Experts Say Glass Skin Doesn't Require 10 Steps

Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg said a smooth, luminous complexion doesn’t require the seven-to-10-step routine associated with traditional Korean skincare, according to Alexandra Frost’s USA TODAY report published Oct. 15, 2026. The board-certified cosmetic physician, who founded Skinly Aesthetics in New York, puts hydration, skin-barrier health and sun protection ahead of a long product checklist.

That advice runs counter to the idea that a polished appearance depends on completing every prescribed step. A traditional routine can include double cleansing, exfoliation, toner, essence, multiple serums, moisturizer and sunscreen. Schwarzburg said, “You don't need all 10 steps, though. The important parts are consistent hydration, smooth texture, even skin tone and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.”

The routine, pared back

Schwarzburg recommends cleansing in the morning and at night. In the morning, he advises a gentle cleanser; in the evening, remove makeup, sunscreen or sweat buildup. People who wear heavier makeup may benefit from double cleansing.

For hydration, he recommends serums and essences containing glycerin and hyaluronic acid. “For the immediate glass-skin effect, I like hydrating serums and essences with glycerin and hyaluronic acid because they increase water content in the skin and give it a plumper, more reflective appearance,” he said. He also recommends moisturizer to lock in hydration, and says ceramide-containing products can help maintain the skin barrier.

The ingredients for longer-term results differ. Schwarzburg said niacinamide, vitamin C and retinoids can help improve tone, brightness and collagen production. They aren't an instant route to the look. “These ingredients aren't going to create a glass-like finish overnight, but they can improve the underlying quality of the skin over time.”

Sun protection and real skin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before sun exposure. Schwarzburg prefers SPF 30 or more and applies it as the final step in his morning routine. He said sun protection supports the glass-skin effect and helps prevent skin cancer.

Sleep, nutrition, exercise, sun exposure, smoking and alcohol also affect skin over time, he said. “I recommend getting adequate protein and eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats because the skin needs those nutrients to maintain and repair itself.”

The report offers no grassroots organizing or mutual-aid response; its guidance comes from a physician and a public health agency. Schwarzburg himself draws the sharpest limit around the beauty ideal: “Perfectly poreless, completely texture-free skin is not attainable. Pores are normal anatomy. Fine lines are normal. Real skin has texture.”

He said the trend’s useful contribution is its focus on hydration and skin-barrier health. But comparing ordinary skin with filtered or heavily edited images can leave people thinking visible pores or lines mean they’re doing something wrong. “The problem starts when people compare their skin to filtered or heavily edited images and think that any visible pore or line means they're doing something wrong.”