Joan Collins has revealed the lifestyle habits she believes have helped her maintain her famous glamour and energy at the age of 93.
The Dynasty legend recently impressed fans with a collection of holiday photographs from St Tropez, where she was seen enjoying time by the pool with friends at the French Riviera villa she shares with husband Percy Gibson.
Joan Collins has credited her youthful looks to only eating a ‘quarter of what she had when she was 25,’ after stunning fans with her age-defying appearance in new holiday snaps
throughout her career, the star has offered a glimpse at the regime that’s helped to maintain her famous looks, and she’s insisted it has nothing to do with Botox
Her radiant appearance quickly renewed interest in the routines she has followed throughout her long career.
Joan has always insisted that her youthful look is not the result of extensive cosmetic work.
Instead, she credits a combination of portion control, balanced nutrition, regular movement, careful skincare and a strong determination to remain active.
One of her most striking rules is that people should gradually reduce how much they eat as they grow older.
Joan has said that she now consumes roughly a quarter of the amount she would have eaten when she was 25.
Her reasoning is that the body generally requires less food with age, particularly as activity levels and metabolism change.
Rather than following complicated diets, she prefers a much simpler principle: eat less, but continue enjoying a broad range of foods.
Joan does not believe in depriving herself completely.
She still allows herself wine, dessert, toast and coffee with sugar when she wants them.
However, she avoids overeating and often leaves part of the food on her plate.
If she wants to lose a small amount of weight before an event, she has previously said that she temporarily turns to simple foods such as boiled eggs and broccoli.
That approach may sound strict, but Joan repeatedly emphasises balance rather than long-term restriction.
She has also stressed that the quality of food matters just as much as quantity.
Her regular diet includes nutritious whole foods, with avocados among her favourites.
Joan has said that she eats one avocado almost every day because she believes it supports her general health.
Avocados contain fibre, vitamins and healthy fats, making them a useful part of a balanced diet.
She also takes supplements including vitamins C and E and omega oils.
Joan has worked with celebrity nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who has advised her on maintaining energy and wellbeing in later life.
The actress has been a big fan of Pilates throughout her years
Staying so active has kept her limber and mobile, and she has revealed on numerous occasions that she is still able to do the splits (pictured in 2001)
Plastic surgery may have been all the rage at the height of Joan’s Dynasty fame – but the star has always been resolute about dodging the surgeon’s knife
Even with professional guidance, Joan believes good genes have played a role in how she has aged.
She often describes herself as fortunate, although her routine also shows a considerable amount of discipline.
Movement has remained another essential part of her lifestyle.
As a teenager and young woman, Joan was extremely active.
She spent hours dancing in clubs and dance halls and continued enjoying energetic exercise throughout adulthood.
Later, she became a fan of gym workouts and Pilates.
However, she has learned that ageing requires adapting rather than forcing the body to perform as it once did.
Joan has said that older people cannot always tolerate the same level of physical stress they managed in their youth.
Her exercise routine is now gentler and more consistent.
She often follows the principle of doing a little activity regularly instead of pushing herself through punishing workouts.
Physiotherapy has become particularly important.
After suffering a trapped nerve that left her struggling to function for around two months, Joan relied on treatment and carefully controlled exercise to regain her mobility.
She now recommends working with a physiotherapist to older men and women who want to remain fit.
Around half an hour of movement a day is often enough for her, and she says it leaves her feeling more energetic.
Swimming is another important part of her routine.
The low-impact activity allows her to stay active without placing too much pressure on her joints.
Joan has also famously said that she can still perform the splits, demonstrating how years of movement have helped preserve her flexibility.
Her beauty routine is equally disciplined.
One of Joan’s strongest beliefs is that sun protection is essential.
She has avoided exposing her face to strong sunlight since she was in her twenties and regularly wears hats and SPF.
Although she enjoys having a tan on the rest of her body, she makes a deliberate effort to keep her face protected.
Joan believes this lifelong habit has played a major role in preserving her skin.
She also never goes to bed without removing her make-up.
The habit began when she was a teenager after her mother taught both Joan and her sister Jackie to cleanse their faces properly every night.
Joan revealed: ‘I haven’t had Botox, I haven’t had any tweakments, I haven’t had fat injections, and honestly, when I look at the women who have – it appalls me’
One of Joan’s most important anti-ageing tips is to never leave home without SPF on, and to always keep her face out of the sun
Her routine remains relatively straightforward.
She removes her make-up with cleanser before applying a rich night cream.
Joan has mentioned products from brands such as Nivea and Charlotte Tilbury, but her main message is that consistency matters more than owning an enormous collection of expensive products.
She also enjoys professional facials and has previously spoken about oxygen-based treatments in New York.
Before major events, Joan uses a simple cold compress technique to reduce puffiness around her eyes.
She places cotton pads in a bowl of ice, applies them to the eye area and lies down for several minutes.
The trick was reportedly passed down from Allan “Whitey” Snyder, the celebrated make-up artist who worked with Marilyn Monroe.
Joan has also trained herself to sleep on her back.
She believes sleeping with the face pressed into a pillow can create temporary creases and may contribute to lines over time.
Avoiding that pressure has become another small part of her long-term routine.
Despite decades of rumours, Joan remains adamant that she has not undergone the extensive cosmetic procedures often attributed to her.
She has admitted trying Botox once many years ago but said she disliked the effect.
As an actress, she felt she needed to retain movement and expression in her face.
Joan has repeatedly denied having facelifts, fat injections or modern “tweakments”.
She argues that the natural lines and shape of her face make it clear that she has aged normally.
Her opposition is not necessarily a criticism of everyone who chooses cosmetic treatment, but she has made clear that it does not suit her own preferences.
She would rather look recognisably like herself than lose facial expression in pursuit of perfection.
That confidence has become one of the most important elements of her public image.
Joan does not pretend that she looks exactly as she did decades ago.
Instead, she celebrates the fact that she remains active, stylish and capable of enjoying life in her nineties.
Her recent St Tropez photographs reflected that attitude.
She posed in elegant outfits, relaxed beside the pool and spent time with close friends and family.
The images showed someone still interested in fashion, travel, social occasions and the pleasures of everyday life.
Joan has said that she intends to live until 100.
Her goal is not simply about reaching a particular age.
It reflects her determination to continue working, travelling and maintaining her independence for as long as possible.
She recognises that ageing requires adjustments.
She eats less, exercises more gently and takes recovery seriously when her body needs rest.
However, she refuses to treat later life as a period of withdrawal.
Her approach combines discipline with enjoyment.
She protects her skin but still loves sunshine.
She watches her portions but still eats pudding.
She exercises carefully but continues dancing and swimming.
She accepts the role of genetics while also taking responsibility for the habits she can control.
That balance may be the most important lesson behind her enduring appearance.
There is no single miracle treatment or secret product.
Instead, Joan Collins has relied on decades of consistent choices, a positive attitude and the confidence to adapt her routine as she grows older.
At 93, she remains one of Britain’s most recognisable screen legends.
Her latest photographs may have sparked admiration for how youthful she looks, but her real achievement is the energy, independence and enthusiasm she continues to bring to life.
For Joan, ageing well is not about trying to become 25 again.
It is about feeling strong, looking after yourself and making every stage of life as glamorous and enjoyable as possible.
