Behind The Beauty with Ksenia Zubkova

Ksenia Zubkova brings the same discipline to her skin as she once did to competition prep as a rhythmic gymnast and dancer, turning her routine into something simple, efficient and precise: peptide toners, PDRN serums and an LED mask she treats as non-negotiable at thirty-five. More on the products she loves, her fifteen-year journey as a model, and the beauty lesson she's picked up from over a decade of living and working in India.

ON A TYPICAL SHOOT DAY, my routine really depends on the location. When I’m shooting in Mumbai, it’s a bit calmer. I wake up, have breakfast, and take my morning supplements. After that, I do gentle skin prep and then head to set. After shooting, I come home, enjoy a nice meal, and then it’s all about winding down — double cleansing, a heavy-duty moisturizer, and sometimes the Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask from Biodance.

MY SKINCARE ROUTINE has really evolved in the last five years, especially now in my mid-30s. I like to keep it simple but precise. In the morning, I cleanse, then apply the Laneige Cream Skin Serum Peptide Toner, followed by Anua's 100+ PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Serum and a light layer of the Laneige Water Bank Gel. I never skip sunscreen — Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sunscreen Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++ is my daily essential. At night, I double cleanse with the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil and a a gel cleanser. I sometimes use G.Woo BHA pads once or twice a week, then apply Anua's Azelaic Acid Serum and finish with the Embryolisse Lait Cream Concentrate. I also swear by the Medicube HR Pro booster and my L&L Skin LED mask — I truly believe these gadgets are essential after 30, helping to maintain the results of professional treatments.

For my body, I use an exfoliating glove when needed and the Hydro Boost Enzyme Powder Wash from Tirtir once a week, followed by CeraVe's Moisturizing Body Lotion. I also want to be open about my scalp psoriasis, which I’ve had for 30 years, which is also why I don’t share hair products since they’re so personal, and everyone’s condition is different. I truly believe a dedicated home routine and expert guidance can make a big difference in keeping your skin healthy and balanced.

MY EARLIEST MEMORIES OF BEAUTY come from watching my mother and grandmother get ready. I loved seeing them do their hair, apply makeup, and dress up. As a little girl, one of my favorite things was playing with my grandmother's makeup kit; I remember being so fascinated by it! As I got older, beauty became a part of my life through rhythmic gymnastics and dance. I loved the process of preparing for competitions — doing my makeup, styling my hair, and putting together a costume.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MY JOB is that it is just about looking good. Everyone seems to think that we are always confident; in reality, we're just like everyone else — we have insecurities and doubts and we have our share of bad days as well. Being a model is a proper job which comes with its own set of challenges just like any other profession; it's not just about looking a certain way. Confidence isn't something that you are born with, it is something that you build through experience and self-acceptance.

Modeling also requires much more discipline than people realize. It takes a lot of resilience, adaptability, and professionalism on your part. Every job means working with new teams, different clients, long shoot days, travel and sometimes, rejection. The final image may look effortless, but behind every photograph are hours of preparation, teamwork and consistency.

I FEEL INSTANTLY PUT TOGETHER when I get in a good night's sleep, a long shower, a cup of coffee and a nourishing moisturizer for my face and body. Also I love when my skin is tanned, so a good beach vacation is always on my mind.

I FEEL LIKE THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF when I’m exercising and taking care of my health. Movement has always been a huge part of my life because of my gymnastics background. I also value the quiet, simple moments — having a good meal, spending time with people I care about, or enjoying a quiet morning before a busy day. Modeling is an important part of my life, but the moments when I feel most like myself are usually the ones where I’m not performing for anyone and can simply be present.

I PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE by focusing on getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, staying active, and giving my skin extra hydration. I've learned that recovery isn't about doing one big thing, it's about returning to the small habits that make me feel balanced. I also focus on things that keep me grounded — my health, fitness, relationships, and maintaining a life outside of modeling. I also try to limit comparisons and remind myself that everyone's journey is different.

A BEAUTY LESSON THAT I HAVE LEARNT FROM INDIA is that here, beauty is seen as something that comes from the inside out. It’s not just about skincare or makeup — it’s about your state of mind, your lifestyle, how you nourish your body, and how you take care of yourself consistently. I also love that there is a strong culture of beauty rituals, whether it’s hair oiling, using natural ingredients, or simply taking time for self-care. In a world that often looks for instant results, India taught me the value of patience and consistency. It also taught me that beauty isn’t about copying a certain standard — it’s about embracing your individuality and feeling confident in who you are. That’s a philosophy I think more people around the world could benefit from.