Even if you’re blessed with naturally radiant skin, aging is inevitable. Before I tied the knot at just 24, my focus was on school rather than skincare. At that time, my skin was youthful, and anti-aging wasn’t on my radar. However, my sister-in-law introduced me to the wonders of Korean skincare, igniting my passion for maintaining youthful and firm skin—particularly as a woman in her fifties.
My skincare journey has been greatly influenced by my 53-year-old mother, Yuna Park. Despite being a dedicated ophthalmologist in Korea and raising three children, she found the time to master the art of Korean skincare. Here’s her comprehensive anti-aging routine, packed with tips for achieving youthful-looking skin.
Cleanse
Rather than the traditional double cleansing method, I prefer a triple cleanse using a single product: a natural soap devoid of harmful chemicals. Recently, I discovered the remarkable benefits of noni, a fruit-based ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. I cleanse my face three consecutive times with lukewarm water, effectively removing makeup without drying out my skin. During a family trip to Boracay, I stumbled upon Venezia soaps and regret not purchasing a lifetime’s worth.
Tone
After cleansing, I skip the towel and immediately apply toner. It’s crucial to infuse moisture into the skin right after cleansing, so I remain focused during my skincare routine. I opt for a spray toner to avoid touching my face with potentially bacteria-laden hands. I also prefer toners in dark bottles to protect the formula from sun exposure. Recently, I’ve been enjoying the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, thanks to a recommendation from one of my daughters.
Serum or Essence
I generously apply serum—sometimes even twice in one session. In the mornings, I rely on a Vitamin C serum like Obagi’s Professional-C Serum, suggested by my husband, a plastic surgeon. For evenings, I use Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. I favor serums with a pump or dropper for hygienic application. My top picks include the Iope Live Lift Serum and Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum.
Moisturizer
With my skin being thin and dry, proper moisturizing is essential to prevent sagging and deepening wrinkles. I layer on a lightweight moisturizer two to three times daily. With two daughters, I often end up using the leftovers from their products, but I prioritize moisturizers that come with a pump, have a light texture, and provide hydration.
In the morning, I use gentle moisturizers like Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream or Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream EX. At night, I switch to a thicker formula, such as Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Cream, mixed with pure pearl powder. Pearl brightens skin and diminishes pigmentation, giving me soft, firm skin. I blend pearl powder into my night cream, ensuring it comprises 15-20% of the mixture. This has been my secret to achieving smooth, even-toned skin for the past two decades. I source pearl powder during family vacations in Southeast Asia, ensuring top-notch quality.
Plant-Based Oil
For the past 25 years, I’ve incorporated oils into my routine, especially those enriched with ceramides. I love the Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules and Neogen Dual Layer Ceramide Oil. I apply these oils twice daily on my face, neck, and hands, and sometimes during the day when my skin feels dry. Following moisturizer absorption, I apply a thin layer of oil even on my T-zone.
After showering, I apply coconut oil to my body while my skin is still damp and add a few drops of avocado oil to my hair.
SPF
The sun is a major adversary in the fight against aging. I wear sunscreen daily, even on makeup-free weekends. Whenever I step outside, even for a moment, I don a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses to shield my forehead and eyes from sun-induced wrinkles. I began using sunscreen at 24 with Clinique’s Super City Block, then transitioned to Obagi and recently upgraded to Obagi Professional-C Suncare, which contains antioxidants and Vitamin C for added protection.
Occasional Exfoliation
Every three days, I exfoliate using a gentle peeling gel that hydrates while removing dead skin cells. I’ve trusted the Orléans Noni Essence for the past five years.
Weekly Sheet Mask
Once a week, I indulge in a sheet mask, particularly those with hyaluronic acid or pomegranate extracts. I love the Missha Speedy Solution Brightening Eye Patch or Skinfood’s Black Pomegranate Gel Mask, ensuring I keep them on for no longer than 20 minutes.
Avoid Touching Your Face
My top rule for effective anti-aging skincare is to minimize touching my face. Besides thorough cleansing and moisturizing twice daily, I avoid face contact, particularly around the eyes. Regularly washing my sheets and pillowcases, along with placing a fresh towel on my pillow each night, is essential since they touch my face throughout the night.
Self-Care
Instead of seeking out new techniques to mask poor skin, I focus on enhancing my skin’s health. I prefer light makeup to avoid breakouts. I abstain from alcohol and smoking, eat yogurt daily to support digestion, and maintain a diet rich in vegetables and superfoods, opting for green tea over coffee. I also prioritize mental well-being through yoga and meditation.
In summary, my mother’s skincare routine is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to maintain youthful skin. From natural cleansing to the importance of SPF, her holistic approach emphasizes the synergy between skincare and overall well-being. For more tips on fertility and maintaining good health, consider checking out our article on boosting fertility supplements at Make a Mom. Also, if you’re looking for a convenient solution, check out the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit. For more comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, you can refer to this excellent resource: Healthline.
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