6 Step Glass Skin Routine for Black Women

Achieving “glass skin” — that smooth, dewy, and luminous complexion — is all about hydration, balance, and a well-rounded skincare routine. For Black women, who may have different skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dryness, or oiliness, a tailored approach is important. Here’s a 6-step glass skin routine designed to work well with melanated skin:

1. Double Cleanse (Oil + Water-Based Cleanser)

• Why: Clean skin is essential for the rest of your routine to work. Double cleansing ensures you remove all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin.
• How:
  • Start with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Look for gentle formulas that won’t clog pores.
  • Follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue and cleanse the skin deeply. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser (without sulfates) to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Oil Cleanser: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm or DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
  • Water-Based Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.

2. Exfoliate (1-2 Times a Week)

• Why: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, revealing the fresh skin underneath and promoting a smoother texture. This is especially helpful for Black women with hyperpigmentation or acne scars.
• How: Use a chemical exfoliant (rather than a physical scrub, which can be harsh) to dissolve dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover.
• Recommended Ingredients: Look for AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic or lactic acid) for surface exfoliation or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid) for deeper exfoliation.
• Product Suggestions:
  • The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
  • Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

3. Toner (Hydrating & Balancing)

• Why: Toner helps to balance the skin’s pH after cleansing and adds a layer of hydration. It also prepares your skin to absorb the active ingredients in the following steps.
• How: Choose a hydrating toner that contains ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera. Avoid toners with alcohol, which can be drying.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner.
  • Pixi Glow Tonic (with mild glycolic acid) for brightening.

4. Serum (Targeted Treatment)

• Why: Serums are packed with concentrated active ingredients that treat specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, texture, and dark spots. Serums also help lock in moisture.
• How: Depending on your skin concerns, choose a serum that targets your needs:
  • For glow: A Vitamin C serum brightens the skin and fades dark spots.
  • For hydration: Look for hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
  • For hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide and alpha arbutin can help even skin tone.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%.
  • Niacinamide: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Glycolic Acid Serum.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

5. Moisturizer (Hydrate & Lock In Moisture)

• Why: Black skin tends to be more prone to dryness, so keeping your skin hydrated is crucial for a glowing complexion. A good moisturizer helps seal in hydration and keeps your skin smooth.
• How: Use a rich but lightweight moisturizer with a balance of hydrating and emollient ingredients. Look for ceramides, fatty acids, and humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
• Product Suggestions:
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid).
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (with hyaluronic acid).
  • Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (a cult favorite for dewy skin).

6. Sunscreen (Daily Protection)

• Why: Sunscreen is a must for maintaining an even skin tone and preventing hyperpigmentation. Even if you’re indoors, UV rays can affect your skin, so always protect it with broad-spectrum SPF.
• How: Choose a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of at least 30. Look for formulas that are non-greasy but provide a dewy finish.
• Product Suggestions:
  • Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 or SPF 50 (designed for melanated skin tones, doesn’t leave a white cast).
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60.

Additional Tips for Glass Skin:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration from within reflects on the skin’s surface.
• Get Enough Sleep: Your skin regenerates while you sleep, so aim for 7-8 hours of rest to support healthy, glowing skin.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables) can help reduce inflammation and promote skin radiance.
• Patience: Glass skin takes time! Be consistent with your routine, and be patient as you give your skin the time it needs to adjust and glow.

This 6-step routine can help you achieve that luminous, healthy “glass skin” glow, while addressing the unique needs of Black women’s skin, such as hydration, pigmentation, and texture. Consistency and proper hydration are key, so enjoy the process and the results!