Skin slugging is a major skin care 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 moisturizer such as a petroleum-jelly–based product at the end of your skin care regimen to lock in hydration. Like most skin care 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.
What Is Skin Glazing?
Shai Eisenman, founder of Bubble, uses a similar term—“skin silking”—to refer to its Cosmic Silk milky toner. For Eisenman, silking and glazing are both about “applying Cosmic Silk multiple times throughout the day to maximize its hydrating and skin-enhancing benefits.” Although billed as a toner, the multipurpose product also doubles as a light moisturizer 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 complexions tend to have adequate or excess sebum, they can still be dehydrated—which means it’s lacking in water.
What Are the Benefits of Skin Glazing?
“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 skin care routines, just simplified to suit oilier complexions. “Each step is chosen to build hydration and repair the skin barrier, which is all Korean skin care is about,” says Dr. Cho, who agrees that milky toners play a major role in “achieving that silky-smooth, glass-like finish that Korean skin care 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 skin care 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.”
How to Skin Glaze
“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 moisturizers. 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.
Generally, your skin-glazing routine can look like this:
- Cleansing
- Face mist
- Milky toner (for combination-to-oily skin) or a water essence (for very oily skin)
- Eye cream, if needed
- Hydrating serum (opt for one with added niacinamide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid for clarifying and brightening benefits)
- SPF for daytime, or a light moisturizer for the evening
How to Correctly Layer Your Skin Care
Experts agree that you should apply products in order of texture. “Go from the lightest to the heaviest for the best absorption and to 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 not playing well together. Laxton recommends “giving a little breathing room between layers.”
Laxton adds, “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.”
Skin Glazing Essentials
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream
Sisley Paris Sunleÿa Age Minimizing SPF 50+
Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner
What Are the Downsides of Skin Glazing?
There is a limit to how much product your skin can absorb, which is why keeping your routine 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 part of the evening routine, and when incorporating them, starting slowly is always the best course of action.
As with all skin care trends, always listen to your complexion.
