How Celebrities Stay Young In The Sun

Everyone loves the 4th of July…and celebrities look forward to a long weekend of beach parties, BBQ’s, and warm weather, just like the rest of us.

At the same time, no one is more aware of the damage that summertime celebrations can cause to a person’s appearance, than Hollywood A-listers.

After all, looking young and beautiful is a big part of their job!

Now, as we all know, the biggest culprit this time of year is definitely the sun.

Outdoor activities are a beloved national pastime, especially on Independence Day…

But a three-day weekend of constant sun exposure puts your skin at risk of major UV damage—which leads to premature aging, deep-set wrinkles, and embarrassing sunspots.

That’s why savvy celebs have found ways to enjoy the outdoors, without jeopardizing their good looks.

And the best part is that the most effective celebrity practices are simple and affordable…

So you don’t have to be rich or famous to follow their lead!

Here’s how a few of your favorite stars keep their famous faces from aging, even during the hot summer months.

They Have Sun-Smart Style

Julianne Moore doesn’t let her fair skin stop her from having a blast at the beach. But even while swimming, she makes sure to stay protected in special long-sleeved bathing suit.

And if there’s anyone whose skincare habits you should emulate, its Julianne. She’s an outspoken sun-safety advocate—and judging by her flawless, alabaster complexion, the 54-year-old stunner is definitely doing something right.

Also: Hats! Julianne likes fedoras, while fellow celebrity redhead, Marcia Cross (age 53), who claims to never leave the house without protective headwear, prefers a wider brim.

Either way, a good hat can be both a flattering fashion statement and a line of defense against sun damage.

They Seek Shade

Gwen Stefani is a native of Anaheim and a California girl through and through.

It seems as though the 45-year-old bombshell spends almost all of her free time at the beach with her family…but you’d never know it by looking at her skin.

Gwen has one of the most enviable complexions in show business. In fact, her face doesn’t appear to have aged a day since the early 90’s!

That’s because the mother-of-three is rarely spotted near the ocean without her trusty parasol—and I advise all beach-goers to do the same.

A parasol (or regular old umbrella) is an inexpensive, and easily portable source of UV protection…and a total lifesaver when you can’t find a shady tree or cabana.

On extra-sunny days, I recommend carrying a parasol even on short walks, so that getting from point A to point B, doesn’t result in unnecessary sun exposure.

They Love Sunglasses

Angelina Jolie is always on the go. Between making movies, raising kids, and saving the world, Angie doesn’t have much time for leisurely backyard BBQs or lounging by the pool.

However, the 40-year-old does frequently travel to Africa and the Middle East to do humanitarian work, so she’s definitely no stranger to the sun.

Fortunately, Angie never leaves home without a pair of shades—and neither should you.

Sunscreen is great, but the skin around your eyes is extra delicate, which means it needs more protection than the rest of your face.

That’s why sunglasses—especially those with UVA and UVB ray protection—are more than a fashion statement for stars like Angie. They play an important role in preventing sun damage.

Plus, bright summer sunshine makes you squint…and frequent squinting is the fastest way to deepen your crow’s feet and permanently crease your forehead.

Angelina has been very vocal about women’s health issues, human rights, and many other important causes. There’s a lot we can learn from Mrs. Pitt…

But when it comes to sun-safety, Angie’s love of eyewear is a lesson in simplicity.

Believe it or not, something as easy as throwing on a pair of sunglasses every time you go outside, can actually keep, not just your eyes, but your whole face, from revealing your real age—or hectic lifestyle!

They Hydrate..and Then They Hydrate Some More

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the great outdoors…Just ask Cameron Diaz!

The actress lives for outdoor activities, like hiking and surfing, so you know she’ll definitely be getting out for some fun and fresh air this weekend.

But even though Cameron spends so much time in the sun, at 42 she doesn’t look a day over 25.

How? Personally, I think Cameron’s H20 habit has a lot to do with it.

You see, Cameron drink lots, and I mean lots, of water every day. In fact, as soon as she wakes up, the very first thing she does is chug an entire bottle of it!

Cameron says it helps to boost her metabolism…but her youthful complexion is likely the result of this morning ritual as well.

Staying hydrated is important, but it’s especially important when you’re in the sun—which Cameron definitely does.

And it’s why her skin still looks radiant, even after years of hitting both the mountains and the beach.

Downing water this weekend can help you avoid dry, leathery skin down the road, and may even prevent sunburn.

So when you’re out and about this Independence Day, try to drink at least 4 full, 20 oz bottles (or the equivalent thereof) of hydrating agua each day.

And for an extra boost of anti-aging nutrients, throw a few lemon wedges into every glass.

It’s a trend I’ve been seeing more and more often around Beverly Hills lately!

Think of it as moisturizing your skin from the inside out!

These celebrity-approved skin-savers (plus SPF lotion, of course) will allow you to have fun in the sun, without jeopardizing your beauty—or your health!

This weekend is the perfect time to start giving your skin the star-worthy treatment it deserves…but I hope you decide to stick with these A-list sun-safety practices all summer long.

All the best,
Payman Danielpour, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group