With all due respect, the "glass skin" aesthetic is unattainable for the majority of people past 30

I’d like to have an honest discussion here. The fixation on the Korean-inspired “glass skin” look—that perfectly translucent, pore-free, moist appearance—is creating false expectations for those of us with aging skin. The creators and models pushing these elaborate routines are usually in their early twenties, possessing naturally bouncy, pristine complexions. My own skincare path has shown that while hydration, SPF, and mild exfoliation definitely enhance skin quality, no amount of product can cancel out the natural evolution of aging. My 37-year-old face simply doesn’t function like it did at 22, and that’s perfectly fine. Recently at the dermatologist, I noticed “glass skin” results in photos that clearly relied on clever lighting and filters. I had to ask myself if I’ve ever seen a person over 35 look like that without heavy-duty clinical work or digital editing. I see plenty of women my age who look radiant and healthy while embracing their fine lines. They look well-rested and cared for, not like they’ve stopped time. I suspect we’re just pursuing another unreachable beauty goal that makes us feel lacking and drives us to buy more. Mature skin has texture and character; it shows our history. I’m all for whatever boosts your confidence, but I’ve found comfort in accepting that my skin reflects my age, and it isn’t a problem to be solved. What do you think? Is this ideal actually reachable for most over 30, or is it just a setup for disappointment?

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Well said! Ever since I stopped worrying about my pores, I’ve had more energy for things that actually matter, like my mental and physical health.

I’m totally with you. At 46, I’ve accepted that “glass skin” is mostly a product of youth and camera tricks. My face has lines and texture that represent my life. Good products help—especially sunblock—but finding peace with my real skin is better than chasing Instagram fantasies. I’m aiming for health now, not perfection.

Genetics play a huge role too. Some people naturally have more texture or dryness. No product or amount of water can override your DNA. Just like most of us won’t have supermodel proportions, we won’t get “glass skin” regardless of what some TikToker claims.

When I lived in Korea, I realized the look was mostly just constant applications of face mist. It’s easy to look “glassy” when you’re literally wet all the time lol.

It’s so annoying seeing teenagers used to market anti-wrinkle products. Let’s see real results on women who actually have aging concerns. And the lighting tricks in before-and-after shots are incredibly frustrating.

I occasionally hit that “glass” look after professional microdermabrasion or deep hydration (40F), but it was never my main aim. I just want healthy skin, and healthy skin changes—it’s alive. Social media is just a sales pitch. In the real world, nobody looks like that 24/7. It’s like movie characters waking up with perfect hair; it’s just fiction.

Honestly, my face only looks that way for a few days after a professional collagen treatment. It’s great for special occasions, though!

A creator actually revealed that many influencers use clear peel-off masks mixed with water to get that bouncy, shiny look. I don’t trust anything they sell; it’s all for engagement. A product can’t be a “holy grail” after one use. Let’s be real!

To me, the “dewy” trend just looks like someone has a greasy face. ¯|(ツ)

In person, “glass skin” usually just looks oily. It’s hard to get that glow without filters.

I’m 53 and my skin is at its peak because I finally have a routine. Texture is universal, but tretinoin and sunscreen have done wonders for me since I started during lockdown.

While I agree poreless skin is a myth, I think mature skin can still look amazing. My skin in my 30s is better than my 20s because I can afford better care now. Everyone’s results vary based on genetics and environment, though.

Absolutely. At 42, I’m done trying to look “dewy.” It looks great on young models, but on me, it just highlights every bump. I’d rather look healthy than like a shiny orange peel from layering too many serums.

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