From Mother to Me: How Asian Skincare Traditions Shaped My Routine

Growing Up in a Blend of Cultures

Born to Chinese immigrant parents in the UK, my childhood was a fusion of cultures. My parents, deeply rooted in their heritage, brought with them traditions, values, and rituals that felt so different from those around me. Among them were my mother’s skincare practices—simple yet deeply intentional routines passed down through generations. At the time, I didn’t fully understand their significance, but looking back, I realise how much they’ve shaped not only my skincare routine but my outlook on self-care.

Beautiful inside and out

The Difference in Practices

My mother was teaching me the power of natural remedies and preventative care. She believed in nourishing the skin with what nature provides. I remember the smell of tonics she used to have cooking on the stove, each one had a healing property of some sort and we had no choice but to drink it! I'd been eating dishes and drinking tonic's with goji berries in much before my friends had even heard of it. My mother had always insisted on the importance of drinking warm water for hydration and we had a mug of jasmine or green tea in the evening after dinner.

There was a philosophy behind her rituals—skincare wasn’t just about looking good; it was about balance, health, and respecting your body. She taught me to treat my skin gently, to massage my face to improve circulation, and to avoid overloading it with harsh products. “Beauty,” she often said, “starts with what you put inside your body and how you care for it daily.”

Lessons I’ve Carried Forward

Here are a few practices I’ve carried with me—and adapted—over the years:

• Sun Protection: My mother was vigilant about protecting her skin from the sun long before SPF became mainstream. I was a sunseeker in my former years but now I'm older. I’ve inherited her devotion to this essential step and now passing this essential step onto my daughters.

• Daily Hydration: Warm water and herbal teas remain a staple in my life. It’s a simple habit with profound effects on the skin.

  
  

• Facial Massage: What my mother called “waking up the skin,” I now incorporate into my routine alternating between using a gua sha tool and using a NuFace toning device that uses microcurrents to help produce collagen.

  
  

• Natural Ingredients: While modern skincare offers incredible advancements and sometimes there is a need, I still love seeking out products that use proven ingredients in my skincare regime.

A Note of Gratitude

To my mother, and to the many women before her who passed down these rituals. Skincare, for me, isn’t just a routine—it’s a connection to my roots, a daily practice of gratitude, and a way to celebrate the wisdom of past generations.

If your culture has shaped your approach to beauty, I’d love to hear your story. What practices have been passed down to you, and how have they influenced your routine? Let’s share and celebrate the traditions that make us who we are.