When Young-ja Joe appeared in TikTok with her grand daughter Ava Lee, many couldn’t believe it: at 85 years olds, her face looked like glass skin (Luminous, smooth, almost wrinkle-free). What’ the secret? According to Ava Lee, creator of the brand By AVA, the key is a minimalistic routine based on sunscreen, hydration and been constant. This vision fit what the experts in dermatology recommend too: Take care of the skin barrier, avoid irritating it and keeping simple daily habits that work in the long term.
There’s another cultural component too though: Joo grew up in South Korea, where Korean skincare values softness and patience. She also leaves in Manhattan, and there, the sun gets reflected between buildings, so protection is essential. Dr Derek V. Chan, highlights that using SPF 30 or more helps stopping accumulated sun damage and protects collagen, a protein that holds firmness. Studies from the University of Hawaii (solar references) go in the same direction: protecting from the sun everyday reduces spots an wrinkles.
Sun protection and being constant: shiny skin
One of the older habits from Young-ja Joo is avoiding direct sun and cover the skin the it’s out. Her grand daughter tells the softy this way: “Whenever she’s out in the sun, ever since she was a teenager, she’s always worn a hat, sunglasses, and something to protect her skin”. Also, Joo adopted very early the daily use of SPF 30 (or more). Why does the work? Because UV radiation accelerates de degradation of collagen, and with it placidity and fine lines. Une layer of sunscreen every morning—and reapplication if you are outdoors—make a huge (and visible) difference over time.
Another gesture that surprises many people is that Joo doesn’t washes her face in the morning if she has already cleaned it correctly at night. She said: “If I cleanse very well at night, why would it be dirty when I wake up?” The objective of this technique is to avoid “over-washing” the face, which can actually dry and make the skin loose its balance. She instead spray rose water some morning o put some cream or serum directly.
Simple nutrition, gentle routine: less is more
What we eat also matters. Ava Lee tells that her grandmother always repeat to her that the ideal plate is a balanced combination: “She always emphasizes to me that you always have to have a balance of greens, carbs, and protein.” In that mix, fish appears 4 or 5 times a week; because it provides omega-3, a healthy fat that helps maintain the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, which then you can notice on a more relaxed and flexible skin. Furthermore, protein benefits the production of collagen, which is key to a firm skin.
Joo’s minimalist routine follows three steps:
- Cleaning softly every night
- Constant hydration
- Sunscreen in the day
She likes to try different moisturizers but always choosing simple formulas. And here, dermatology agrees: too many actives and layers at the same time can sensitize, especially on mature skin.
Dr. Derek V. Chan, recommends to use Moisturizer with SPF 30 in the morning (all-in-one), and at night a gentle cleaner followed by a rich cream that “seals” moisture.
Habits that anyone can and should adopt
Young-jaa Joo shows that a healthy skin doesn’t need endless routines, and even less, expensive products. The secret relays on simplicity and being constant. A similar routine was shared by Salma Hayek, who doesn’t need to wash her face in the morning either, just like Joo.
The best suggestion is to listen to what your skin has to say and adjust to it. Some days two steps might be enough, but other days, adding a serum too could feel even more soothing to your skin.