The skincare world is filled with buzzwords and hype regarding the latest trends like skin flooding, skin cycling, lymphatic drainage and one of the most popular right now being something called "Glass Skin". Glass skin basically refers to the skin being extra glowy, hydrated, and almost reflective. So... the real question and one that I receive pretty often in the treatment room....how does one achieve glass skin?
To be honest, it's more simple than you might think. It's all about hydration and no, I'm not talking about drinking more water. Don't get me wrong, drink all the water but that's not the kind of hydration I'm talking about here. Topical hydration with water and humectant based products is what your skin needs to be drinking. Think ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, aloe, beta glucan, sodium pca, peptides and that's just to name a few common ones we see pretty commonly in skincare products.
Now could you slap any hyaluronic acid serum on your face and call it a day? sure but formulation matters and if you're interested in really getting into it and achieving some of the best skin of your life keep reading..
Lets say your doing all of the things for your skin, using the right products etc etc but you feel like your skin isn't holding onto anything and you're always chasing the glow. Ya, I've been there and it's something I hear a lot. That's where exfoliation comes in to play and really matters.
Our skin goes through a 28 day skin turnover cycle meaning, every 28 days your skin makes a new layer of skin cells at the basal layer and they slowly migrate to the surface before being ready to shed. As aging occurs and the skin matures, this process slows down. The slower this turnover - the more dead skin cells build up and it is harder for the product to penetrate the skin effectively. Regular turnover aka exfoliation keeps the skin balanced and healthy.
So what does that have to do with glass skin and keeping the skin hydrated? EVERYTHING!
Combining exfoliation and hydration is the key to achieving glass skin. In my opinion, you can't have one without the other. They are like the Libra scale and balance each other out. You exfoliate and take dead skin cells away and then replenish the skin with a big drink of water based hydration called humectants.
My Recommendations:
(with links provided)
The Tried and True Hydrating Serum
I'll start with the basics....hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water and it acts like a sponge to attract water and bind moisture to the skin. She's good, she's simple and to the point and can't really go wrong. Low and high molecular weight for both surface layer and deeper hydration. Fantastic and a very little goes a LONG way.
For Inflamed Conditions
My personal favorite especially for any inflamed skin condition like acne, rosacea, or even just skin prone to getting pink easily but honestly all skin types can benefit from this one. Beta Serum with hero ingredient beta glucan. Beta glucan is one of the most underrated and understated skincare ingredient of all time (in my opinion anyway) one word... ANTI INFLAMMATORY. It is derived from shiitake mushroom and is an anti inflammatory, humectant and an antioxidant. All of my acne prone and rosacea clients have this in their routine to soothe inflammation and redness.
For Skin That is Aging
Usually I do not like the term "Botox in a bottle" because literally nothing topical can actually do what a Botox can BUT ever since adding Environ's Vita- Peptide Toner into my routine I have noticed a big difference in the way my forehead looks. I like to call it 'botox forehead vibes" It contains a peptide called Matrixyl 3000 that is proven to boost collagen & elastin, improve fine lines, and hydrate the skin. I can honestly say it definitely does all of that and because this is a toner, you could use this as your second step in your routine after cleansing followed by the Ha intensive hydrating serum or Beta Serum depending on your skin condition.
For Dry Skin
This is a new product to our lineup of favorites and it packs a punch with hydration. Thesera Hydraglow Cell Ampoule is a fine mist featuring beta glucan, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide NP bind water to the skin cells and maintain that hydration all day long. This is a must for ultra dry skin if you feel like nothing is ever enough to give you that glow.
Finally, lets get into exfoliation products
The first one is Derma Priming Booster peel pads, my preferred method of exfoliation because its so simple and one step. I'm a busy mom so I need that. The longer the process, the less I want to do it and the higher chances I'm going to fall asleep on the couch before I get it all done. These peel pads contain LHA + PHA which are gentler versions of the more commonly known BHA + AHA acids, making these more tolerable for sensitive skin. These peel pads are also SO hydrating and alone give the skin a glow so ideally you could just use these after cleansing and then put a moisturizer on and then call it a night. These are great for all skin types to use.
Derma Priming Booster Peel Pads
Lastly and still one of my favorites
Tri BioBotanical Revival Mask by Environ. This one is a rinse off and perfect for pigmented and aging skin. Mandelic acid, lactic acid, and asiatic acid are going to exfoliate the skin, brighten any hyper pigmentation, and hydrate the skin. Mandelic acid is anti fungal and antimicrobial so if you are also acne prone or have rosacea this one is a good option as well
Being consistent is key with any skincare routine so it's best to exfoliate generally anywhere between 1 and 3 times a week for best results along with using your hydrating products daily. Another great way to bring immediate hydration to the skin even without any products is to manually manipulate the skin with facial massage because it stimulates circulation for an instant glow.