In the realm of skincare, aging is an inevitable process that affects us all, regardless of how blessed we may be with youthful skin. Reflecting on my own journey, I remember being 24 and preoccupied with school, neglecting my skincare regimen. At that age, anti-aging was the least of my concerns. However, my perspective shifted dramatically thanks to my sister-in-law, who introduced me to the transformative world of Korean skincare. This newfound passion for maintaining youthful skin was inspired by my mother, Han Ji-soo, a 53-year-old ophthalmologist in South Korea. Despite her demanding career and raising three children, she has mastered the art of skincare. Here’s a detailed look at her anti-aging routine that keeps her skin looking vibrant and youthful.
Cleansing Ritual
Rather than the conventional double cleanse, my mother opts for a triple cleanse using a single product: an all-natural soap devoid of harsh chemicals. Recently, she’s been enchanted by the benefits of noni, a fruit extract known for its anti-aging properties. She diligently washes her face three times in succession with lukewarm water, ensuring all makeup is removed without stripping her skin of essential moisture. After discovering these soaps from the Venezia brand during a family trip to Boracay, she regretted not purchasing an entire stock.
Toning Process
After cleansing, my mother skips the towel and immediately applies toner. This step is crucial for rehydrating the skin right after cleansing. Preferring spray toners, she avoids touching her face directly, minimizing the risk of introducing bacteria that can lead to breakouts. She favors toners in dark bottles to protect the formula from sunlight. Recently, she’s been enjoying the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin recommended by one of my sisters.
Essence and Serum Application
A generous application of serum is next on her list—sometimes twice in a single session. In the mornings, she uses the Vitamin C-rich Professional-C Serum by Obagi, a brand endorsed by my father, a plastic surgeon. For evenings, she opts for Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. She prefers serums with pump dispensers or droppers to avoid using her hands directly. Two favorites include the Iope Live Lift Serum and Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Serum.
Moisturizing Strategy
With thin and dry skin, proper moisturizing is non-negotiable for my mother. If neglected, her skin shows signs of sagging and accentuated wrinkles. Instead of frequent misting, she layers a light moisturizer two to three times daily. Often, she uses whatever her daughters leave behind. When selecting moisturizers, her criteria include: a pump dispenser to minimize contamination, a lightweight texture that won’t clog pores, and a hydrating feel.
Her morning moisturizer is typically a gentle cream like Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream or Skinfood Royal Honey Essential Queen’s Cream, while at night, she prefers a heavier option like Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cream, mixed with pure pearl powder for an added boost. Pearl powder is a natural brightener that also enhances skin softness and firmness. Mixing it with her night cream, she applies it with a sterile spatula, a practice she has maintained for 20 years. She sources her pearl powder during family vacations in Southeast Asia, ensuring quality.
Incorporating Oils
For 25 years, my mother has integrated oils into her skincare routine, particularly those infused with ceramides, such as Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Capsules or Neogen Dual Layer Ceramide Oil. She applies these oils twice a day and sometimes throughout the day when her skin feels parched. Waiting for her moisturizer to absorb before application, she applies a thin layer across her face, neck, and even her T-zone. For her body, she uses coconut oil post-shower and a few drops of avocado oil for her hair.
Sun Protection
The sun is the primary adversary in the battle against aging. My mother never skips sunscreen, even on makeup-free weekends. Whenever she steps outside, a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses protect her from UV damage. Starting her sunscreen journey at 24 with Clinique’s Super City Block, she later transitioned to Obagi’s Professional-C Suncare, which combines antioxidants with sun protection, ensuring her skin stays bright and youthful.
Exfoliation and Masks
Every three days, she gently exfoliates using a hydrating peeling gel, specifically the Orléans Noni Essence, which she has relied on for five years. Additionally, she indulges in a sheet mask once a week, favoring those with hyaluronic acid or pomegranate extracts. She ensures the masks are only on for 20 minutes to maximize benefits.
Avoiding Touching the Face
My mother’s cardinal rule for maintaining youthful skin is to minimize face touching. Aside from her twice-daily cleansing and moisturizing routine, she rarely touches her face, especially the delicate eye area. Regularly washing her sheets and placing a clean towel on her pillow nightly is crucial.
Holistic Approach to Well-being
Rather than relying on elaborate techniques to mask skin issues, my mother focuses on enhancing her skin and embracing healthy habits. She opts for light makeup to prevent breakouts, avoids smoking and drinking, and incorporates yogurt into her daily diet to maintain gut health, which in turn reflects on her skin. Emphasizing a diet rich in vegetables and superfoods, she also favors green tea over coffee. Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation contribute to her overall well-being.
In summary, my mother’s anti-aging skincare routine encapsulates a blend of quality products, consistent habits, and a holistic approach to health. For those interested in exploring more about fertility and home insemination techniques, check out this excellent resource or learn more about home insemination kits that can aid in your pregnancy journey. For further insights on skincare routines, visit Modern Family Blog.