Have you ever wondered how some people around you look 10 years younger? You might ask yourself, “What’s their secret to preventing skin aging?”

At S.elkha, we take inspiration from Korean beauty rituals, which are known for achieving smooth and youthful skin. After studying their beauty secrets, we’re excited to share some with you.

While it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin, the key is taking care of it in the best way possible. Wrinkles are a sign of your life’s journey and wisdom—be proud of them!

What is Skin?

Without diving too deep into scientific terms, skin is the outer covering of our body. It consists of three layers:

• The epidermis (outer layer),
• The dermis (middle layer),
• The hypodermis (inner layer).

The primary role of the skin is to protect us from external elements. According to Denise Filippi in the Dictionnaire de la Cosmétique, skin has several functions:

• Physical, chemical, and antibacterial protection
• Sensitivity
• Thermoregulation (regulating temperature, protecting against heat and cold)
• Secretion, absorption, respiration, storage, and production of vitamin D
• Electric functions, healing, and perspiration
• Immunity

These functions show just how vital skin is in our daily lives, making it essential to care for it properly.

What Causes Premature Aging?

Apart from natural aging, there are other factors responsible for premature skin aging. These include:

• Pollution, smoking, excess alcohol
• Unbalanced diet
• Illnesses
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sun exposure
• Stress, and more

Luckily, many of these factors are within our control. For example, we can improve eating habits, protect our skin from the sun, and manage stress.

The Aging Mechanism

To understand why skin ages, we need to look at its structure, particularly the epidermis and dermis.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, the one visible to everyone. It contains the stratum corneum (corneal layer), which is composed of dead skin cells. These cells are naturally shed and replaced by fresh cells from below.

The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and supports it. It provides the skin with its elasticity by retaining moisture and nutrients. It is rich in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—ingredients commonly found in anti-aging skincare products.

As time passes and various factors take a toll, skin loses its elasticity. The dermis loses its ability to retain water, becomes thinner, and absorbs fewer nutrients. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.

Beauty Secrets to Look 10 Years Younger

Secret #1: Keep the Epidermis Smooth and Firm

• Exfoliate your face to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer.
• Protect your skin with UV protection to prevent further damage from the sun’s rays.

Secret #2: Keep the Dermis Hydrated and Supple

• Use serums that penetrate deeply into the skin to nourish and firm the dermis, which is responsible for sagging skin.
• Massage and lymphatic drainage are highly recommended to give your skin a natural glow. After cleaning your skin, massage to drain waste from lymphatic vessels, helping to rejuvenate and refresh your skin.
• Adopting a Korean-style skincare routine, such as the layering method, has been shown to keep skin looking 10 to 20 years younger. Each step in this routine is designed to nourish, protect, and maintain beautiful, youthful skin for as long as possible.

Secret #3: Use High-Quality Skincare Products

Choosing the right products can make all the difference in achieving glowing, youthful skin. Opt for products rich in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to replenish what the skin naturally loses with age.