Actor Kim Ga-yeon, 54, uses a parasol even in winter — two lifestyle habits that slow skin aging

Actor Kim Ga-yeon, 54, said she uses a parasol even in winter to slow skin aging and makes a habit of releasing tension in her facial muscles. Research suggests that UV protection and managing repetitive facial expressions both influence wrinkle formation.

Kim recently appeared on her YouTube channel alongside her 79-year-old mother and 30-year-old daughter, sharing the three generations' skin care routines.

"All three of us really dislike sunlight," she said. "We carry a parasol even in winter."

She also described a habit of keeping her face relaxed. "It's a method a dermatologist friend taught me — opening your mouth helps," Kim said. "When you let your mouth hang open like you're spacing out, the muscle tension releases and wrinkles don't form."

Skin aging is a natural process, but lifestyle factors such as UV exposure, repetitive facial expressions and skin dryness also shape it. Habits that limit UV exposure, maintain skin moisture and reduce excessive facial muscle tension can help manage wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Why use a parasol in winter? UV rays erode skin elasticity

UV radiation is one of the leading external drivers of skin aging.

UV rays are classified by wavelength into UVA and UVB, among others. UVA penetrates to the dermis, where it affects collagen and elastin — the tissues responsible for keeping skin firm and supple.

Collagen is a structural protein that supports the skin, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape. Prolonged UV exposure damages the structure and function of both proteins, causing the skin to lose elasticity and develop wrinkles.

UVB acts primarily on the skin's outer layer and is the main cause of sunburn — redness and blistering from sun exposure. Long-term exposure can damage the DNA of skin cells and raise the risk of skin cancer.

Skin aging caused by UV radiation is known as photoaging. Its hallmarks include deep wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation such as age spots and blemishes.

A parasol physically blocks sunlight, reducing the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin.

A 2013 study published in JAMA Dermatology measured the UV-blocking effectiveness of 23 products, including standard umbrellas and parasols, by researchers at Emory University in the United States.

The team used a UV meter outdoors on clear days to compare UV intensity before and after holding up each umbrella.

The products blocked between 77 and 99 percent of UV rays depending on the item. The most effective was a silver parasol designed specifically for UV protection, while all black umbrellas blocked more than 90 percent of UV rays.

The researchers concluded that blocking effectiveness varies by color and material, and that parasols can serve as a practical everyday tool for UV protection.

Black umbrellas in particular blocked more than 95 percent of UV rays in most cases, making them among the most effective options in the standard umbrella category.

When choosing a parasol, it is worth checking for a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating and the fabric's light-blocking performance.

UV management remains important even in winter. While UVB intensity varies significantly by season, UVA reaches the earth's surface year-round and can pass partially through clouds and glass windows.

In areas with snow on the ground, UV exposure can be compounded by rays reflected off the surface.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen to all exposed skin regardless of season, and using hats, parasols and shade to reduce UV exposure.

Repeated facial muscle contractions — how expression lines deepen

The other technique Kim shared is making a conscious effort to keep the face relaxed throughout the day.

The face contains a variety of muscles that move the eyes, mouth, forehead and other features. When these muscles contract, the overlying skin moves with them, forming creases that follow each expression.

Common examples include the furrow between the brows when squinting, horizontal lines across the forehead when raising the eyebrows, and crow's feet at the corners of the eyes when smiling.

At first, the skin folds only when an expression is made and returns to its original state once the muscles relax. These are known as dynamic wrinkles.

Over time, however, if the same area of skin is repeatedly folded and collagen and elastic fibers diminish, wrinkles can persist even when the face is at rest. These are classified as static wrinkles.

The link between repetitive expressions and wrinkles has also been confirmed in long-term studies.

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2010 tracked changes in facial wrinkles in 122 women between the ages of 10 and 72 over eight years.

Researchers photographed participants' faces while smiling and while expressionless at the start of the study, then repeated the same process eight years later.

The location and shape of wrinkles that formed during smiling at the outset matched the pattern of persistent wrinkles observed at rest eight years later.

The researchers concluded that repeated skin folding from facial expressions can develop into lasting wrinkles over time.

Skin dryness, age and menopausal status were also associated with the rate at which wrinkles deepened.

It is also worth examining unconscious habits that tense the facial muscles during daily life.

Furrowing the brow or narrowing the eyes while looking at a computer or smartphone screen are common examples. Some people also clench their jaw or grind their teeth while concentrating.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research warns that clenching the teeth can place excessive strain on the jaw muscles, and recommends staying aware of jaw tension and consciously relaxing it.

A useful way to check for unnecessary facial tension is to periodically pay attention to the area between the brows, the forehead and the jaw.

Rather than opening the mouth wide or forcefully pulling the jaw downward, maintaining a relaxed position in which the upper and lower teeth rest slightly apart reduces tension in the jaw muscles.

The mouth-opening technique Kim described can be understood in the same terms — as a form of muscle relaxation. When it comes to managing wrinkles, reducing unconscious frowning and muscle tension throughout the day matters more than repeating any specific movement.

Moisturizing and sunscreen also matter — how to strengthen anti-aging results

Slowing skin aging requires not only UV protection but also keeping the skin adequately hydrated.

As the skin ages, its ability to retain moisture decreases and the skin barrier changes. When the skin becomes dry, the surface grows rough and fine lines become more visible.

Moisturizers reduce water loss from the skin's surface and maintain hydration in the stratum corneum.

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are humectant ingredients that draw moisture to the skin. Ceramides are key lipid components of the skin barrier, playing a role in retaining moisture and protecting against external irritants.

For dry skin, applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing is recommended. Using harsh cleansers or scrubbing the skin too vigorously during washing can worsen dryness.

Consistently using a moisturizer suited to one's skin type can help improve skin texture and ease the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.

Sunscreen is the most fundamental tool for preventing photoaging.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens — those that block both UVA and UVB — with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

SPF primarily reflects protection against UVB. An SPF 30 product, when applied in an adequate amount, can block approximately 97 percent of UVB rays.

When applying sunscreen, it is important to spread a sufficient amount evenly over all exposed areas, including the face and neck.

During prolonged outdoor activity, sunscreen should be reapplied roughly every two hours, and again after heavy sweating or water exposure.

Using a parasol and hat together can further reduce direct sun contact with the skin. Staying in the shade is particularly helpful during peak UV hours.

Lifestyle habits also affect how skin ages.

Smoking is known to damage collagen and elastic fibers in the skin and impair circulation, accelerating wrinkle formation.

A balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep all contribute to maintaining overall skin health.

Vitamin C in particular is a nutrient essential for collagen synthesis. Getting enough through a varied diet of fruits and vegetables is advisable.

Skin aging is a complex process shaped by UV exposure, genetic factors, hormonal changes and lifestyle habits working in combination.

Maintaining habits that limit sun exposure, keep the skin well moisturized and reduce excessive facial muscle tension can help manage wrinkles and declining elasticity over time.