If you’ve been chasing that smooth, dewy, lit-from-within glow, you’ve probably heard of the “glass skin” trend. Everyone wants it but how do you actually achieve it? Let’s talk about how to actually achieve that hydrated, healthy look in real life—with simple, dermatologist-approved steps and affordable products that work.

In this blog, I’m walking you through the three essential pillars of a glass skin routine: texture, hydration, and tone. 

🎥 Prefer video? Click here to view the full video on YouTube where I explain it all in under 10 minutes.

Glass Skin PSA!

First, let’s get a few things straight. A lot of those “glass skin” videos you see on social media—if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Filters, lighting, and editing tricks are often involved.

Please don’t compare your skin to others and assume you’re doing something wrong. My goal for you is healthy skin that you feel confident in—not perfect, flawless skin. That’s unrealistic.

With that in mind, here are three key steps to help your skin look more dewy, hydrated, and bouncy—that coveted glass skin look.

Step 1: Improve Your Skin Texture

This step is best done at night. One reason our skin can look dull is that our skin cell turnover slows as we age. That means light doesn’t reflect off our skin—it just absorbs into it, leaving us with a lackluster complexion.

So how do we fix that? Exfoliation.

Choosing the Right Exfoliant

This is not a one-size-fits-all product.

• Bumpy, clogged, or congested skin: Look for exfoliants with salicylic acid. It penetrates pores and smooths texture.
  
• Dull, dry, or crepey skin: Choose glycolic acid. This provides a more superficial exfoliation.
  
• Sensitive skin: Try lactic acid or mandelic acid for gentle exfoliation.

The big takeaway here is: Don’t overspend on exfoliants. This is one step where you can get high-quality products at budget-friendly prices. Here are some excellent, budget-friendly exfoliants I suggest as a dermatologist.

• Good Molecules: Overnight exfoliant (under $10) and 3.5% glycolic acid (around $14)
  
• The Inkey List: 2% salicylic acid and 10% glycolic acid (both affordable and effective)
  
• The Ordinary: Glycolic acid 7% toner (under $10)
  
• Versed: Brightening solution with an acid blend (~$20)
  

How to Use an Exfoliant

• Use 1–2 times per week at night.
  
• Routine: Cleanser → Exfoliant (as directed) → Moisturizer
  
• Always follow with SPF in the morning—exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
  

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and bring out that smooth, supple, glass-like bounce.

Step 2: Hydration

If your skin is dry or dehydrated, it’s not going to reflect light—aka no glassy glow. Hydration is key both at night and in the morning.

Nighttime Moisturizers

At night, your skin goes into repair mode—which makes it the perfect time to use a rich and nourishing moisturizer. Look for creams or balms with a thicker texture to lock in moisture while you sleep. Ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and squalane are especially helpful for locking in moisture and preventing overnight water loss. Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, don’t skip this step—hydration is key to achieving that plump, bouncy glass skin look by morning.

• Link Best For Dry Skin: link for inkey list bioactive ceramide
  
• Link Best to pair with a retinoid: link for la roche posay double repair
  
• Link Best for oily skin: la roche double repair matte gel cream
  
• Link Best for sensitive skin: link avene tolerance cream 

Morning Hydration Boosters

In the morning, hydration should focus on layering lightweight products that deliver moisture without feeling greasy under sunscreen or makeup. Your skin is exposed to more stressors during the day—UV rays, pollution, dry indoor air—so reinforcing your moisture barrier helps maintain that smooth, supple finish all day long. Look for ingredients like:

• Glycerin
  
• Hyaluronic acid
  
• Squalane
  
• Dimethicone (a lightweight occlusive)
  
• Mica (reflects light and boosts glow)
  

Hydration Booster Recommendations

• Avene Hyaluron Active Serum: Hyaluronic acid + niacinamide. Simple, effective, non-irritating—any skin type can use it.
  
• The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum: About $15, feels amazing, super hydrating.
  
• Pair it with: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream and Polyglutamic Acid Dewy SPF 30. Lightweight, affordable, and glow-boosting.
  
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost: Gel and cream versions available. Great for bounce and hydration.
  
• Clinique’s New Glow Serum: With vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and mica. Lightweight, fragrance-free, and gentle.
  

You can simplify your routine by using just a great moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. You’ll still get that hydrated, dewy look.

Other Hydration Hacks

Hydration isn’t just topical—it’s internal, too. You need to support your skin from the inside out as well.

1. Drink more water. You should be aiming for 2-3 liters of water a day (I know that sounds like a lot, but more water = healthier insides and out!)
   
2. Try skin-supporting supplements like hyaluronic acid, collagen or vitamin C. 

• One I personally use:Sparkle Wellness Skin Boost Plus—it includes collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to support hydration and skin firmness. My favorites are Pink Acai Lemonade and Unflavored. Click the links below and be sure to add BUDGETDERM for 20% OFF at checkout!
  • Pink Acai Lemonade https://shrsl.com/3x23u 
  • Unflavored https://shrsl.com/4×166
• Other options include Ritual’s Skin Hydration supplement and Neutrogena’s Skin Hydration capsules—all great for promoting bouncier skin over time.
  

Red light therapy

You can also level-up your glow with red light therapy. I use a red light mask from Qure a few nights a week. It’s not an overnight miracle, but I absolutely notice a difference in my skin’s texture and clarity when I’m consistent with it.

Step 3: Improve Your Skin Tone

Even skin tone = youthful glow. This step may not be as crucial as texture and hydration, but it definitely helps!

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C
  
• Retinoids
  

Use these on nights you’re not exfoliating:

1. Cleanser
   
2. Vitamin C or Retinoid
   
3. Moisturizer
   

If you prefer vitamin C in the morning, that’s fine too! Just don’t layer it with other actives like hydration boosters—alternate instead to reduce irritation risk.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This!

Glass skin isn’t just about products.

• Get enough sleep
  
• Exercise regularly
  
  • It improves circulation and gives your skin a healthy, glowy flush
    

These lifestyle habits work with your skincare routine to help you achieve your best skin.

I hope this blog was helpful! Let me know what you’d like to see next. 

Final Thoughts: Glass Skin, Simplified

At the end of the day, “glass skin” isn’t about perfection, it’s about healthy, hydrated, balanced skin that reflects light because it’s well cared for. No filter required.

And while social media might make it seem like you need a 12-step routine and luxury products to get there, the truth is: you can achieve beautiful, glowing skin with simple steps and affordable products—as long as you’re consistent.

Here’s what really matters:

• Exfoliate gently to improve texture
  
• Hydrate daily (inside and out)
  
• Even your tone with ingredients that support radiance over time
  
• Support your routine with good sleep, regular movement, and sunscreen (always)
  

Remember, your version of “glass skin” might not look like someone else’s and that’s okay. The goal isn’t flawless skin. It’s skin that feels good, looks vibrant, and reflects the care you’ve put into it.

✨ Want to see this routine in action? Click here to watch the full step-by-step video on YouTube

📲 And don’t forget to say hi on Instagram at @thebudgetdermatologist—I’m always sharing tips, routines, and budget-friendly product finds you’ll love.