Salma Hayek, embracing a natural approach to aging, discusses her recent experience with Ultherapy PRIME, a noninvasive skin-tightening treatment. At 58, she prefers authentic expressions over freezing her face, allowing her wrinkles to reflect her journey. Though she initially sought surgical options, she found Ultherapy PRIME, which revitalized her skin’s collagen. Hayek emphasizes the importance of self-care, enjoying simple rituals like meditation and daily dancing. She feels most attractive in her husband’s gaze, highlighting love’s empowering role. Through her experiences, she advocates for authenticity, wellness, and the joy of being present in one’s self-care journey.
We’re now a few weeks into spring, yet the weather in New York City still resembles winter. Actress Salma Hayek sports a cropped leather jacket, featuring a funnel neck to “highlight her neck results,” she shares, lounging on a couch at the Carlyle Hotel. Her neck benefits from her latest procedure, Ultherapy PRIME, a noninvasive skin-tightening and lifting treatment using ultrasound to boost collagen production (and she is also an ambassador for it).
She has consistently advocated for her natural approach to aging, embracing wrinkles without believing in freezing her face. “As an actress, mother, and wife, I want my expressions to remain authentic. I want my kids to clearly see when I’m proud and when I’m not happy. Being an actress means my facial expressions are vital,” she explains. At 58, she has relied only on energy and frequency treatments. However, about a year ago, feeling she had reached a plateau and her neck skin was sagging unnaturally, she feared she had no option but surgery, something that terrified her. During her search, she discovered Ultherapy PRIME.
Results from the treatment typically take a minimum of three months to appear, though this varies by patient. Hayek realized it was effective when Victoria Beckham inquired if she had undergone a change. For a brief moment, Hayek forgot about the treatment from weeks earlier. Beckham quickly remarked that she noticed something different. “I was thrilled,” says Hayek.
You’re recognized for your unique perspective on aging — authentically allowing it to happen and welcoming it all. How do you select aesthetic treatments, and what typically is your ultimate aim?
My routine has been straightforward and consistent. I have avoided beauty trends across my 30s, 40s, and 50s, with radio-frequency treatments being my only constant. Those worked until I hit a plateau. I thought to myself, It’s time. Researching and consulting with doctors, it appeared surgery might be my only option, which terrified me. I truly did not want that. During my urgent search, I received a call to try the latest technology, Ultherapy PRIME. I hadn’t even tried regular Ultherapy, but it was similar to my existing ultrasound treatments.
I learned more about Ultherapy PRIME and was open to trying it before committing as an ambassador. The process seemed safe since it utilizes your skin’s collagen. I was thrilled to find out I still had a lot of collagen for my age, as the doctor informed me. I proceeded with the treatment and eagerly awaited the results.
You’ve often emphasized the importance of aging naturally. When you see your wrinkles and gray hair, what narrative do they convey?
In a complex life, they symbolize wise choices. I genuinely appreciate them; they add uniqueness. If I dyed my hair to mask the gray, the texture would become dreadful. I can’t simply step out of the shower as my hair easily frizzes and loses healthiness. I embrace my imperfections and even wear a bikini to showcase my full self. Well, that’s not all of me, but it’s a broader representation.
In a recent conversation, you mentioned feeling at one point you were a “sexy girl,” but with age, you’ve ventured into other realms. What are those new realms?
I stopped minimizing myself because the industry viewed me as just a sex symbol. If they recognized my intellect, I wouldn’t have gotten in. But once I was, it was all about refusing to downplay myself. Some individuals convince themselves of their own inadequacy, feeling they must project a sexy image instead. Women are not foolish; creating life within is no small task. We must alter the way we perceive ourselves and the world. I am engaging more in production and establishing new ventures. As a Mexican Lebanese mother, I face the bittersweet transition of my last child leaving for college. My husband and I have discussed for years that once parenting was done, I would explore my full potential, and he is thrilled about it.
When do you currently feel your sexiest?
I feel most alluring when I’m with my husband. I seamlessly shift in and out of that role. The way he gazes at me, after 19 years together, still carries that love. It creates a sensation like, You’re mine, I’ve got you. That look also inspires me to maintain my appearance. Being in love makes it much easier than simply liking someone.
What wellness and self-care rituals do you rely on aside from treatments?
To me, meditation is essential. Dancing serves as my wellness ritual; I dance every day. Recently, while they were doing my makeup, I caught myself dancing to Bad Bunny saying, “Sorry, I need a break.” I attune to my body, recognizing it isn’t a machine. I often play music while removing my makeup at night. Seeking joy in every task is what self-care entails: being yourself and staying present.
I don’t wash my face in the morning; I don’t see why it would need cleansing during sleep. I enjoy applying cream, massaging my face and body. I even try to exercise while moisturizing, stretching my muscles as a natural form of fitness. That reflects my non-mechanical rituals.