Actor Ha Ji-won recently shared her personal skincare routine for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Appearing on the tvN talk show You Quiz on the Block, Ha emphasized the importance of staying attentive to her body's condition. She explained that she evaluates her skin texture and moisture levels every morning, adjusting her care with cold compresses or light gua sha massages based on what her skin requires that day. "I believe lifting facial muscles upward and lightly massaging them to release tension has helped preserve my skin's firmness," Ha noted, identifying daily condition checks and customized care as the core of her youthful appearance.
Releasing Facial Tension versus Permanent Lifting
The face contains numerous muscles responsible for expression and jaw movement. Prolonged smartphone use, teeth clenching, and chronic stress can cause muscle tension around the jaw and forehead, leading to a heavy or fatigued facial feeling. Light facial exercises and targeted massage can effectively release this tightness, leaving the face looking more refreshed.
However, dermatologists clarify that manually pulling facial skin upward does not permanently lift sagging tissue. Skin sagging stems from complex structural changes, including declining collagen levels, ultraviolet damage, and shifts in subcutaneous fat and bone density. Rather than aggressively pulling the skin, experts recommend gentle relaxation techniques. Using fingertips to sweep lightly upward from the jawline toward the earlobes and from the center of the cheeks toward the temples can ease stiffness, as can slowly lifting and releasing the corners of the mouth during morning or evening routines.
Customizing Daily Care with Cold Compresses and Gua Sha
Rather than adhering to a rigid daily regimen, Ha adapts her routine based on morning skin assessments. On mornings when her face appears swollen, she applies cold compresses; when needed, she incorporates light gua sha massage.
Briefly applying a chilled towel or a cloth-wrapped cold pack helps diminish morning puffiness and lower skin temperature. Conversely, on days when skin feels dry, experts advise prioritizing thorough hydration with layered moisturizers rather than cold therapy.
Avoiding Excessive Friction and Prioritizing Core Habits
Caution is necessary when using gua sha tools or manual massage. Excessive pressure or aggressive upward strokes can rupture facial capillaries, resulting in redness or bruising. Stretching or pulling the skin should be strictly avoided, particularly for individuals with severe acne, active dermatitis, or recent dermatological procedures, where massage can exacerbate inflammation.
To minimize friction during gua sha or hand massage, always apply a generous layer of cream or facial oil, maintaining light pressure and keeping session durations brief. Medical experts stress that while gentle massage can relieve tension, foundational habits—including daily sunscreen application, adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition—remain the true pillars of maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
