Navigating the complexities of skin care can be daunting, especially when trying to combat the natural aging process. Before I tied the knot at 24, my focus was elsewhere—primarily on school—leaving my skin care routine neglected. Back then, I was blissfully unaware of the importance of anti-aging practices. However, thanks to my sister-in-law, I was introduced to the transformative world of Korean skin care, and I’ve since developed a passion for maintaining youthful, firm skin, particularly as I approach my fifties.
The inspiration for my skin care regimen comes from my mother, Soojin Lee, a 53-year-old ophthalmologist in Korea. Despite the demands of her career and raising three children, she has mastered the art of Korean skin care. Here’s an overview of her effective anti-aging routine and the wisdom she imparts for achieving a more youthful appearance.
Cleansing
My mother swears by a triple cleansing method using a single, all-natural soap devoid of harmful chemicals. Recently, she discovered the anti-aging benefits of noni fruit and uses it to cleanse her face three times in a row with lukewarm water. This method efficiently removes all makeup while preserving skin moisture. A single box of Venezia soaps from a family trip to Boracay has become a treasured find.
Toning
Immediately after cleansing, she skips the towel and applies toner directly to her skin. This practice helps to lock in moisture right after cleansing, ensuring her skin remains hydrated. She prefers a spray toner to avoid touching her face with potentially contaminated hands. Soojin favors toners in dark bottles to protect the formula from sunlight, yet she is diligent about checking expiration dates and discarding old products. Recently, she’s been enjoying the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, a suggestion from one of her daughters.
Serum or Essence
Soojin applies a generous amount of serum, sometimes layering it twice. In the mornings, she opts for a Vitamin C serum, specifically the Professional-C Serum by Obagi—recommended by her husband, a plastic surgeon. For nighttime, she uses Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. She appreciates serums with pumps or droppers for hygienic application. Two of her preferred choices include Iope Live Lift Serum and Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum.
Moisturizing
Given her dry and thin skin, Soojin prioritizes moisturizing to prevent sagging and deepening wrinkles. Rather than misting throughout the day, she layers on light moisturizers multiple times daily, often using whatever her daughters leave behind. Her criteria for moisturizer include a pump dispenser for cleanliness, a lightweight texture that won’t clog pores, and a hydrating feel. In the morning, she uses a gentle moisturizer like Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream or Skinfood Royal Honey Essential Queen’s Cream. At night, she applies a thicker cream, often blending in pure pearl powder to boost skin brightness and firmness.
Oils
For the last 25 years, Soojin has incorporated plant-based oils into her routine, particularly those infused with ceramides like Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Capsules. She applies oil twice daily, sometimes more if her skin feels parched, ensuring her moisturizer is fully absorbed first. On her body, she uses coconut oil post-shower, while avocado oil finds its way into her hair care regimen.
SPF
Soojin firmly believes that the sun is the primary adversary of youthful skin. She diligently applies sunscreen daily, even on makeup-free weekends, and never leaves the house without a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses. Initially, she used Clinique’s Super City Block before transitioning to Obagi Professional-C Suncare, which combines antioxidants and Vitamin C for added protection.
Exfoliation and Masks
Once every three days, she exfoliates with a gentle peeling gel that hydrates while removing dead skin. For an added boost, she indulges in sheet masks weekly, favoring those rich in hyaluronic acid or pomegranate extracts.
General Tips
One of her fundamental rules is to minimize touching her face throughout the day. She consistently maintains cleanliness by washing her sheets and pillowcases regularly, ensuring her skin remains untainted. Soojin emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself—prioritizing light makeup, a healthy diet, and self-care practices like yoga and meditation.
By focusing on enhancing the skin rather than masking imperfections, Soojin has paved the way for a skin care philosophy that prioritizes health and well-being.
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Summary
This article discusses a Korean mother’s comprehensive anti-aging skin care routine, highlighting techniques like triple cleansing, toning, serum application, and the significance of sun protection. It emphasizes holistic self-care practices and the importance of maintaining clean skin.