Hollywood’s Elite Trust This Facialist’s Holistic Approach to Ageless Skin
The secret to the radiant complexions of stars like Lady Gaga, Greta Lee, Olivia Wilde, and Anya Taylor-Joy isn’t just good genes—it’s Joomee Song. The sought-after aesthetician’s transformative approach to skincare blends ancient techniques with modern science, offering a holistic path to a youthful glow.
For those accustomed to the bright lights and clinical examination of a typical facial, a session with Song is a different experience altogether. Instead of immediately scrutinizing pores, Song begins with a digital inspection, gently massaging and assessing the face and neck. This initial assessment quickly revealed a surprising insight for one client: a misalignment and tightness in the upper body, directly impacting facial symmetry and contributing to slight drooping. “Is your right arm your dominant arm?” Song inquired, confirming a connection the client had never considered.
This meticulous attention to the body’s interconnectedness is at the heart of Song’s success. She developed KAIKA, a proprietary method that combines ancient Japanese sculpting massage with microcurrent technology to heal and rejuvenate the skin from within. “More so than any product or tool, the daily moving of stagnant energy and releasing of tension can unequivocally change everything about your skin for the better,” Song explained. “The best part is that there’s no downside to consistent facial massage and every person, at every age, can start seeing the benefits if they started today. All they need to do is be patient and consistent.”
(Image: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
(Image: Frazer Harrison/WireImage/Getty Images)
Approaching a milestone 40th birthday, one client sought Song’s advice on maintaining skin health as the years progress. Song emphasized that a positive mindset is paramount. “Your body and brain are in constant communication and much of what we deal with over the course of our lives shows up on our face,” she stated. “Take good care of yourself and speak to yourself kindly. Getting older is a gift and negative thoughts can quite literally rob you of your glow.”
Song’s philosophy, rooted in Eastern traditions, prioritizes balance and harmony. Having moved to the United States in her twenties, she observed a Western skincare focus heavily reliant on external procedures like high-tech devices and chemical peels. She noted that these aggressive techniques can often compromise the skin’s natural health and immunity, leading to long-term sensitivities.
Her hands-on technique focuses on “clearing” the flow in the face, gently releasing obstructions she identifies through touch. Song also stresses the importance of realistic expectations. “Even healthy, happy skin has texture,” she clarified. “It’s natural to have pores on our cheeks and lines around our eyes. We must pivot from punishing our skin for naturally aging to celebrating our skin’s resilience and strength.”
But what about achieving those coveted high cheekbones and a radiant complexion? Song’s technique involves rapid kneading to increase blood flow, promoting cell turnover and igniting radiance. Beyond the external facial muscles, she incorporates a vigorous buccal fat massage, working both the inside and outside of the cheeks to sculpt, contour, and de-puff. As we age, Song believes regular facial massage becomes increasingly crucial, stimulating fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing collagen and maintaining plump, hydrated skin.
While many might consider more aggressive treatments like lasers and peels as they age, Song advises caution. “With hormones in flux at this time of life, it’s imperative to preserve our skin’s natural oils,” she explained. “Skin turnover also slows down later in life so be less aggressive when it comes to physical and chemical exfoliation. When you do exfoliate, do so sparingly and don’t feel like you have to do everything (retinol, lasers, etc.) at the same time. As tempting as it is to go on offense, your skin barrier needs time to heal in between.”
Integrating gentle, hydrating, and renewing skincare is also key. Song is a partner with Shiseido, specifically recommending the Future Solution LX line for its comprehensive approach to mature skin concerns. Her nighttime routine emphasizes a thorough cleansing process. “Most people want to rush this step but it’s often the first real moment of connection between you and your skin after a long day,” she said. “Slow down and give yourself a mini facial, massaging your face and neck with a balm cleanser like La Prairie’s Supreme Balm Cleanser or Oak Essentials Cleansing Balm. Those two to three minutes of connection can ease tension from the day and have a profound effect on your skin’s texture, tone, and resilience.”
