Your Guide to TikTok’s New K-Beauty Trend “Jello Skin” & How To Achieve It

By Samantha Ann Francis on 10 Feb 2023

Senior Editor

It would’ve been near impossible for me to catch up with the ever-changing K-beauty trends if I hadn’t been so used to scrolling through TikTok on my long train rides home.

From seeing hanh-bahng or traditional Korean medicinal ingredients incorporated into beauty products to marveling at TikTok-ers who use the slimy phytomucin from seaweed and okra for moisturising benefits, the world of K-beauty is a wild but exciting one.

Photo from Unsplash

If you’re hoping for a post-pandemic glow-up now that gatherings and events are back in town, make a beeline for the “jello skin” trend. A cult-favourite among followers of the K-beauty skincare regime, the trend is an upgrade from the “glass skin” trend, which prizes flawless and poreless skin by focusing on hydrating and glow-inducing products. Inspired by the Jell-O or gelatine dessert, this skin trend has garnered more than 14.5 million views on the short-form video hosting platform so far.

@glowwithava baby cheeks for jello skin baby ? #jelloskin #kbeautyroutine ♬ original sound - AVA

Like the namesake dessert with its glossy sheen and bouncy texture, “jello skin” similarly prioritises skin elasticity and plumpness. Unlike the near-unattainable, blemish-free “glass skin”, “jello skin” appears to be more achievable as it simply focuses on external and internal nourishment, such as the products you apply and your diet choices.

Photo from TikTok (@glowwithava)

According to beauty influencer @glowwithava, such results require paying attention to one’s lifestyle choices on a daily basis. She says: “Every time you move it, it should bounce back.” She coined the term after visiting celebrity facialist Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine, who counts Kate Moss as a client. He mentioned in a clip that the influencer’s skin was so full of collagen, it bounces back like jello upon pinching.

Hoping to attain juicy and plump skin? Here’s what you should do.

Photo from Unsplash

Have a balanced diet

If you enjoy junk snacks on the regular, it’s time to moderate your consumption of these sodium-rich foods, which can leave your face looking puffy. Swap out processed foods for whole and nutrient-rich options like fruits and vegetables, while enjoying a balanced diet of protein from important food groups like carbohydrates and proteins. Overtime, these will help your skin look more supple and youthful.

@glowwithava #jelloskin is a lifestyle ✨? let’s get our bounces on! #탱탱 #젤리 #beautytipswithava ♬ original sound - AVA

Twerk your skin

Funny as it may sound, “twerking your skin” simply means adding facial movements to boost skin elasticity. An easy way to do it is to book yourself a facial massage, which can improve blood circulation and sculpt the jawline. Alternatively, check out face yoga that involves exercises to stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic system.

Photo from TikTok (@glowwithava)

Exfoliate your skin

Getting rid of the gunk in your pores and those dead skin cells that build up over time is key to improving your skin texture. Facial extractions are an option but be sure to find yourself a skilled facialist who can do it without scarring your face. Alternatively, gentle peels that contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can help remove the outermost layer of skin to treat conditions like sun damage and blemishes.

Use sun protection

Finally, ensure good skin by using sunscreen on a daily basis to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing. For an extra glow, invest in a Vitamin C serum that works to increase collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out your skin tone.