How to Achieve Glass Skin at Home – No Scalpel in Sight!
- Emmaline Tsui
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
You know how much a cringe when I see skincare trends. This one has got to be one of the worst in my opinion. Mainly because of the treatments and procedures people have done to get that 'look'.
I have to say, the term "glass skin" has taken the beauty world by storm, promising a luminous, poreless, and crystal-clear complexion. But achieving this glow doesn't have to require harsh treatments, dermaplaning, or extreme exfoliation methods that can disrupt your skin barrier. In fact, achieving 'glass' skin is all about nourishing and protecting your skin, not stripping it. Here’s how you can get that coveted glow at home with some of my favorite products without a dermaplane scalpel in sight!
Why You Don’t Need to Dermaplane for Glass Skin
Let’s get one thing straight: dermaplaning might give the illusion of smoother skin in the short term, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin barrier. The constant scraping can lead to micro-tears, redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts. For long-term skin health and sustained radiance, we need to focus on building up and protecting the skin’s natural defenses.
This might be controversial, but if you know skin... like really know skin, you will understand why dermaplaning is just so bad. So if you're doing it... why?!?!
Harsh treatments like dermaplaning often remove too much of the outer skin layer, which can result in:
Barrier damage
Increased sensitivity
More redness and irritation
Acne flare-ups
Instead of stripping away, let’s focus on putting back into the skin—hydrating, repairing, and feeding it with the right ingredients. I can achieve glass like skin for my clients in the clinic, and you can do the same at home!
Exfoliation – The Gentle Way
Exfoliation is still important for achieving glass skin, but the key is choosing the right kind of exfoliation. Forget the harsh scrubs and peels; instead, reach for the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Peel Pads. These powerful yet gentle pads combine lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, enhanced with SkinBetter’s patented AlphaRet technology, to smooth, brighten, and even out your complexion.
Why I Love These Pads:
They exfoliate without disrupting your skin barrier.
They improve the appearance of pores, fine lines, and rough patches.
Lactic acid moisturises while exfoliating, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated.
These pads can feel a little spicy at first, but that’s just the active ingredients working their magic. Start slow—use them once per week and work up to twice per week as long as your skin can tolerate them.
Rejuvenate and Repair with Retinoids
Retinoids are the secret weapon for radiant, glass-like skin. But not all retinoids are created equal. Traditional tretinoin can deliver great results, but it often causes irritation, dryness, and redness, which can prevent consistency in your routine. That’s where SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream comes in.
Why SkinBetter Science's AlphaRet is a Game-Changer:
Combines a gentle AHA with a retinoid for skin rejuvenation.
Delivers visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and texture in just four weeks.
Moisturises while working, so you avoid the dreaded “retinoid reaction.”
If you’re acne-prone, try the SkinBetter Science Clearing Serum, which combines the AlphaRet retinoid technology with salicylic acid to clarify and smooth the skin. It’s designed to tackle oiliness, clogged pores, and uneven texture without compromising your skin barrier (this is my absolute favourite of the two and is the one I use daily - no it doesn't dry your skin at all before you ask!)
Hydrate for the Glow
Hydration is key to achieving that plump, dewy look we all associate with glass skin. After exfoliating and using your retinoid, it’s important to lock in moisture and repair your barrier with high-quality hydrators.
Two of my favorites are:
Forlle'd Basing Emulsion
This lightweight emulsion is perfect for maintaining the skin’s moisture balance and providing a breathable, protective layer. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, creating a smooth, radiant base for your skincare routine or makeup.
Forlle'd Reliance Gel
If you need a more intensive hydration boost, the Reliance Gel delivers in-depth moisture, reduces fine lines, and soothes redness. It’s ideal for dehydrated or oilier skin and works beautifully after treatments like peels.
My Step-by-Step Weekly Evening Routine for Glass Skin at Home:
Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt and oil without disrupting your barrier. I love the Nimue Cleansing Gel or the Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser.
Exfoliate once or twice per week with the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Peel Pads.
Treat with the AlphaRet Overnight Cream (or Clearing Serum if you’re acne-prone) to smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate your skin.
Hydrate with the Forlle'd Basing Emulsion or Reliance Gel to lock in moisture and leave your skin plump and glowing.
Protect with sunscreen during the day—this step is non-negotiable if you want to maintain the results and protect your skin from UV damage. For me, it's always the Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 or the Revision Intellishade SPF 45 if I want a tinted option.
Why Consistency Beats Aggression
Achieving glass skin isn’t about using the harshest treatments or the strongest actives—it’s about consistency, balance, and giving your skin what it needs to thrive. The products I’ve mentioned here are all designed to work with your skin, not against it, which is why they’re staples in my routine.
Glass skin doesn't just have to be a trend; it’s a reflection of healthy, hydrated, and well-nourished skin. By focusing on gentle exfoliation, effective retinoids, and deep hydration, you can achieve that radiant glow at home—no scalpel required.
If you’re unsure what to do with your skin or need guidance on where to start, why not fill out my Skin Check-In form? It’s a free, no-commitment service where I’ll create a personalised skincare plan tailored to your needs. No fuss, no Zoom calls, and no booking required—just a few simple messages back and forth to help you achieve the skin you’ve always wanted.
I hope you have found this useful,
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
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