Hi, I’m Denise, and I’ve finally cracked the code on how to achieve glass skin! I found that using exfoliants, doubling down on moisturizing, and protecting my skin with sunscreen do the trick.
Do you want glass skin too? Follow my routine below!
Note: My routine is according to what my skin needs and how it reacts to specific products. Please make sure to test these products first, and see how your skin reacts before applying them to your whole face and neck!
Step 1: Cleanse
What I Use: Argan Nourishing Facial Wash (for all skin types)
How I Use: Pump a coin-sized amount onto fingers then apply to wet face using circular motions for 60 seconds. Rinse face with water.
When I Use: AM and PM
I use Argan Nourishing Facial Wash to wash away oil, dirt, and impurities. This facial wash is sulfate-free so it cleanses my skin without stripping its essential oils. Do you know that tight, squeaky-clean feeling after washing your face? I’ve NEVER experienced that with this cleanser! Every time I use this, my skin feels supple, hydrated, and moisturized.
Step 2: Tone / Exfoliate
What I Use: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (for all skin types – yes, even dry skin!)
How I Use: Pour 1-2x on your hands or cotton pad then apply to the face and neck. Start slowly – use every other day for 2 weeks. Then, if no negative reaction occurs, begin using up to twice daily. Always wear SPF in the morning when using this.
When I Use: AM and PM
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant claims to bring quick results… and it’s TRUE! It shrunk my pores and smoothed my texture PLUS my skin still feels moisturized after use (so yes, dry-skinned people, this is the exfoliant for you too!) I swear, after just 2 weeks of use, you’ll see and feel the results immediately!
Step 3: Exfoliate (Again)
What I Use: Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (for all skin types – as an exfoliant for oily/combo skin, as a spot treatment for dry skin)
How I Use: Pump 2-3x onto hands then apply to face. Start slowly – use 2-3x a week for 2 weeks, then gradually build up usage according to skin condition. Always wear SPF in the morning when using this.
When I Use: AM and PM
After the toner/exfoliant is dried, I apply Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid all over my face. This exfoliant is the definition of gentle but effective! It exfoliated my face but never left my skin irritated and raw. After just 2 weeks, my pores, blackheads, and other tiny bumps disappeared!
Note: If you have dry skin, I recommend using it as a spot treatment for your acne.
Step 4: Moisturize
What I Use: Aloe Calendula Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum (for all skin types)
How I Use: Apply 3 pumps of serum on the whole face and neck.
When I Use: AM and PM
Aloe Calendula Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum does everything I need. No exaggeration. It moisturizes my dry patches, controls my oily T-zone, soothes my acne, and lightens acne discolorations. It’s also lightweight and absorbs easily into my skin–my perfect go-to for hot and humid days!
Step 5: Moisturize (Yes, again)
What I Use: Olive Nourishing Face Cream (for all skin types)
How I Use: Apply pea-sized amount to face and neck. Add more as needed.
When I Use: AM and PM (for normal to dry skin), PM only (for oily skin)
Since I use two exfoliants in my routine, I make sure to double down on soothing and moisturizing my skin. Olive Nourishing Face Cream is lightweight but still heavier than a serum. For that reason, I only apply it to dry areas of my face in the morning, but all over my face at night. Trust me, when you wash your face in the morning, it’ll feel like baby skin!
Note: It’s great to use all over your face both day and night if you have dry/combo skin. But if you have oily skin, use this at night only, and stick to one lightweight moisturizer/serum in the morning.
Step 6: Protect
What I Use: Papaya SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion (for all skin types)
How I Use: Apply 2 finger-sized amount all over face and neck. See example above.
When I Use: AM (even if you’re inside the house because UV rays can still enter through your window!)
I wear Papaya SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion daily. Using exfoliants will make your skin extra sensitive to the sun, so I always make sure to protect my skin with sunscreen.
I use the 2-finger rule (like the picture above) to make sure I apply enough sunscreen on my face and neck. To do this, squeeze out the product from the bottom to the tip of my index and middle finger.
It’s not sticky and doesn’t leave a white cast. But do you know what’s better? It’s a skin brightener and SPF in one! Using this together with exfoliants, I noticed how quickly my acne discolorations faded. All skin types can use this product – but if you have acne-prone skin, I guarantee you’ll be more obsessed with this sunscreen than I am.
And that’s my routine on how to get glass skin! Here are three tips before getting started:
Start gradually with exfoliants.
Read the instructions and follow what it says on how often to use the product. Over-exfoliating will leave your skin raw and irritated so it’s best to read the instructions first.
Moisturizers are your best friend.
Moisturizing is important whatever your skin type is and whether you use exfoliants or not. Moisturizers keep oily skin at bay, hydrate dry skin, and soothe and prevent inflammation.
Always protect your skin with sunscreen, most especially if you exfoliate.
Exfoliated skin is much more sensitive under the sun, but what’s worse is that harmful UV rays break down collagen in our skin. This is why we need to wear sunscreen to protect our sensitive skin and prevent photoaging.
Want to see my quick and easy skincare routine in action? Be sure to also watch me do it in this Instagram reel!
And that’s it! I hope my routine and tips will help you achieve your glass skin. Do you have other tips and product recommendations to share? Comment below!