Want firmer skin after 50? Skip this common skincare ingredient, says Korean beauty icon

Oh Na-ra / Captured from SBS

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Actress Oh Na-ra, 52, has revealed the secret behind her age-defying looks.

Appearing on the SBS variety show “My Little Old Boy,” Oh shared side-by-side photos of herself now and two decades ago. Host Seo Jang-hoon, who is the same age as the actress, said, “We’re the same age, but you really look so young.”

Asked how she maintains her youthful appearance, Oh said that visiting a dermatologist is a given, but she also relies on a specific daily habit: avoiding surfactants. “When I cleanse my face at home, I never use products that contain surfactants,” she said. “I only use gentle cleansing lotion.” She added that she finishes by wiping her face with a towel soaked in warm water. “I’ve kept this routine for about two years. My skin no longer feels tight, and it has definitely improved,” she said.

Surfactants are effective but can be harsh

Oh’s method of avoiding surfactants could be helpful for those with sensitive skin. Common synthetic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate are inexpensive and widely used in cleansing products and shampoos for their powerful cleansing ability. These ingredients dissolve both oil and water, removing cosmetic residue, sebum and other impurities.

However, surfactants can also be toxic and may dry out or irritate the skin. People with atopic dermatitis, acne-prone skin or chronic dryness are especially advised to avoid them.

Cleansing lotions, like the kind Oh uses, can help protect sensitive skin by minimizing irritation. But because their cleansing power is weaker, leftover makeup residue may remain. If skin problems worsen after switching to cleansing lotion, more care is needed during face washing.

Be gentle when rinsing

If maintaining youthful skin is a priority, gentle cleansing is crucial — even when washing off facial foam. Scrubbing until the skin feels squeaky clean can cause excessive stimulation, weakening the skin barrier and causing moisture loss. This increases the risk of dryness and dermatitis.

It’s best to rinse with water close to skin temperature and finish with cool water to help temporarily tighten pores. While Oh prefers wiping with a damp towel, this can lead to friction and irritation. Instead, experts recommend rinsing with running water and lightly patting dry with a clean towel.

Lifestyle habits matter too

Even regular dermatology visits won’t help without good lifestyle habits. Hydration is key to skin health. Drinking water regularly — not just when thirsty — is important, and it’s better to form a habit of drinking water rather than relying on coffee or soft drinks.

Diets high in sugar, fat or refined carbohydrates can lead to inflammation and allergic reactions in the skin. Reducing intake of processed carbs and increasing consumption of vitamin C, antioxidant-rich green vegetables and fruits is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top healthcare and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.