Your ultimate guide to non-invasive "glass skin" beauty treatments

1. Chemical Peels

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This involves applying an acid-infused solution to the skin to deliver a controlled exfoliation of the dead skin cells on the skin surface. In addition, it can also help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. According to Dr Yow, how often you should get a chemical peel depends on the type and strength of the treatment and your skin needs. Generally, you can get a chemical peel treatment every two weeks to once a month.

2. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling

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Think of this as the upgraded version of microneedling. “The radiofrequency energy from such devices stimulates skin regeneration and repair, while at the same time reduces pigmentation for a more even skin tone. This results in brighter and healthier looking skin,” explains Dr Tan. When it comes to RF microneedling treatments, options include Sylfirm X, Secret RF, Infini and Potenza. And it isn’t a one and done treatment either, both doctors share that you should expect to do a series of sessions, depending on your skin condition and repeated in monthly intervals.

3. Skin boosters

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“Hydration is essential for achieving a glass skin look,” says Dr Tan. And as some skin boosters, such as profhilo, juvelook and cytocare, contain hyaluronic acid, when delivered into the top layers to the skin, they help absorb water and hydrate the skin from within.

There are also skin boosters that contain polynucleotide (PN) or polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) derived from fish DNA, like rejuran and plinest. These can help plump the skin, addressing skin laxity and overall skin quality as they help stimulate collagen and elastin production to give complexion a smooth, youthful and dewy look.

Results are typically seen after two to three sessions (when done about four weeks apart).

4. Skin botox

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Unlike traditional botox that is injected into the underlying facial muscles to temporarily paralyse or relax the muscles to give you a smoother appearance, skin botox (also known as baby botox or micro botox) entails depositing a small amount of the botulinum toxin into the skin’s superficial layers instead. This results in a subtle smoothening effect. But that’s not all. It’s also believed to help reduce oil production and minimise pore size.
Shattering the myth of “glass skin” treatments
However, as women often face a variety of skin concerns, ranging from dryness, dullness, enlarged pores, textured skin and even pigmentation, Dr Tan explains that achieving a glass skin look can’t be achieved with just one treatment alone.

“To achieve glass skin, you have to first determine the cause of dull and uneven skin. Without targeting the specific cause, blindly doing a treatment just because it is the rage or in-trend may not help you achieve the desired effect,” he adds.
Prolong the results of your “glass skin” treatment
Adhere well to post-treatment care. This will often include avoiding direct and/or prolonged sun exposure; using recommended skincare products and refraining from certain activities that may irritate the skin. This is important because “proper aftercare can enhance the healing process and maintain the results (of the treatment)”, says Dr Yow.

Diligent sunscreen application: While protecting your skin against damaging UV rays daily is important, it’s even more so after an aesthetic treatment as “aesthetic treatments may increase sensitivity to the skin”, explains Dr Yow. Sunscreen prevents sun damage, protects against hyperpigmentation and preserves the results of the aesthetic treatments done.

Limit alcohol consumption: According to Dr Yow, excessive consumption of alcohol, before and after your aesthetic treatments, can dehydrate the skin and affect blood circulation. And this, in turn, may interfere with your body’s ability to heal and regenerate skin cells.
At-Home Care & Maintenance
Here are five active ingredients to include in your skincare routine to keep your complexion glowing and healthy:

1. Hyaluronic Acid

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To keep skin well-hydrated and plumped, whilst contributing to its overall smoothness at the same time.

Try: Pretti5 Advanced Hyaluronic Serum, $107
Besides hyaluronic acid to hydrate, this serum also nourishes the skin with the use of vitamin B3, provitamin B5 and eight botanical extracts. Great for dry and sensitive skin skin types, it also soothes away irritation and inflammation.

2. Vitamin C

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To protect the skin against free radical damage and help reduce appearance of hyperpigmentation and even the skin tone.

Try: Neal’s Yard Remedies Vitamin C Brightening Booster, $38
Get skin bright and glowy with this vitamin B booster. Infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin C and Kakadu plum, as well as hyaluronic acid, it protects the skin against free radical damage while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

3. Retinol or retinoids

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To aid in skin renewal and collagen production. This hardworking anti-ageing ingredient can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and promote a more youthful appearance. “Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase to avoid irritation,” advises Dr Yow.

Try: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, $165
A multi-retinoid serum that effectively and safely targets wrinkles, skin roughness and uneven skin tone. Its secret? The use of different retinol-based complexes, such as retinol, encapsulated retinol spheres, granactive retinoid and a retinol booster. Together with beta-glucan and squalane, it keeps skin soothed and hydrated, minimising risk of irritation at the same time.

4. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)

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To gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, unclog pores and refine the skin texture for a smoother complexion.

Try: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 9.8% Glycolic Acid, $44
Enriched with 9.8 per cent glycolic acid, this AHA serum gently exfoliates the skin to refine skin texture. This in turn, visibly minimises the appearance of unsightly enlarged pores. Complexion is smoother and more radiant with consistent use.

5. Niacinamide

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To help enhance the skin barrier, reduce redness and regulate oil production while working on your skin’s overall health and appearance.

Try: Cerm 13% Niacinamide + B5 Serum, $36
Keep skin clear, soothed and balanced with this niacinamide and vitamin B5-enriched serum. It not only protects the skin barrier, but also helps reduce blemishes and uneven skin tone too. The result: skin is healthier and more youthful-looking.