Glass Skin Or Skin Cycling: Which Skincare Trend Actually Works For Indians?
Doctor separates effective skincare trends from online hype.
Social media-driven skincare trends such as glass skin, skin cycling and slugging have gained widespread popularity, but experts caution that not every viral routine is suitable for Indian skin types. Aesthetic surgeon Dr Ashok Patel has shared insights into which popular skincare practices are backed by logic and which ones may not deliver the promised results.
Dr Patel explained that the “glass skin” trend, which originated in South Korea, is primarily about achieving hydrated, healthy-looking skin rather than following an extensive list of products. He said the glowing appearance comes from maintaining a healthy skin barrier, avoiding irritation and keeping the skin properly moisturised. According to him, consistency and simplicity are more effective than using multiple products.
Among popular trends, Dr Patel considers skin cycling to be one of the more practical approaches. The routine involves alternating active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids with recovery nights focused on hydration and repair. However, he noted that skincare routines should not be followed mechanically and must be adjusted according to individual skin needs.
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Dr Patel said slugging, which involves applying an occlusive layer over skincare products to prevent moisture loss, can benefit people with very dry or damaged skin barriers. However, he warned that it may not suit individuals with acne-prone or congested skin. He emphasised that skincare trends should be chosen based on skin type rather than copied directly from online influencers.
The expert also advised caution against trends such as face icing, instant tightening treatments and excessive use of active ingredients. While ice may temporarily reduce puffiness, he said it does not create permanent changes such as shrinking pores. Similarly, stacking multiple powerful ingredients in a single routine can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation, redness and increased sensitivity.
Dr Patel highlighted barrier-first skincare as a trend worth following, with ingredients such as ceramides and ectoin gaining attention for their role in supporting skin health. He advised people to avoid experimenting with unfamiliar products shortly before important events, as meaningful results usually require weeks rather than a few days. He concluded that the best skincare trends are those supported by science, respect the skin barrier and are personalised according to individual requirements.
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