Korean skincare works wonderfully for some people but can’t be universal.
Not many people understand this – and I wish people were more transparent about skincare.
The truth is…
Black/brown skin tends to have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands, producing more sebum.
This increased oiliness means we will have a shinier complexion (which helps delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), but it doesn’t last forever.
As we age, our skin gets drier.
This means it needs more care.
Additionally, black skin often has a denser and more compact dermis, which can provide excellent structural support and resilience.
This density, combined with a higher melanin content, means better protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and certain skin cancers.
However, this protective feature also means that we suffer from hyperpigmentation more easily.
So, our skincare needs to be different!
It needs to account for all of this.
That’s why I’m writing a post on how to get glass skin if you have a brown/deep skin tone.
I will include all the products at the bottom of the post – to make things easier.
Let’s begin, shall we?
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1. First, double cleanse!
Even if you don’t wear makeup, you have to double cleanse – at least at night before going to bed.
Because a water-based cleanser does not wash off your sunscreen thoroughly.
I double-cleanse in the night just before going to bed with both:
- Oil-Based Cleanser First, you use an oil-based cleanser. The oil breaks down all that gunk that builds up on your face throughout the day—think makeup, sunscreen, and pollution grime. The oil grabs onto these impurities and lifts them off your skin. I have used many oil cleansers, but I love this one by Kiehl.
- Water-Based Cleanser Next, you wash it off with a water-based cleanser. It can be a gel, foam, or cream cleanser—whatever feels best for your skin type. Because I like to keep my skincare simple, I’m using Cetaphil’s gentle cleanser.
I’ve been using these cleansers for over 2 years, and they do not break me out.
2. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week
Gently exfoliate 2-3 times weekly using chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
Do not underestimate this step.
It works for all skin-types as long as you aren’t too harsh and don’t exfoliate every single day.
Just 2-3 times a week is plenty!
This helps to maintain a smooth and even skin texture and enables you to achieve glass skin eventually.
So, every alternate day after cleaning at night, I use 2% salicylic acid (3 drops is enough for the whole face).
I used to use the Ordinary version, but Minimalist is a more pocket-friendly version with no compromise in quality.
I’ve been testing this for over a year, and it’s actually helped decrease the blackheads/sebaceous filaments on my nose and make my skin so smooth!
3. Use a toner
I always believed that toner was a total waste of time and money.
I was skeptical.
But after seeing some YouTube videos and understanding what a toner actually does – I decided to give it a try.
OMG.
I feel so foolish for not giving toner a chance.
Let me explain…
Our skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (about 5.5), but it sometimes becomes alkaline when we cleanse it.
Using a toner restores your skin’s natural pH.
It also removes impurities and provides EXTRA moisture so your skin absorbs whatever serums you use afterward.
It increases the effect of your serums and helps your skin retain more moisture.
THIS is what helps you get Glass Skin!
There are only 2 toners I recommend:
2. Paula’s Choice Skin-Balancing Toner (for Acne and oily/combination skin, this is gold)
I am well aware that none of these products are fancy, but you don’t need fancy products to achieve glass skin.
That’s the truth.
Pick a product that is suitable for your skin type and note how well it works with your skin.
4. Use serums (to target your skin concern)
Don’t try to do it all.
- If you have acne, use Niacinamide 10% to remove pore congestion and reduce acne scars.
- If you have hyperpigmentation, use Vitamin C to increase brightness and even out your hyperpigmentation.
- Use snail mucin to improve your skin texture if you have fine lines and wrinkles.
Snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate, has become exceedingly popular in skincare due to its numerous benefits:
- Hydration: Snail mucin is rich in moisture-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin hydrated and plump.
- Anti-aging: It promotes collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look firmer and more youthful.
- Skin Repair: Its regenerative properties help to heal damaged skin and fade scars, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation.
- Soothing: Snail mucin has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe irritated skin, making it beneficial for sensitive skin types.
- Brightening: It helps to even out skin tone by promoting cell turnover and fading dark spots.
- Texture Improvement: Regular use can improve skin texture, making it smoother and more even.
It’s generally suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
I feel this is like a miracle-prodcut that everyone needs in their skincare routine if they want glass skin!
5. Moisturize (no matter what!)
My dermatologist told me that even people with oily skin (aka me) need to moisturize!
Never skip moisturization because our skin needs moisture! And producing extra sebum is not a substitute for moisture – no ma’am!
Typically, you want to choose a moisturizer that has ceramides.
Why?
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids (fats) found in the skin’s outer layer.
They help create a barrier that prevents moisture loss and protects against environmental stressors like pollution, bacteria, and irritants.
A strong, intact barrier is essential for glass skin!
Ceramides provide deep hydration.
Ceramides lock in moisture, helping to maintain long-lasting hydration by preventing water from evaporating from the skin’s surface. This creates that luminous, dewy glow synonymous with glass skin.
I have genuinely tried this and my skin fell in love with it.
6. Never skip sunscreen
Let’s say you’re feeling lazy.
And you’re too tired to do your skincare in the morning – that’s okay.
Wash your face and apply SPF.
Do not (at any cost) skip sunscreen!
You can use any sunscreen, but right now, I am in love with La Roche Posay.
This is the final step in your glass skin routine and if you stick with this routine, I guarantee that your skin is going to become radiant, smooth and glossy.
Just like in the magazines!
Apart from your skincare- try to heal your body from the inside out. Read this post to see how I did that.
I wish you luck!
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Here are a few more posts you may like:
- 7 daily habits to get clear, glowing skin (for acne)
- 7 micro habits of women who are beautiful
- 7 habits to slow down aging and look younger
- 7 healthy habits to develop in your 30s as a woman
