Why are we obsessed with glass skin, poreless complexions and perfectly smooth faces?

In this bonus episode, we explore the rise of the K-beauty glass skin trend, our centuries-old obsession with flawless complexions, the war against pores and skin texture, and the growing skincare obsession among children.

Because glass doesn't have lines, texture or pores...but glass isn't alive.

Are.You.Ready?

****************

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

American Academy of Dermatology Association. "A Dermatologist's Guide to Skincare From Growing Up to Glowing Up." 2025.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. "What Can Treat Large Facial Pores?"

Bolen, Rebecca, Tionna Szymanski, Jordanne Nichols, and Kayd J. Pulsipher. "Dermatological Safety of Cosmetic Products Marketed to Children: Insights on the Sephora Kids Phenomenon." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Vol. 24, No. 9, 2025, pp. 949-951.

Cleveland Clinic. "Sebaceous Filaments: Difference From Blackheads & Treatment." 2023.

eSafety Commissioner, Australian Government. "Social Media Age Restrictions."

Grist, Kerry. "Dangerous Beauty: Hazardous Chemicals and Poisons in Historic Cosmetics." Science Museum Group, 2022.

Hales, Molly, Sarah Rigali, Amy Paller, Walter Liszewski, and Tara Lagu. "Pediatric Skin Care Regimens on TikTok." Pediatrics, Vol. 156, No. 1, 2025, e2024070309.

Matts, Paul J., Bernhard Fink, Karl Grammer, and Maria Burquest. "Color Homogeneity and Visual Perception of Age, Health, and Attractiveness of Female Facial Skin." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 57, No. 6, 2007, pp. 977-984.

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. "Dr. James P. Campbell's Safe Arsenic Complexion Wafers."

Reuters. "France's Top Court Blocks Social Media Ban for Under-15s." August 14, 2026.

Schallon, Lindsay. "This Woman's 'Glass Skin' Skin-Care Routine Is Going Viral." Allure, 2017.

****************

Leave Us a 5* Rating, it helps the show!

Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-unlocked-the-podcast/id1522636282

Spotify Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/37MLxC8eRob1D0ZcgcCorA

****************

Follow Us on Social Media & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

TikTok:

tiktok.com/@beautyunlockedthepod

YouTube:

@beautyunlockedspodcasthour

****************

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC:

FASION/ '1-800-DIRTY'/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound