By
Claudia Castillo
Let’s face it, one of the biggest beauty trends of 2024 was “Glass Skin.” But what does that really mean? This trend, popularized by Korean performers and models, emphasizes perfectly smooth, poreless, nearly reflective, and flawlessly radiant skin. The dewy finish of Glass Skin has become a desired look for both men and women worldwide. Achieving this effect focuses on creating a perfect complexion through proper skin care and nourishment from the inside out.
As I’ve mentioned in my previous articles, incredible skin results come from sticking to a morning and nighttime routine, and this holds true. However, achieving flawless skin requires an even greater commitment – one that goes beyond topical products.
The foundation of Glass Skin begins with your diet.
Each carefully selected ingredient works to address specific skin concerns, leading to radiant skin. It may sound like a lot of effort, but don’t worry! I’ve done the research for you.
Here’s how you can achieve Glass Skin in 2025, starting in your kitchen. These are the top four items that can transform your skin’s glow, and can easily be found in a local grocery store. Are you ready to take some notes?
Grab your highlighter and let’s start your skincare shopping list!
Kimchi
No, I’m not talking about the popular makeup brand! This delicious dish of fermented vegetables is a beloved staple in Korean households and is often enjoyed as a side or a tasty snack throughout the day.
Kimchi is a good source of probiotics, which promote healthy gut function. A happy gut can brighten up your skin and even help keep pesky acne at bay. Plus, Kimchi is loaded with antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which work hard to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, keeping your skin elastic, firm, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The probiotics and lactic acid in Kimchi have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness in the face.
The preparation of Kimchi can vary based on your taste preferences.
Some of the most popular ingredients include napa cabbage, cucumbers, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. If you’re interested, look up an easy Kimchi recipe online, and feel free to customize it to fit any food allergies you might have!
Red Ginseng
Known as a favorite in K-Beauty, Red Ginseng is one of the most powerful herbal ingredients out there! Popularly enjoyed in a soothing hot tea, its earthy flavor can be easily sweetened with a bit of organic honey, making it a delightful drink.
It’s a known fact that a weak skin barrier leads to dryness, irritation, and even the dreaded premature aging. Red Ginseng is here to save the day! It works to help strengthen and protect your skin’s barrier, which means it can keep moisture in and shield you from environmental damage.
That’s not all this herbal remedy can do for you!
Red Ginseng has impressive healing abilities that can help treat and prevent acne breakouts, not just on your face but anywhere on your body where you might experience blemishes!
Another common skin concern is pore size.
Many people search high and low for creams, serums, primers, and foundations that will magically blur away their pores. The good news is: Red Ginseng can actually help minimize them, while also keeping them healthy.
Even when you’re feeling tired internally, that last thing you want is for your skin to look tired – right?! Red Ginseng revives dull skin by boosting blood circulation, leading to improved elasticity and a lovely natural glow.
What doesn’t this stuff do?! With Ginseng roots in your skincare routine, you’ll notice brighter, clearer, and a more radiantly smooth complexion!
Bone Broth
I bet you’ve heard all the buzz about the amazing health benefits of sipping bone broth first thing in the morning! Let me share why it’s particularly great for your skin.
Not only does bone broth provide you with sustained energy and help heal your gut, but one of its standout features is the richness in collagen, which helps keep your skin looking youthful and fresh. It works wonders in combating skin aging by stimulating collagen production and keeping your skin elastic, hydrated, and healthy overall. Plus, the collagen in bone broth is easily absorbed by your body – so you can reap its benefits right away. That’s one big reason it’s better than many supplements and powders out there!
Homemade bone broth is not only tastier but also contains more nutrients than what you typically find in stores.
To make your own, you can use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, along with beef bones, onions, garlic, celery, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and your favorite seasonings.
After simmering and cooking the ingredients, you can save the vegetables for a delicious stew, which is perfect for this chilly weather.
As for the broth, consider making a large batch and storing it in the fridge. Each morning, on an empty stomach, pour the broth into a pot, warm it up, and enjoy it in your favorite mug.
Roasted Barley Tea
Also known as Bori Cha, is a delightful drink that has a cozy, toasty finish and can be enjoyed hot or cold. It’s packed with antioxidants that help keep your skin looking phenomenal by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven texture. It also neutralizes free radicals that damage skin cells and lead to premature aging.
Bori Cha hydrates dry skin and has detoxifying properties that improve overall skin health. Its anti-inflammatory benefits may also help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. Many people have reported improvements in skin elasticity and a reduction in jowl sagging!
Bori Cha contains lysine, an amino acid that supports collagen production – and, let’s face it, we all know how important that is!
Making your own barley tea at home is super easy! Simply grab 2-3 tablespoons of roasted barley, add it to 4 cups of water, and feel free to sweeten it with local honey to your liking. Enjoy!
If you’ve been following along with my previous articles, you know I’m a big fan of the motto “consistency is key!”
Recipe for Skincare Success
To reach your skincare goals, it’s super important to develop healthy habits and routines every single day. If you’re dreaming of that gorgeous, youthful “Glass Skin,” keep in mind that it’s not just about the products you slather on your face: what you put into your body matters just as much!
Are you ready to commit to making some changes?
Think about how you can weave the tips from the list into your daily routine!
For example, how about swapping out your morning energy drink or coffee for one of the teas or cozy broth? Not only will these options do wonders for your skin, but they’re also amazing for your overall health! Take a moment to think about the benefits, and why not plan a quick trip to the store? Whether you try one, a few, or even all of these fabulous Korean skincare secrets, your skin is going to love you for it!
Happy experimenting, and enjoy your skincare journey!
