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What is 'glass skin' and why is the beauty world gaga over it?

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Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images

Just kidding. No glass is involved in the process of achieving a "perfectly smooth and intensely hydrated complexion with an all-over sheen," notes Refinery29

Read more: The watermelon mask taking the beauty world by storm has a 5000 person waiting list

It has recently become quite a popular Instagram trend - but what exactly is involved?

According to Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, glass skin is the idea of having insanely translucent skin.

“It's a sign of youthfulness and it's one of the most strived-for qualities in Korea. However, this combination of ultra-smooth texture and super translucency can be hard to achieve with products alone,” Yoon told Refinery29

The steps to achieving a baby-like complexion requires dedication and is all in the layering of hydrating products, adds founders of Glow RecipeSarah Lee and Christine Chang, for Allure. But, in the end, you'll have blemish-free, almost-flawless, dewy-looking skin.

Apart from keeping hydrated and eating healthily, Yoon further explained that the process is two-fold and requires an exfoliator to buff your skin this will allow it to have such a smooth texture. Remember, dull skin is due to a buildup of dead skin that also makes your complexion look tired, so exfoliating will slough off your top layer of skin and boost collagen.

NOTE: Just remember never to over-exfoliate as this could lead to an excess production of sebum which often leads to breakouts.

For the second potent step, you will need a hydrating serum to give off that glass-like appearance. If you want a more natural shine, Reader's Digest suggests you apply less of the serum and let it soak into your skin overnight. Then, repeat until the process becomes a habit.

Convinced? If not, know that the youthful-looking Pharrell apparently "exfoliate[s] like a madman", and LeAnne Dlamini notes a Clarins serum as her best-kept beauty secret.

NOTE: Again, remember to exfoliate within reason and as recommended for your skin type and skin concerns.

Read more: Are you ageing wrong? (Yes, it’s possible)

Shop some of our glow-magic exfoliator and serum favourites.

Exfoliators

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, R395.

Skinderm pure exfoliating glo pad, R395 for 30, get it at Perfect 10 salons.

Woolworths Exfoliating Cleanser, R89,95. 

L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads with Glycolic Acid.

Serums

African Extracts Advantage Triple Action Serum, R175.

Jo-Ann Strauss is a huge fan of the La Mer The Regenerating Serum, R6290

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Bi-Phase Serum, R645.

And that, my friends, is the secret to Korean beauty mavens' glass skin. 

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