If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen K-beauty influencers flaunting their ultra-dewy, poreless complexions, you’ve probably wondered: Is ‘glass skin’ even possible in South Africa’s hot and humid climate? The answer is yes!
While Nelspruit’s warm Lowveld weather can make skin feel oily, sticky, or dehydrated, you can still achieve a luminous glow with the right skincare routine.
The secret? Hydration, lightweight layers, and sun protection.
In this blog, we’ll give you a little information about how to get that sought-after radiant look without your skin feeling greasy or clogged.
What Is ‘Glass Skin’?
Glass skin is a Korean skincare trend that focuses on:
✅ Plump, deeply hydrated skin
✅ An even, smooth texture
✅ A natural, lit-from-within glow
Think of it as skin so healthy that it looks translucent, like a pane of glass reflecting light. And while it might seem impossible, achieving this in the Lowveld’s climate just means adapting the routine to suit your skin’s needs.
Step-by-Step Routine for ‘Glass Skin’ in South Africa
Admittedly, this is not a skin care trend that everyone is going to love. It can often look a little too much, but for the younger generation, it’s #goals.
If you’re keen to give it a go, this simple routine should be enough to get you started.
1. Double Cleanse, But Keep It Gentle
The heat and humidity in Nelspruit can lead to sweat, dirt, and oil buildup. A two-step cleanse will remove those impurities without stripping away your skin’s moisture. Double cleansing is exactly what it means and you’ll need:
- An Oil Cleanser which will dissolve your sunscreen and makeup without drying out your skin.
- A Gentle Gel Cleanser to remove the sweat and dirt without disrupting your skin barrier
You should never use harsh foaming cleansers, even if you are not double cleansing, as they can leave your skin feeling tight and dehydrated.
2. Hydration Is Everything
Heavy creams can feel suffocating in warm weather. Instead, K-Beauty focuses on layering hydration using lightweight products. To do this, you must:
- Apply a hydrating essence or toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and green tea.
- Use the ‘7 Skin Method’ which means layering toner 3–7 times for a deep hydration boost.
- Store your toner in the fridge for a cooling effect.
3. Serums to Brighten and Even Out Skin Tone
For that glass-like clarity, you should add a vitamin C serum in the morning to fight pigmentation and boost your natural glow. At night, you can try a niacinamide serum to help with oil control and even skin texture.
If you’re prone to breakouts, always look for lightweight, water-based serums.
4. Lock in the Moisture Without Feeling Greasy
The trick to glass skin in a humid climate? A gel-based or water-based moisturizer. These keep skin plump without clogging pores. Look for:
✔ Aloe vera
✔ Snail mucin (don’t worry, it’s lightweight and healing!)
✔ Centella Asiatica (soothes redness)
A light layer of moisturiser helps prevent dehydration, yes, even in humidity!
5. SPF
No matter how good your skincare routine is, sun damage can ruin your glow. Use a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.
- Opt for a gel or water-based sunscreen that won’t feel heavy or sticky.
- Reapply throughout the day, especially in the Lowveld sun!
- A sunscreen mist is great for on-the-go touch-ups.
Extra Tips for a Long-Lasting Glow in the Lowveld
Even if you are not trying to get that glass skin, a glowy look conveys youth and health. You can use these tips to get your glow:
✨ Drink up! Hydration starts from within. Try to drink 2 litres of water a day.
✨ DIY a hydrating mist with rose water and green tea for a quick refresh.
✨ Don’t skip exfoliation—use a gentle exfoliating toner 2–3 times a week to keep skin smooth.
✨ Use sleeping masks—a lightweight overnight mask seals in moisture without feeling heavy.
The Glow Is Possible!
Achieving ‘glass skin’ in Nelspruit’s heat isn’t about piling on products; it’s about the right lightweight, hydrating layers that let your skin breathe while keeping it plump and radiant.
💖 Want more skincare tips? Visit our salon in Nelspruit for personalised skincare advice!