"I Want to Look Like Glowing Koreans" ... The Trend Is Taking the World by Storm, but Experts Warn Against It

American Academy of Dermatology warns against excessive skin care
Misleading claims found in popular skin care videos
Routines that ignore skin type are a problem

As the so-called "glass skin" trend - skin that looks smooth and translucent, with a glass-like glow - gains popularity around the world, dermatologists are warning people against excessive skin care.

CNN reported on October 8, local time, citing the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), that using too many products to achieve glass skin can actually harm skin health. Moisturizing and sun protection can help maintain healthy skin, but complex routines trending on social media are not suitable for everyone, the report said.

Glass skin refers to smooth, well-hydrated skin with pores that are barely visible. The concept originated in Korean beauty culture and surged in popularity online from late 2025, spreading as a global skin care trend. Influencers drew attention to related products and routines by sharing multistep regimens involving toners, essences, serums and moisturizers.

A video showing a dewy skin care routine trending on social media. TikTok screenshot.

The problem arises when people use multiple products at once, regardless of their skin condition. Active ingredients in different products may overlap, and excessive use of exfoliating ingredients can damage the skin barrier and worsen irritant dermatitis or acne. Symptoms such as redness, itching and stinging may also occur.

A study presented last September at a conference of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) also highlighted concerns about the reliability of skin care information on social media. Among 38 popular TikTok videos about Korean skin care and glass skin analyzed by the researchers, about 95% contained at least one claim that could be misleading.

Some 84% of the videos did not account for differences in skin type, while 45% recommended using multiple active ingredients together without providing sufficient safety information. Another 32% promised immediate results. The researchers noted that "the videos analyzed did not provide sufficient basic safety information, including the risk of irritation or contact dermatitis."

Experts say the problem is not the pursuit of glass skin itself, but blindly following trending routines regardless of one's skin condition. They also explain that pore size and skin condition vary from person to person, making it practically impossible to achieve skin with pores that are completely invisible.

The American Academy of Dermatology therefore recommends focusing on basic skin care: washing the face with a gentle cleanser, using a moisturizer and applying sunscreen. It also advises people to stop using potentially irritating products, such as exfoliants and retinoids, and consult a dermatologist if they develop red spots, itching or stinging.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.