Glass Skin Routine: Hydration, Barrier Care and SPF

Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg says a glass-skin routine doesn’t require 10 products. The beauty look, known for a smooth, luminous complexion, depends more on consistent hydration, skin-barrier health and sun protection than an extensive series of skincare steps, according to Alexandra Frost’s USA TODAY report, published Oct. 15, 2026.

A shorter routine

The traditional Korean approach to glass skin can run seven to 10 steps: double cleansing, exfoliation, toner, essence, multiple serums, moisturizer and sunscreen. But Schwarzburg, a board-certified cosmetic physician and founder of Skinly Aesthetics in New York, said people don’t need every step to focus on the look’s main elements.

“You don't need all 10 steps, though,” Schwarzburg said. “The important parts are consistent hydration, smooth texture, even skin tone and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.”

He recommends cleansing morning and night. Use a gentle cleanser in the morning. In the evening, cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen or sweat buildup. Double cleansing may help people who wear heavier makeup.

Hydration and skin-barrier care

For a more reflective appearance right away, Schwarzburg recommends hydrating serums and essences containing glycerin and hyaluronic acid. He said these ingredients increase the skin’s water content and give it a plumper appearance.

“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,” Schwarzburg said. He added that a good moisturizer seals in hydration, while products with ceramides can be especially useful for maintaining the skin barrier.

For longer-term improvements in tone, brightness and collagen production, Schwarzburg said niacinamide, vitamin C and retinoids can help. They won't create a glass-like finish overnight, he said, but they can improve the skin’s underlying quality over time.

Sun protection and realistic expectations

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 sunscreen as the last step in his morning routine. Sun protection supports the glass-skin effect and helps avoid skin cancer.

Schwarzburg also said sleep, nutrition, exercise, sun exposure, smoking and alcohol affect skin over time. He recommends adequate protein and a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Skin needs those nutrients to maintain and repair itself.

He cautioned against treating flawless skin as an attainable standard. “Perfectly poreless, completely texture-free skin is not attainable,” he said. “Pores are normal anatomy. Fine lines are normal. Real skin has texture.”

Schwarzburg said the trend’s useful message is its focus on hydration and skin-barrier health. Comparing skin with filtered or heavily edited images can make people think visible pores or lines mean they're doing something wrong, he warned. His advice centers on consistent care, sun protection and recognizing that real skin has texture.