Hi beautiful,

When I was little, I thought my grandma was immortal.

Like she had some kind of secret potion or magical tea that made her skin glow and her bones never break. 🍵 

Last week, I visited her—she’s now 97—and guess what?

She’s still glowing. ✨ 

But this time, I didn’t just admire her. I listened. I learned.

This visit changed me…

Here’s what we’re diving into:

💆🏻‍♀️ The Asian skincare rituals I wish I started 10 years ago
🥢 The wellness habits that kept my grandma sharp at 97—without the gym
💭 What aging taught me about slowing down and showing up for your life

More on that below…👇

Secrets I didn’t appreciate…until now

If you grew up in an Asian household, you probably heard things like:

“Don’t sleep with wet hair.”
“Steam your face.”
“Always pat, never rub.”

At the time? I rolled my eyes. 🙄 

Now? I’m collecting those tips like rare pearls 💎

These are the skincare rituals that have actually stood the test of time and passed down. So take notes:

1. Collagen is sacred 🍲
   My grandma boiled it in soups, my mom snuck it into bone broth, and now I add this to my coffee every morning. I follow with this pro-collagen marine cream for that bouncy-skin feel, and at night I use this Japanese hydrating energy cream (my mom hoards these!) to help keep my skin calm and firm.
   Tip: Add collagen to warm—not boiling—liquids to keep the benefits intact.
   

2. Exfoliate, then melt everything off 🧽
   Asian skincare is all about layers, but it all starts with a proper cleanse. I begin with the dreamiest balm that melts off SPF, makeup, dirt, then follow with this resurfacing facial wash that smooths everything out (I keep an emergency stash in my carry-on).
   Tip: Use this combo at night—your skin will absorb everything better.

3. Lift, glide, drain ✋🏼
   Massage wasn’t a trend in our house—it was necessary. I start with a water-based gel and use this micro-current device on my cheeks, then finish with this red light LED face mask right after to visibly tighten and reduce inflammation (this duo is part of my Netflix routine now).
   Tip: Always go upward—don’t let gravity win on your face.

4. SPF is not optional ☀️
   My grandma never stepped outside without sunscreen, even to get the mail. (Think gloves, visor and sunglasses…IYKYK 😅) I use this glowing tinted face SPF (I’m shade light medium), and this waterproof body SPF for everything else. I can’t get enough of this one…(I’ve stocked up both more times than I can count).
   Tip: Keep it in your bag so you never forget to reapply.

5. Ingrown hairs? Don’t let them win 🪒
   I used to think red bumps were normal (until my mom said no) so I started using this chafe cushion (so good my husband “borrows” it). I also use this right before I play tennis. Post shave, my go-to has been this flash repair jelly to prevent ingrown hairs & bumps. Both are must haves!
   Tip: Stick the chafe cushion in your gym bag so you never have to deal with chafe again!

Longevity looks like this…

My grandma never counted steps.

She didn’t do strength training or protein shakes.

But she moved with intention—and stayed sharper and more peaceful than anyone I know.

It made me realize I’ve been overcomplicating wellness.

Her habits were simple. They worked.

So now? I’m doing them too. 🌿✨

• Tai chi grounded her, every morning 🌱
  She flowed through slow movements like she was painting the air—and she had better balance than I do now. I follow this 8 minute video for beginners and it makes such a difference for my joints and mood!
  

• She walked after every meal, no excuses 🚶🏻‍♀️
  Rain or shine, even just 5 minutes. I do it now too, I bought this walking vibration pad (tbh best investment ever!) and use light ankle weights strapped on (they’re barely noticeable but make me feel strong).
  

• Her tea ritual was non-negotiable 🍵
  Loose leaf. No sugar. One quiet moment a day. I use this tea leaf strainer and have a cup of green tea once a day after lunch. It’s helped so much with clarity and digestion.
  

• Joyful movement kept her young 🏸
  She played badminton in house slippers. I play tennis in a knee wrap in my fav tennis skort. We both did it to feel alive, not to lose weight—and that’s what makes it sustainable.
  

• She strengthened her bones without thinking about it 🦴
  She ate tofu and bok choy without ever calling it “calcium-rich.” I now take a calcium capsule at lunch (the only time I actually remember). Bone health is quiet—until it isn’t—so I’m finally paying attention.

3 generations, one room…

I’ve been thinking a lot about borrowed time lately. 🕰️

Maybe it’s because my grandma is 97 now.
Still sharp. Still herself. Just a little less mobile.

Or maybe it’s the way my kids’ laughter echoes through the same home she helped raise us in—The home she immigrated to, so we could have a better life.

Time moves so fast.
And sometimes, it takes a quiet moment like this to make me slow down.

And funny enough… if she hadn’t applied to immigrate here, I probably wouldn’t even be here right now. 🤯 

No beauty career. No content. No me, like this.
It all started with her.

So bringing my kids to see her felt like time folding in on itself.
Three generations in one room—laughing, holding hands, passing snacks. 🥹

She looked at me like she always does—like nothing had changed.
And I could tell, in that moment, she still saw me as that little girl she once carried.
The same shy, giggly girl from 36 years ago. 👧🏻

She’s lived nearly a century.
Through war, immigration, sacrifice, and love.
She’s still here—guiding, remembering, and loving in her quiet way.

Not because life was easy.
But because she moved. She rested. She protected her peace. 🌿

I used to think aging meant fading.
But now I think it means becoming.

If you're learning to age with grace, not pressure—I'm right there with you.

Let’s grow old surrounded, not isolated.
Let’s live in a way that lingers—in our children, and in the people we love most. 🌸

Thank you always for being here.

See you next week. ♥️ 

xo Jen

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xo Jen

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