Actress Lee Young-ae has once again captured the public's imagination, turning heads with a youthful appearance that seemingly defies her 55 years.
As a representative of South Korean cinema, Lee Young-ae attended the star-studded Gucci Cruise 2027 Fashion Show held in New York's Times Square. Seated directly beside her was 28-year-old Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, celebrated for his role in the hit drama Pursuit of Jade (Zhu Yu). The rare side-by-side pairing of leading stars from South Korea and China instantly commanded the global spotlight.
Lee Young-ae’s striking appearance stood out at the photo wall, where she donned a chic all-black ensemble complemented by an elegant updo that fully framed her face. Standing next to a colleague 27 years her junior, her firm complexion and razor-sharp jawline made the vast age gap difficult to believe. The stunning two-shot rapidly went viral across Chinese-language media and global social media platforms.
For many middle-aged women, a loss of jawline definition due to sagging skin is a common aesthetic concern. Lee Young-ae, long affectionately dubbed the "oxygen-like woman" by the public, has previously shared several of her personal skincare philosophies and daily routines. In interviews and social media posts, she has revealed that she cleanses with lukewarm water before finishing with a cold splash, applies skincare products using deliberate upward motions, and utilizes light radiofrequency lifting treatments to support skin elasticity and structural density.
Alternating Lukewarm and Cold Water to De-Puff and Define Contours
In a video shared with her followers, Lee Young-ae demonstrated her cleansing routine, explaining, "After washing with lukewarm water, I always finish with cold water at the very end."
Starting with lukewarm water effectively removes oil, makeup residues, and daily impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture or causing surface irritation. By preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier, this initial step helps prevent post-wash dryness, which can otherwise accelerate a loss of structural firmness over time.
Finishing the routine with a cold rinse helps temporarily constrict local blood vessels. This cooling effect actively reduces facial puffiness and delivers an immediate tightening, or lifting, sensation. Reducing fluid retention along the lower face and jawline allows natural facial contours to appear significantly more sculpted. However, dermatologists note that extreme temperature shifts can cause capillary irritation; therefore, utilizing water that feels comfortably cool rather than freezing is recommended.
Sweeping Upward Against Gravity to Counteract Sagging
When cleansing the face or applying topical skincare products, massaging the skin in an upward motion from the bottom of the face can counteract natural sagging. Harsh friction or repeatedly pulling the skin downward during a daily routine can fatigue the structural proteins of the dermis, progressively reducing overall elasticity. For this reason, skincare professionals advocate for a gentle, upward sweeping motion—actively working against gravity.
The cheeks and lower jawline are typically the first areas to display visible volume loss and sagging as the body ages. Treating these zones gently with an upward technique minimizes mechanical irritation while simultaneously stimulating local lymphatic drainage. This increased circulation helps flush away metabolic wastes and fluid retention, keeping the jawline streamlined.
Deep Tissue Activation: How Radiofrequency Lifting Restores Skin Density
Lee Young-ae previously opened up about her professional dermatological routine on YouTube, sharing, "I receive radiofrequency lifting treatments. I don't get strong treatments—just light ones, up to about three times a year. My skin gradually improves without any irritation."
Radiofrequency (RF) lifting is a highly popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure that delivers controlled thermal energy deep into the dermal layer to stimulate collagen synthesis. When existing collagen fibers within the skin are subjected to this targeted heat, they immediately contract, which triggers a long-term healing cascade that regenerates skin density and matrix elasticity.
In clinical dermatology, radiofrequency lifting is widely used to tighten loose skin, redefine a softening jawline, and minimize fine lines. After entering one's 50s, the natural production of structural collagen and elastin drops significantly, often causing the lower half of the face to lose its sharp definition. Non-invasive procedures like RF lifting can naturally restore structural integrity to sagging cheeks and jawline contours without the downtime of surgery.
Dermatological experts emphasize that maintaining long-term skin elasticity relies heavily on protecting the skin barrier and maintaining consistent daily care. The fundamental steps include avoiding overly aggressive cleansing habits, ensuring optimal cellular hydration, prioritizing restful sleep, and applying broad-spectrum sun protection daily. Combining these fundamental habits with consistent, firmness-focused targeted care can help preserve a sculpted jawline and a vibrant, youthful impression like Lee Young-ae's.
