6 things you need if you want to have glass skin like an ‘It’ girl in 2023

Over the years, you’ve probably heard the term “It” girl. It technically refers to young women who have gained massive popularity for their personalities, fashion and, let’s be honest, their wealth. Before social media, “It” girls were often photographed by paparazzi at New York Fashion Week and celebrity-clad parties. But now, anyone who can build a loyal following online through Instagram or TikTok can be an “It” girl. Take Zendaya, Hailey Bieber or even TikTok influencer, Alix Earle, for example.

If you’re not super into social media but want to look like an “It” girl, one skin care trend the girlies are all about is glass skin. Glass skin is dewy, luminous and looks nearly poreless — it’s smooth like glass, hence the term.

Glass skin is often looped into TikTok’s rising (yet problematic) “clean girl” aesthetic, which includes a flawless no-makeup makeup look. But you can pair your glass skin with any hair style or fashion aesthetic you prefer. It’s all about taking care of your skin and letting your natural self shine through.

Take a look below at six things you should do and the products you need to try to get glass skin like an “It” girl.

1. Double cleanse with an oil cleanser and gentle face wash

Credit: Soko Glam

If you’ve never heard of double cleansing, listen up. It’s a great way to make sure you remove all of your makeup and sunscreen, and moisturize your face at the same time. It’s a staple in Korean skin care, but only recently started gaining popularity in the U.S. via TikTok.

First, wash your face with an oil cleanser or a balm, like the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil. Then wash your face again with a gentle face wash like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. By making this the first step of your skincare routine, you’ll ensure you’ve removed all impurities that could clog pores, cause acne or any other irritations.

2. Use a chemical exfoliant

Credit: Sephora

Dead skin cells can block pores, which can make them look overly large and cause breakouts. Dead skin cells can also just make the skin on your face look dull. That’s why you need to exfoliate to remove them — but not with anything overly rough.

Chemical exfoliants like Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) remove those dead skin cells to reveal brighter, newer skin, improve your skin’s overall texture and even reduce fine lines. BHA products generally contain salicylic acid — an ingredient you may have used before if you’ve experienced any type of acne. It’s oil-soluble, so it gets really deep into your pores to loosen up dirt, oil and grime. AHA products usually contain glycolic acid or lactic acid and they’re a little stronger, so if you have sensitive skin, try a BHA first. TikTok is currently having a love affair with the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

3. Use toner for a more even skin tone

Credit: Sephora

Back in the day, toners used to be super drying — but they’re not anymore. Today’s toners are hydrating and great for helping you achieve a more even skin tone. Plus, they can help you remove any last traces of dirt or oil from your pores.

Some toners are chemical exfoliants (see above), and you could use those about two to three times per week. The rest of the time, a more hydrating toner like Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Revitalizing Toner can refresh and hydrate your skin, and help it better absorb the rest of your skin care products.

3. Don’t pick at pimples

Credit: Ulta

I’m not the first to tell you to stop picking at your zits. The more you pick, the longer it will take for them to heal. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant on a regular basis, you should break out less. However, pimples happen. Use a zit sticker like the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch. Simply stick it on a whitehead before you go to bed, and while you sleep, the hydrocolloid sticker will suck out all of the liquid so when you wake up, your pimple will be gone or at least flattened. (Pro tip: If you can feel a zit coming on, Hero Cosmetics makes stickers for early-stage pimples as well.)

5. Apply a hydrating serum

Credit: Peach & Lily

Hydrating is key to achieving glass skin, and if you’re using chemical exfoliants, it’s absolutely necessary. Serums are lightweight and applied after toner but before your moisturizers, and they can pack a real punch of powerful ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and more.

The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum contains peach extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and more to hydrate, calm, brighten and firm skin, according to its product description. Together, these chemicals can hydrate skin without causing irritation or damaging it, and that’s really what glass skin is all about.

6. Wear (Tinted) Sunscreen

Credit: Sephora

You know you need to be wearing sunscreen. However, if you’re a fan of watching skin care tutorials, you may notice that a lot of girls are using tinted sunscreens in place of traditional foundation. One TikTok favorite includes the EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. However, it only comes in one shade, so it may not work for a lot of skin tones.

Instead, brands like TULA and Bare Minerals make a wide range of shades and each has an SPF 30. The Bare Minerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and a mineral SPF 30. It also has a gel-like consistency that’s great for hot days when you know you’re going to sweat. It stays on better, but it also doesn’t feel greasy, look cakey or feel too thick.

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