Behind every public figure's enduring looks lies a personal wellness routine. This series examines the diets, workouts, treatments, and beauty and fashion habits of notable figures as practical lifestyle insights.

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Actor Ha Ji-won, 48, said she checks her skin every morning before deciding whether to apply a cold compress, use a gua sha tool, or give herself a light facial massage. Rather than mechanically repeating the same routine each day, she first assesses her skin's texture, moisture level, and any puffiness — then adjusts accordingly. Her approach treats skin care less as a fixed regimen and more as a matter of reading what her skin needs and calibrating stimulation to match.

Appearing recently on the tvN program "You Quiz on the Block," Ha said, "Whether it's my skin or my body, I think what matters is being aware of my own condition." She checks her skin's texture and hydration each morning and, when needed, applies a cold compress or does a simple gua sha massage.

"I think lifting the facial muscles upward and gently massaging them to help them relax has been good for elasticity," Ha said. Choosing the right care for each day and sticking with it consistently is the core of her approach to skin care.

Does pulling the face upward build elasticity? Relaxation matters more than lifting

The face contains multiple muscle groups — those that form expressions and the jaw muscles used for chewing, among others. Habitual teeth-clenching, tension, and stress can leave the muscles around the jaw and temples feeling stiff and sore. A light massage can help ease that tension and temporarily make the face feel more relaxed.

However, repeatedly pushing the skin upward with your hands does not actually lift sagging skin. Skin aging and sagging result from a combination of factors: declining collagen and elastin, UV exposure, and changes in subcutaneous fat and bone structure.

The realistic goal of a facial massage, then, is not to forcibly push skin upward but to gently release tension in tight areas and reduce temporary puffiness.

The same applies to gua sha, which Ha said she uses. The Cleveland Clinic describes facial gua sha as a massage technique performed with very light pressure, noting it may help reduce facial puffiness and promote a sense of relaxation.

On the face in particular, the firm pressure used when performing gua sha on the body should never be applied. Pushing too hard or scraping repeatedly can cause pain, bruising, or skin discoloration. Gua sha should be avoided when the skin is already irritated — such as with eczema, psoriasis, open wounds, or sunburn.

When massaging, applying a cream or oil to the face first reduces friction, and the tool should be used lightly enough that the skin itself does not drag or shift. Increasing pressure on the assumption that more pain means better results can backfire.

Cold compress on puffy days, moisturizer on dry ones — the same routine isn't needed every day

One notable aspect of Ha's routine is that she does not repeat the same steps every morning. On days when her face is puffy, she uses a cold compress; on days when her skin feels dry or dull, she focuses on moisturizing.

Right after waking, the face can appear temporarily swollen depending on shifts in fluid distribution, salt intake the previous day, or sleeping position. Briefly pressing a chilled towel or a cloth-wrapped cold pack against the face can help reduce heat and puffiness.

Applying ice directly to the skin for an extended period should be avoided, however, as prolonged exposure to very low temperatures can irritate and damage the skin. A cold compress should always be used with a cloth barrier and kept to short applications.

On the other hand, if the skin feels tight and dry, moisturizing should come before cold compresses or massage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser on dry skin and applying a cream or ointment moisturizer while the skin is still damp to help lock in moisture.

As skin loses its ability to retain moisture with age, adjusting the formulation of a moisturizer to suit the skin's condition can make a difference. For severely dry skin, a richer cream with higher oil content may be more effective than a lightweight lotion.

Conversely, for oily or acne-prone skin, layering on heavy oils or creams indiscriminately is not the answer — products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores" are a better choice.

Sun protection and moisturizing are the foundation of firm skin

Facial massage, gua sha, and cold compresses can all be useful daily tools, but they cannot replace the core practices that slow skin aging.

The American Academy of Dermatology identifies daily sunscreen use as the single most fundamental step in slowing skin aging. UV rays damage collagen and skin structure, accelerating photoaging in the form of wrinkles and pigmentation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is recommended for going outdoors, with reapplication advised during extended time outside.

Moisturizing, too, does more than simply prevent the skin from feeling tight. Keeping the skin hydrated can make fine lines less noticeable and leave the skin's surface looking smoother and more radiant.

Piling on multiple functional products at once out of concern over wrinkles or sagging can actually irritate the skin. The AAD notes that using a variety of anti-aging products simultaneously over a short period can cause irritation that makes skin look older, not younger.

Lifestyle factors — sleep, diet, and smoking — also affect skin condition. If the skin is in particular looking dull, red, or itchy, the better first step is to reflect on recent lifestyle changes such as sleep deprivation, over-cleansing, or the introduction of new cosmetics, rather than intensifying massage.

The most telling aspect of Ha's approach may be captured in her own words: "Whether it's my skin or my body, I think what matters is being aware of my own condition." Cool the face when it's puffy, add moisture when it's dry, and ease off when it's been irritated. Rather than daily intensive massage or multiple treatments, the foundation is sun protection and moisturizing — with only the care the skin actually needs added on top, day by day. The habit of observation that Ha models may be the most sustainable skin care routine of all.


rainbow@heraldcorp.com