A simple “slow aging” ritual that many Korean moms swear by is a morning shot made from extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil and fresh lemon juice. While it is not a magic anti-aging cure, the habit lines up with what is known about healthy fats, antioxidants, and consistent daily routines that support glowing, resilient skin over time.
What is the Korean “Slow Aging” Shot?
The recipe is straightforward: mix about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil with a squeeze or spoonful of fresh lemon juice, and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. The idea is that this tiny daily ritual nourishes your body from the inside out, supporting digestion, skin health, and overall vitality as you age.
Korean beauty culture often focuses on prevention starting gentle, supportive habits in your 20s rather than “fixing” problems later. This shot fits that philosophy: it’s simple, consistent, and meant to become a lifelong routine rather than a quick fix.
Why Olive Oil Helps Skin and Aging
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and natural antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These components help:
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Support the skin barrier from within, which can keep skin more supple and less prone to dryness.
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Fight oxidative stress, one of the processes linked to premature aging of both skin and body.
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Support cardiovascular and metabolic health, which indirectly influences how you look and feel as you age.
When you build this in early like in your 20s you’re not just chasing glow; you’re protecting your long-term health, which often shows up on your skin years later.
Why Lemon Juice is Included
Fresh lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C and acidity. Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production, which helps keep skin firm and elastic, and it also has antioxidant properties. The acidity can gently stimulate digestion for some people, making this shot feel like a morning “reset.”
However, lemon is quite acidic, so it’s important to protect your teeth some people choose to follow the shot with plain water, avoid brushing immediately afterward, or use a straw for other acidic drinks later in the day.
The Real Secret: Consistent, Holistic Habits
Korean moms who “don’t age” aren’t relying on just olive oil and lemon. This shot tends to sit inside a larger lifestyle:
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Consistently eating whole, minimally processed foods rich in vegetables, seaweed, fermented foods, and healthy fats.
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Prioritizing sun protection and daily skincare from a young age.
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Managing stress and maintaining social connections and routines.
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Getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking or heavy drinking.
The shot becomes a symbolic anchor one daily act that reminds you to care for your body and skin, and that consistency is what truly shows over decades.
How to Safely Try This in Your 20s
If you want to adopt this “slow aging” ritual:
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Use high-quality extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil.
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Start with about 1 teaspoon and work up to 1 tablespoon if your digestion tolerates it well.
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Add fresh lemon juice (not bottled) and drink it first thing in the morning, then follow with water.
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Pay attention to your body if you have acid reflux, gallbladder issues, or any digestive disorder, check with a healthcare professional first.
Pair this shot with other K-inspired longevity habits sunscreen every day, a nutrient-dense diet, gentle movement, and stress management and it becomes part of a realistic, long game approach to aging well.
Starting in your 20s is less about doing something dramatic and more about building small, protective rituals that compound over time just like this simple olive oil and lemon “slow aging” recipe.