Korean beauty: Get over glass skin! Here’s how to achieve Dolphin skin

Dolphin skin is a new beauty term being used to describe a glistening, luminous, fresh-out-of-the-water makeup look. Dolphin skin is the new ‘slugging’ concept, which refers to having glowing, glass-like radiance or, in effect, the wet, dewy look.

To consult with the skincare experts and know their insights on ways to achieve luminous skin, Health Shots spoke to Dr Monica Kapoor, a celebrity cosmetologist and director at FLAWLESS Cosmetic Clinics and ILACAD Institute.

Dr Kapoor says, “There are two ways to accomplish this look. One is with consistent skin care, and the more immediate way is how we apply the makeup. It is all about the glistening, gleaming, super-radiant skin that defines these sea mammals. We can recreate this look with makeup too, but a great skin routine is a more permanent way to get it.”

Dolphin skin follows the glass skin trend and the idea is to make the skin appear luminous with a high-voltage glow. The look actually involves using quite a few products and the trick is to build towards the look by applying the products in thin, sheer layers.

“We can achieve dolphin skin by incorporating a handful of specific products into your skin-care routine to give yourself a glow-from-within look. The right skincare is the key to getting the look. It is about striking the right balance between hydration and exfoliation. Only a skin that is well-exfoliated and adequately hydrated will shine enough to mimic the gleam of a dolphin’s skin.” says Dr Kapoor.

5 ways to achieve Dolphin skin:

1. Exfoliate

We should always exfoliate our skin regularly, either with a gentle, physical exfoliator or a chemical one. We can buff away dead cells with chemical exfoliation using AHAs or BHAs. It increases the skin cell turnover resulting in brighter and smoother skin.

2. Cleanse

To get Dolphin skin, always use a hydrating cleanser daily. Double cleansing is considered a big part of Korean skincare routine. The idea is to free skin completely of any oil, dirt, and dead skin cells for better absorption of skincare products.

3. Essence and serum

After this, use a hyaluronic acid-infused face serum that will give the skin instant hydration and lock in the moisture. Koreans also use a snail mucin essence on their skin to add that extra layer of hydration and plumpness to their skin.

4. Rich moisturizer

One of the most widely used Korean skincare ingredients in moisturizers is cherry blossoms. These add the moisture and impart a beautiful peachy glow to the skin due to its rich antioxidant content. “You can add 2 drops of rose oil into the routine, as it absorbs quickly and does not feel greasy and can be used even under makeup,” says Dr Kapoor.

5. Non-mattifying sunscreen

Wearing SPF is non-negotiable whatever your skin type is. Choose a sunscreen that has a non-matte formula since we’re focusing on gleaming skin. Just pick the right formula for your skin type and complete the skin care routine with SPF.

6. Facial oil

To get an extra boost of hydration and that final layer of glistening glow, you can add a few drops of a facial oil like jojoba oil or rosehip oil to your skincare routine. “People who have acne prone skin or congestion prone skin then, they should avoid these essential oils,” suggests Dr Kapoor.

Makeup tips to achieve dolphin skin:

1. For more of an instant effect, use a dewy primer on the skin before applying the makeup. Then, we should follow it with a dewy foundation and lots of highlighter.
2. Highlight high areas of the face and avoid using powders or mattifiers since the goal is to glow. Even blush should be cream-based.
3. If one wants powder, then use a glistening, hydrating shimmer face powder to maintain the glow.
4. After that, at the end, use a non-alcoholic setting spray that is not too dry. Look for a glow-setting spray to complete your look and add a glossy sheen.

But ladies, do not forget that healthy skin is more important than any beauty trend. And to achieve that, the starting point is a healthy diet rich in good fats and omega-3 sources. Do not forget to toss that smartphone away and get a long beauty sleep!