Meet the 93-year-old South Korean doctor whose life choices are the real anti-ageing hack

We’ve tried the snail mucin, the expensive skincare devices, the 10-step skincare routines—and still, our pores (and fine lines) have the audacity to exist. But once in a while, someone comes along who makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about ageing.

Enter Dr Lee Gil-ya, a 93-year-old South Korean doctor who has the internet collectively gasping.

And no, not because she’s dropping some viral dance challenge (although she has done Psy’s Gangnam Style on stage before). It’s her shockingly youthful appearance that’s left everyone asking about her skincare routine.

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Dr Lee went viral after appearing in a Gachon University promotional video talking about artificial intelligence. But let’s be honest: most people were too distracted by how radiant and youthful she looked to notice the AI portion of the video. 

Netizens were quick to chime in with comments like, “She might be the youngest-looking 93-year-old person in the world.” And honestly? They’re not wrong.

Her secret? It’s not just about skincare

While Dr Lee does go for regular laser treatments and keeps a humidifier running in her room (note to self: plug that back in), her approach to ageing gracefully is surprisingly simple—and rooted in lifestyle.

First and foremost, she steers clear of alcohol and cigarettes, skips the coffee and opts for tea instead, and drinks about 1.5 litres of plain water a day. And yes it’s as simple as that. No gimmicks, no expensive skincare routine–just habits that are gentle on the body and mind.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting.

She’s never married. She has no kids. And she’s fine with that

Aside from her daily routine, Dr Lee Gil-ya once said in an interview with Herald Business, “My patients and students are my husband and children.” It’s a line that hits you—because it speaks volumes about how purpose can shape a life (and maybe your skin).

And if you think she’s lived a quiet life, think again. Dr Lee was one of South Korea’s first female doctors. After graduating from Seoul National University College of Medicine, she pursued further studies in the US and Japan. She opened a gynaecology clinic in 1958 with a no-deposit policy so that those who couldn’t afford treatment still received care.

A force to be reckoned with, Dr Lee Gil-ya also made her mark at the age of 65 when she founded Gachon Medical School and offered students free housing and tuition. 

Today, even at the age of 93, she heads South Korea’s biggest public interest foundation, which has sponsored over 400 heart surgeries for children from 70 countries and provided free uterine cancer screenings for women.

So, what’s her real anti-ageing secret?

Yes, hydration and lasers help. But maybe what’s really keeping Dr Lee so young is this: a life led with purpose, low stress, and a whole lot of compassion.

And while we’ll still slather on our night serums and book our regular monthly facials, we’re also taking notes from Dr Lee Gil-ya because ultimately, the real secret to ageing gracefully might just be giving more, stressing less, and living with intention.