A guide for achieving “Glazed donut-like skin”

Every day brings a new skincare trend, from skin flooding to glass skin. The latest buzzword on the scene is “glazed donut skin,” a term gaining traction among skincare enthusiasts like supermodel Hailey Bieber, who founded Rhode Skin.

Bieber humorously shared her nighttime skincare standard: “If I’m not getting into bed looking like a glazed donut, then I’m not doing the right thing,” she revealed in a YouTube video detailing her skincare routine.

So, what exactly is glazed donut skin? According to Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi, an aesthetic dermatologist and founder of Oprava Aesthetics, it refers to skin that is plump, hydrated, poreless, and reflects light, much like the appearance of a shiny donut. This trend is particularly popular among Korean skincare lovers, who use the “layering technique” to achieve a shiny, bouncy complexion. This technique involves the strategic application of skincare products in the right order, which often includes skin actives like AHAs and BHAs (such as glycolic acid and lactic acid), vitamins (C and E), niacinamide, and non-actives like fruit water and hyaluronic acid for a calming and repairing effect.

For those curious about achieving glazed donut skin, Dr. Sanghvi offers expert guidance:

• Use a pH-balanced cleanser rich in glycolic or lactic acid for gentle exfoliation.
• Apply multi-action serums containing AHA or BHA, botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C to address open pores and blemishes while enhancing skin texture.
• Consider using an essence or serum with niacinamide or salicylic acid to manage acne inflammation, pigmentation, and acne marks, especially for those with acne-prone skin.
• Integrate a moisturiser with reparative and anti-ageing properties, like a ceramide-based cream with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and bakuchiol, into your nightly routine to target ageing signs and fine lines.

However, Dr. Sanghvi advises against harsh cleansers, scrubs, and greasy products that can strip essential oils or harm the skin barrier. She emphasises that avoiding excessive active ingredients is important to prevent skin irritation and ingredient clashes that might harm rather than benefit the skin. Moreover, she recommends exfoliating only once or twice a week to prevent over-exfoliation.