Forget poreless perfection. Discover the new wave of dewy, hydrated skin that's taking over. Learn the dermatologist-approved "Glazed Donut Skin" routine for a luminous glow that’s all about health, not hype.
"Glass Skin" is Out, "Glazed Donut
Skin" is In: How to Get the Look
Move over, "glass skin." There's a new complexion
goal in town, and it’s deliciously dewy, utterly touchable, and surprisingly
achievable. We're talking about "Glazed Donut Skin," the
trend that's shifting our focus from the almost-unattainable, poreless look of
glass to a plump, radiant glow that screams health and hydration.
Popularized by skincare aficionado Hailey Bieber, this look
isn't about looking perfect; it's about looking—and feeling—deeply nourished.
But what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can you get that
coveted, fresh-from-the-bakery sheen without just looking greasy?
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a step-by-step,
science-backed playbook to achieve the ultimate glazed donut skin look.
We're diving deep into the methods, the myths, and the must-have ingredients to
give your skin a glow-up that’s more than just skin deep.
Table of Contents:
- The
Glazed Donut Philosophy: More Than Just a Trend
- The
Problem: Why Is My Skin So Dull and Dehydrated?
- The
Science of the Glow: Understanding Your Skin Barrier
- Your
Step-by-Step Guide to Glazed Donut Skin
- Step
1: The Clean Slate (Double Cleansing)
- Step
2: Drench, Don't Dry (Hydrating Toners & Essences)
- Step
3: The Power Players (Nourishing Serums)
- Step
4: Lock It In (The Perfect Moisturizer)
- Step
5: The "Glaze" (Sealing with an Occlusive)
- The
Slugging Method: A Game-Changer or a Breakout Trigger?
- Expert-Approved
Product Picks for a Dewy Skin Routine
- Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Key
Takeaways: Your Journey to Glazed Skin Starts Now
___________________________________
The Glazed Donut Philosophy: More Than Just a Trend
While "glass skin" focused on a flawless,
almost-reflective surface, glazed donut skin is all about a
healthy, luminous sheen. Think of a fresh, warm glazed donut—it’s not just
shiny; it has a plump, soft, and substantial quality. That's the goal here:
skin that looks and feels intensely moisturized and resilient.
This trend is a direct reflection of a larger shift in
skincare philosophy. As Hailey Bieber states on her brand's website, Rhode
Skin, the mission is about making "products that really work...simplifying
many of the mysteries and complex narratives behind efficacious skincare."
The core of this philosophy is skin barrier repair. Instead of
stripping skin with harsh actives for a short-term look, the focus is on
long-term health.
The Problem: Why Is My Skin So Dull and Dehydrated?
Ever look in the mirror and see skin that just feels...
lackluster? It might be tight, flaky, a little red, or just plain dull. The
culprit is often a compromised skin barrier.
Your skin barrier, or stratum corneum, is the outermost
layer of your skin. Think of it as a brick-and-mortar wall: the skin cells are
the bricks, and lipids (fats like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) are
the mortar holding them together. This wall has two critical jobs:
- Keep
the good stuff in (like water).
- Keep
the bad stuff out (like pollutants, bacteria, and irritants).
When this barrier is damaged—by over-exfoliating, harsh
weather, stress, or using the wrong products—it develops tiny, invisible
cracks. The result? Water escapes, leading to dehydration, and irritants get
in, causing sensitivity, redness, and dullness.
The Science of the Glow: Understanding Your Skin Barrier
Don't just take our word for it. The scientific community
has long emphasized the importance of a healthy skin barrier. Research
published in the journal Scientific Research Publishing highlights
that the skin barrier is a "multifunctional structure" critical for
"maintaining homeostasis" (the body's stable internal environment).
When it’s working correctly, it keeps skin hydrated, protected, and radiant.
(Fear) Neglecting your skin barrier doesn't just
lead to temporary dullness. Over time, a chronically damaged barrier can
accelerate the signs of aging, lead to persistent skin conditions like eczema,
and make you more susceptible to breakouts and irritation. You're not just
chasing a trend; you're preventing long-term skin damage.
This is where the glazed donut skin routine
comes in. It’s a targeted solution to rebuild and pamper that
protective wall.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Glazed Donut Skin
Ready for the glow? This dewy skin routine is
best performed at night to allow the products to work their magic while your
skin is in its natural repair cycle.
Step 1: The Clean Slate (Double Cleansing)
You can't glaze a dirty donut. Start by removing makeup,
sunscreen, and daily grime.
- First
Cleanse (Oil-Based): Use a cleansing balm or oil to melt away
oil-based impurities. Massage it onto dry skin and then emulsify with a
little water before rinsing.
- Second
Cleanse (Water-Based): Follow up with a gentle, hydrating
cleanser. Look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. This
ensures your pores are truly clean without stripping your skin.
Step 2: Drench, Don't Dry (Hydrating Toners &
Essences)
While your skin is still damp from cleansing, immediately
apply a hydrating toner or essence. Damp skin is more permeable, meaning it
will absorb products more effectively. Pat the product in with your hands. Look
for ingredients like:
- Glycerin: A
humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
- Hyaluronic
Acid: Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Centella
Asiatica (Cica): Soothes and repairs.
Step 3: The Power Players (Nourishing Serums)
This is where you target specific concerns while doubling
down on hydration. Layer one or two nourishing serums.
- Peptide
Serum: Peptides are the building blocks of proteins like collagen
and elastin. They help firm the skin and improve its texture.
- Niacinamide
Serum: This powerhouse ingredient (a form of Vitamin B3) helps to
visibly minimize pore size, improve uneven skin tone, and strengthen the
skin barrier.
Step 4: Lock It In (The Perfect Moisturizer)
Now, apply a generous layer of a rich, restorative
moisturizer. This is the heart of the routine. You want a cream that contains a
mix of:
- Humectants: (like
Hyaluronic Acid) to draw in water.
- Emollients: (like
Shea Butter or Squalane) to soften the skin.
- Occlusives: (like
Ceramides) to form a protective layer.
Don’t be shy with the amount. Your skin should feel plump
and cushioned.
Step 5: The "Glaze" (Sealing with an
Occlusive)
This final step is what creates the "glazed"
finish and is key to the viral slugging method. After your
moisturizer has absorbed for a minute, apply a thin layer of an occlusive
product over your entire face. This can be:
- A
rich facial oil (like marula or rosehip oil).
- A
thick healing ointment or balm (the classic slugging technique).
This layer acts as a physical barrier, preventing
"transepidermal water loss" (TEWL) overnight. Essentially, it traps
all the hydration and beneficial ingredients from the previous steps, allowing
them to penetrate deeper while you sleep. You’ll wake up with visibly bouncier,
dewier skin.
The Slugging Method: A Game-Changer or a Breakout
Trigger?
Slugging involves applying a thin layer of a
petroleum-based ointment (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) as the very last step of
your nighttime routine. It's the ultimate occlusive.
Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist
and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York, often discusses the importance
of a healthy skin barrier. While slugging can be incredibly effective for
locking in moisture, it's not for everyone.
- Who
is it good for? Those with dry, dehydrated, or mature skin, or
anyone with a compromised barrier from harsh weather or treatments.
- Who
should be cautious? Is the slugging trend good for acne-prone
skin? It can be risky. While petroleum jelly itself is
non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog pores), it can trap oils, dead
skin cells, and bacteria that are already on your skin, potentially
worsening breakouts. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider
slugging only on dry areas, or use a non-comedogenic facial oil as your
final step instead.
Pro-Tip: Never slug over active ingredients like
retinoids or exfoliating acids unless advised by a dermatologist. Trapping
these potent ingredients can increase their strength and lead to significant
irritation.
Expert-Approved Product Picks for a Dewy Skin Routine
You don't need to buy a whole new shelf of products. Look for formulas with the right ingredients. Here are a couple of examples that fit the "glazed donut" philosophy.
1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5: This multi-purpose soothing balm is a cult favorite for a reason. It's packed with Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Shea Butter, and Glycerin to soothe and protect a compromised barrier. It's an excellent choice for the final "glazing" step if you find traditional petroleum jelly too heavy.
- Why We Chose It: Recommended by dermatologists worldwide for its ability to repair the skin barrier and calm irritation, making it a perfect fit for the final, healing step of the glazed donut routine.
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% +
Zinc 1%: A key part of the glazed routine is strengthening the skin
from within. Niacinamide is a hero for barrier support and texture refinement.
This budget-friendly serum delivers a high concentration of this vitamin to
improve skin health over time.
- Why We Chose It: It directly addresses the "logic" of the glazed donut trend—improving barrier function and skin texture. Its water-based formula layers beautifully under heavier creams without feeling sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Q1:
How is "Glazed Donut Skin" different from "Glass
Skin"?
- A1:
"Glass Skin" is a K-Beauty trend that aims for a poreless,
translucent, almost-reflective complexion, often achieved through many
lightweight hydrating layers. "Glazed Donut Skin," popularized
in the West, focuses on a more visible, dewy, and plump sheen that comes
from deep moisturization and sealing the skin barrier, often with richer
creams and oils. Think of it as hydrated and healthy vs. flawlessly
ethereal.
- Q2:
Will this routine make my oily skin worse?
- A2:
Not necessarily. Oily skin can often be dehydrated, causing it to produce
even more oil to compensate. By focusing on hydrating skincare,
you can help balance oil production. If you have oily skin, opt for
gel-based moisturizers and consider using a lightweight, non-comedogenic
oil for the final "glaze" step instead of a heavy ointment.
- Q3:
How quickly can I achieve the glazed donut skin look overnight?
- A3:
You can see a noticeable difference in plumpness and dewiness after just
one night of following the "glazing" routine, especially the
slugging step. However, true skin barrier repair and
long-lasting results come from consistency over several weeks.
- Q4:
Can I do this routine in the morning?
- A4:
The full "glazing" or "slugging" routine is best for
nighttime, as the heavy final layer can feel greasy and may not sit well
under makeup or sunscreen. For a daytime dewy look, you can follow steps
1-4 and finish with a glowy sunscreen.
Key Takeaways: Your Journey to Glazed Skin Starts Now
You are now armed with the science-backed strategy to ditch
dullness and embrace the glow. Remember, Glazed Donut Skin isn't
about a fleeting trend; it's a lifestyle of prioritizing skin health.
- Focus
on the Barrier: A healthy, intact skin barrier is the foundation
of radiant skin.
- Hydrate,
Hydrate, Hydrate: Layer hydrating products on damp skin to
maximize absorption.
- Seal
the Deal: Don't let that precious moisture escape. Use a quality
moisturizer and a final occlusive layer at night to lock everything in.
Ready to transform your complexion?
Start your clear-skin journey today! Pick one step to
upgrade—whether it's adding a hydrating toner or trying the slugging method on
a dry patch—and see the difference for yourself. Join the thousands of others
who are trading harsh treatments for happy, hydrated skin!
