes, achieving glass skin can be straightforward, but achieving dewy skin or the glass skin effect hinges on consistency and the right products for your skin type. According to dermatologist Dr. Ife Rodney from Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics, “Consistency is key. You have to have a skincare routine that’s simple, that’s something you can stick with every day.”
Here are some additional tips to help you get glass skin and a radiant complexion with this routine:
Be Consistent: The cornerstone of any effective skincare routine is consistency. Stick to your routine and make adjustments as needed to suit your skin’s changing needs.
Use the Right Products: Choose products tailored to your skin type and skin concerns. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate: While exfoliation is important, overdoing it can lead to irritation and dryness. Start with a gentle exfoliant and gradually increase the frequency as your skin adjusts.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Sun damage can undo all your hard work. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours to protect the skin barrier and maintain a healthy, even skin tone.
Stay Hydrated: Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s also about what you put in your body. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
By following these tips and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, you can improve skin texture and achieve the coveted glass skin look for a radiant, flawless complexion. Stay consistent with this glass skin routine, and you’ll be glowing — you and your skin concerns can thank me later.
About the Author
Kayla Moore is a beauty and skincare writer with over 8 years of experience as a licensed esthetician. Passionate about skincare and wellness, she has dedicated her career to helping clients understand their unique skin needs and discover effective skincare solutions. She brings her wealth of knowledge to her writing, providing readers with expert insights and practical advice to enhance their skincare routines.
