Actress Joan Collins, 93, has revealed the lifestyle choices she attributes to her enduring youthful appearance, stating that she consumes only a quarter of the food she did at age 25 and has largely avoided cosmetic procedures.
Collins, who gained fame over five decades ago, recently shared holiday photos from St. Tropez that highlighted her ageless look. She has consistently maintained that her appearance is not due to Botox or plastic surgery, although she noted having tried Botox once years ago and disliking the effect, stating it interfered with her ability to express emotions as an actress.
Her approach to diet involves mindful eating and portion control. Collins suggests that people need significantly less food as they age, estimating half the amount at 50 compared to 25, and even less by 75. For quick weight loss, she opts for a regimen of broccoli and boiled eggs for three days. She also advises against drinking tap water and emphasizes the importance of looking after one's skin, including never leaving the house without makeup.
In addition to dietary habits, Collins has maintained a consistent exercise routine. In her youth, she was very active, frequenting discotheques and dance halls. Later, she incorporated gym workouts and Pilates. However, she has adapted her routine as she has gotten older, acknowledging that the body cannot withstand the same level of stress. A recent bout with a trapped nerve required her to scale back movement, but physiotherapy has aided her recovery. She now recommends physiotherapy for older individuals seeking to stay fit, dedicating about half an hour a day to it, which she finds energizing. Her practice of swimming regularly also follows a philosophy of 'little and often.'
Collins also noted her flexibility, stating she can still do the splits with ease. Her diet favors nutritious whole foods, including an avocado daily. She has also spoken about using facials with a practitioner in New York who incorporates oxygen treatments into her skincare. While she avoids junk food, she does not entirely deprive herself, occasionally enjoying a glass of wine or dessert.
Regarding cosmetic procedures, Collins has been firm in her stance against them. She has stated that she has not had Botox, “tweakments,” or fat injections, and finds it appalling when women, particularly in their 40s, undergo such procedures. She points to the natural lines and jowls on her face as evidence of her avoidance of surgery. She also adheres to sleeping on her back to prevent what she calls 'scrunchy face' from side sleeping.
Sun protection is another key element of her anti-aging strategy. Collins has consistently worn sun protection and kept her face out of the sun since she was 20, often wearing a hat when outdoors. She describes her face as very white in the mornings due to this practice, but believes it has helped preserve her facial skin. She enjoys tanning the rest of her body to wear off-the-shoulder clothing.
Her skincare routine is disciplined, including always removing makeup before bed and applying night cream, a habit instilled by her mother at age 14. She uses a Nivea cleanser followed by Charlotte Tilbury night cream. For pre-event or post-flight refresh, she uses chilled cotton pads soaked in ice water on her eyes for five minutes to reduce puffiness, a technique she learned from a makeup artist who worked with Marilyn Monroe.