{"id":5840,"date":"2026-11-13T13:27:31","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T21:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/?p=5840"},"modified":"2026-11-13T13:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T21:34:18","slug":"korean-facial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/korean-facial\/","title":{"rendered":"Korean facials: The treatments behind the glass skin trend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cGlass skin\u201d has been one of the biggest beauty phrases of the decade, and the Korean facial is the spa treatment most closely tied to it. It\u2019s a slower, more layered treatment than a standard facial, with a thorough cleanse, gentle exfoliation, facial massage and several rounds of hydration. Most people leave with skin that looks bright and dewy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interest in K-beauty keeps growing. South Korea\u2019s cosmetics exports hit a record $11.43 billion in 2025. The US also became the top destination for Korean cosmetics for the first time, according to government data reported by Yonhap<\/a>. With ResortPass<\/a>, you can book a Korean facial for the day, whether that\u2019s a glass skin facial in Manhattan or an oxygen facial in Seattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what a Korean facial is, what happens during one, what dermatologists say about glass skin, and where to book. If you\u2019d like a similar treatment for the rest of your body, see our guide to Korean body scrubs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Korean facial?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Korean facial follows the same steps as a K-beauty skin care routine: cleanse thoroughly, exfoliate gently, and hydrate in thin layers instead of one heavy cream. Most treatments skip harsh peels and focus on protecting your skin barrier, which helps your face look smooth and dewy afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no single official recipe. Still, most Korean facials share a few signatures: a double cleanse, an enzyme or mild acid exfoliation, a sculpting facial massage, and a mask followed by essences, serums and moisturizer pressed in one after another. Many spas add tech, too, like oxygen infusion, cryotherapy tools or LED light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Korea, a dewy, healthy shine is sometimes called mul-gwang, or \u201cwater glow.\u201d In English, most people call it glass skin, a trend with roots in South Korean beauty culture, as CNN noted in a recent look at the trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jane Yoo<\/a> describes glass skin as \u201can intact skin barrier, real hydration, and even tone.\u201d A Korean facial works on all three of those factors over the course of an hour or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Esthetician
Savor Beauty + Spa West Village<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What happens during a Korean facial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every spa does things a little differently, but here\u2019s the general order to expect, whether you book a glass skin facial in New York or an oxygen facial in Seattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Double cleanse:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Almost every Korean facial starts with a double cleanse. Your esthetician first uses an oil or balm cleanser to melt away sunscreen, makeup and oil. Then comes a water-based cleanser to clean the skin itself. Savor Beauty + Spa<\/a> says its facials always begin with \u201ca warm K-beauty double cleanse.\u201d Many spas add steam at this point to soften the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exfoliate gently:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next comes exfoliation, usually a fruit enzyme or mild acid that dissolves dead skin cells rather than scrubbing them away. Some facials add a physical step, like diamond-tip dermabrasion. If you need extractions, they typically happen now, while your skin is soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage and sculpt:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Facial massage is a big part of a Korean facial, and many people say it\u2019s their favorite step. Expect slow, firm strokes along the jaw, cheekbones and brow, sometimes with a gua sha stone or cooling tools. The goal is to relax tight facial muscles and help skin look less puffy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layer the hydration:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To finish, your esthetician applies a mask. Then they press in thin layers of toner, essence, serum and moisturizer, letting each one sink in. Depending on the treatment, this is also when you might get an oxygen infusion, LED light therapy or cryotherapy. You\u2019ll usually leave with SPF on and skin that feels soft and hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Client
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is a Korean facial good for your skin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For most people, a well-done Korean facial is a gentle, hydrating treatment that leaves skin looking smoother and brighter for days. Because the approach favors mild exfoliation over aggressive peels, it\u2019s a good fit if you want a glow without much downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re worried about negative effects, the only problems are usually a result of overdoing it at home. Dermatologists in a recent report warned that layering too many products can cause clogged pores, irritation and breakouts. They stressed that \u201cKorean skincare is not the problem,\u201d but the viral, many-step version of it can be. As Dr. Yoo points out, pores \u201care genetic and do not respond to layering products,\u201d so your realistic goal should be healthy, hydrated skin with a natural glow (rather than a totally poreless appearance). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Academy of Dermatology<\/a> adds a few cautions that apply to the exfoliation step. If you have a darker skin tone, it recommends avoiding strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation, which can lead to dark spots. It also says never to exfoliate over cuts or sunburned skin. Tell your esthetician about any skin concerns so they can adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to prep for your first Korean facial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few simple steps help you get the most out of your treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book ahead and arrive early:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Popular estheticians fill up on weekends, so book a few days out if you can. If your facial includes spa access, arrive 30 minutes early to change and enjoy the steam room or sauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pause strong skin care:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hold off on retinoids, acid exfoliants and benzoyl peroxide for a few days before your appointment. The AAD notes that exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skip waxing and new products:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Avoid facial waxing, threading or trying a brand-new product in the days before, so your skin isn\u2019t already irritated when you sit down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Share your skin history:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let your esthetician know about sensitivities, allergies, recent procedures or prescription skin care. It changes which exfoliant, mask and tools they\u2019ll reach for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the rest of the day low-key:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your skin may be a little pink right after. Skip makeup for the rest of the day if you can, wear sunscreen, and save exfoliants for later in the week. Dr. Yoo calls sun damage \u201cthe fastest way to undo even tone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skin
Savor Beauty + Spa Upper West Side<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Korean facials and glass skin facials you can book with ResortPass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These ResortPass properties offer Korean facials and glass skin treatments you can book for the day, no overnight stay needed. Curious about other treatment types? Our guide to spa treatments<\/a> breaks them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savor Beauty + Spa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Esthetician
Savor Beauty + Spa West Village<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Locations:<\/strong> West Village<\/a> and Upper West Side<\/a>, New York, New York<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savor is one of the newest spas on ResortPass, and it specializes in Korean facials made with clean skin care produced in New York. It has two Manhattan spas, one in the West Village and its flagship on the Upper West Side, and both offer the 60-Minute Korean Glass Skin Facial as a ResortPass Exclusive. The treatment starts with a warm double cleanse, followed by diamond dermabrasion, a fruit enzyme or acid peel, extractions and the spa\u2019s signature Savor Sculpt Korean massage. It finishes with a mask and layered hydration. See more New York spa day passes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n