If there is one beauty trend that has taken over the world in the past few years, it is “glass skin”—luminous, poreless, almost translucent complexion made famous by Korean beauty culture. Thanks to K-dramas, K-pop stars and social media influencers, millions of people now walk into dermatology clinics carrying photographs of flawless Korean celebrities and asking the same question: “Doctor, how can I get skin like this?”
I hear this question almost every week. But here’s the truth: glass skin is not a skincare product. It is not a serum or a facial. And it is certainly not something that appears overnight. In fact, much of what social media sells as glass skin is built on a myth.
The obsession with glass skin has created an unrealistic standard that can leave many people feeling inadequate. Social media filters, studio lighting and digital editing have blurred the line between reality and fantasy.
The first myth is that Korean skin is fundamentally different from Indian skin.
While there are some biological differences, the gap is not nearly as dramatic as beauty marketing would have us believe. Both Indian and Korean skin largely fall within similar Fitzpatrick skin categories. The major difference is that Indian skin tends to be more prone to pigmentation. We tan more easily and often develop post-inflammatory marks that linger longer.
This means that skincare routines that work beautifully for a Korean influencer may not produce identical results on Indian skin.
The second myth is that expensive products create flawless skin.
But the reality is far less glamorous. The Korean skincare philosophy is rooted in consistency rather than miracle products. It focuses on protecting the skin barrier, maintaining hydration and following a disciplined routine over years. Koreans prioritise skincare over make-up because they understand a simple principle: No amount of make-up can make up for healthy skin.
Many people spend thousands on foundations, concealers and highlighters while neglecting the fundamentals of skin health.
The third myth is that everyone needs a ten-step Korean skincare routine.
The famous ten-step regimen has become legendary in beauty circles. Cleansing oils, water-based cleansers, exfoliators, toners, essences, masks, serums, eye creams and moisturisers are often presented as non-negotiable requirements for achieving glass skin.
Dermatologists, often caution patients against blindly copying routines from social media. A ten-step routine may work for some individuals, but it is not universally necessary. For people with sensitive skin, pigmentation issues or allergies, overloading the skin with multiple products can sometimes create more problems than solutions.Skincare should be personalised, not copied.
In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions in modern beauty is that more products automatically equal better skin.
The fourth myth is that glass skin is purely external.
This is perhaps the most important misunderstanding. Skin reflects what is happening inside the body. Hydration, sleep quality, stress levels, nutrition and gut health all influence how skin looks and behaves.
One reason Korean skincare succeeds is because it is supported by dietary. Traditional Korean diets include fermented foods, vegetables and nutrient-dense ingredients that support gut health and reduce inflammation. You cannot expect your skin to thrive if your lifestyle is working against it.
The final myth is that Indian skin cannot achieve similar radiance.
India possesses an extraordinary heritage of natural skincare traditions that are often overlooked in favour of imported trends. Ingredients such as sandalwood, fermented preparations, thermal water and other traditional remedies have supported skin health for generations.
Rather than chasing unrealistic beauty standards, we should focus on understanding our own skin type, climate and lifestyle. Indian skin does not need to become Korean. It simply needs to become healthier.