Meet 'Skin Glazing' – The K-Beauty Inspired Skincare Trend For Oily Skin

Elle

23-07-2025

Skin slugging is a major skincare trend that's taken over social media in recent years, but for oily skin types, a burgeoning new practice known as 'skin glazing' might just be the better option.
Before we get into what exactly skin glazing is, a little primer on slugging. It's essentially the practice of applying a rich, occlusive moisturiser such as a petroleum jelly-based product at the end of your skincare regime to lock in hydration. Like most skincare fads, the technique, arguably, does work for some people – especially for those with extremely dry skin or complexions that feel extra parched and flaky in the winter.
If you veer on the more combination to oily side, however, slugging can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and a generally uncomfortable feeling. Thankfully, there's now a new trend that's friendly for these skin types. Enter: skin glazing.
Shai Eisenman, founder of Bubble Skincare, uses a similar term - skin silking - to refer to its Cosmic Silk milky toner. For Eisenman, sinking and glazing is about 'applying Cosmic Silk multiple times throughout the day to maximise its hydrating and skin-enhancing benefits.' Although billed as a toner, the multipurpose product also doubles as a light moisturiser and can be cocktailed into your foundation to sheer it out.
But, skin glazing also refers to the act of layering multiple lightweight products to encourage moisture without upsetting oily skin in need of hydration, because while oily and combination tend to have adequate or excess sebum, it can still be dehydrated, which means its lacking in water.
'In the summer, or for those with oily or combination skin, layering lightweight textures is a great way to hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy or heavy,' says Dr Shin-Young Cho, Korean dermatology specialist at Future Care Medical.
This layering technique has roots in Korean skincare routines, just simplified to suit oilier complexions. 'Each step is chosen to build hydration and repair skin barrier, which is all Korean skincare is about,' says Dr Cho, who agrees that milky toners do play a major role in 'achieving that silky-smooth, glass-like finish that Korean skincare is so well known and loved for'.
'Lighter layers are brilliant when you want hydration without the weight,' adds Colette Laxton, co-founder of the no-nonsense skincare brand, The Inkey List. 'Especially in warmer months or if you're prone to oiliness, this approach lets you tailor your moisture levels without clogging pores or feeling sticky. It's hydration that feels breathable - and that's exactly what oily/combination and summer skin needs.'
'Hydration isn't just one product - it's a process,' says Laxton. But don't worry, you won't have to sit through 10 steps.
'Think of it like building a moisture sandwich for your skin,' shares Laxton. 'Starting with water-based products like mists and essences helps prep the skin to better absorb serums and moisturisers.
Especially when you're using lightweight textures, you're not overloading the skin but still giving it what it needs.'
To keep oily skin happy, stick to primarily water-based formulas. Rather than a prescriptive approach, skin glazing encourages you to take stock of how your own skin is feeling on a given day.
Experts agree that you should apply in order of texture. 'Go from the lightest to the heaviest for the best absorption and avoid occlusion. It's also important not to overload your routine with too many active ingredients at once,' says Dr Cho.
If you're experiencing pilling, it might be due to using too many products, layering too quickly or the textures themselves don't play well together. Laxton recommends 'giving a little breathing room between layers.'
Adds Laxton: 'Giving each layer a moment to settle can help with absorption. If something feels tacky or you see it sitting on the surface, wait a little longer. But honestly, if your skin's drinking it up, you can move along.'
Avoiding silicone-heavy products under water-based formulas can also help, along with using less of each product.
Be mindful of your ingredients too. 'Combining multiple acids or strong retinoids can increase the risk of irritation and sensitivity, sometimes compromising the skin barrier instead of improving it,' says Dr Cho.
Laxton agrees, adding: 'Some ingredients don't mix well - like vitamin C and certain exfoliating acids. Keep it simple if you're unsure.'
There is a limit to how much product your skin can absorb, which is why keeping it relatively streamlined is best. As the experts suggest, it's also important to avoid overusing active ingredients which can lead to irritation.
Retinoids and exfoliating acids should be in the evening routine and when incorporating them, starting slowly is always the best course of action.
As with all skincare trends, always listen to your complexion.
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Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.