A 102-year-old shares her simple, science-backed skincare secrets — and they don’t include antiaging creams

A 2020 review of studies published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggested that a whole-food, plant-based diet could help prevent skin aging. The authors argued this could be because it reduces the number of carcinogens people ingest and lengthens telomeres, which are the DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten over time and cause markers of aging on a cellular level.

Sunscreen is the best way to prevent skin aging

Szekely has a simple daily skincare routine, too.

“Here’s my secret: you must thoroughly clean all the makeup off your face before sleeping,” she said.

Her biggest skincare recommendation for younger people wanting good skin is to wear sunscreen. She wears a moisturizer containing sunscreen every day.

Dr. Derek V. Chan, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in Manhattan, previously told BI that sunscreen is “by far the most important part” of an antiaging skincare routine. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day can help protect against the aging effects of ultraviolet light, he said.

Many of Szekely’s tips are in line with those her fellow centenarians have previously shared with BI when it comes to maintaining health, fitness, and skin quality later in life.

A 101-year-old man named William, who didn’t share his last name, said his secrets to staying healthy past 100 are eating healthily, staying active, and having a long, varied career.

And Toshiko Eto has practically no wrinkles at 80, which she attributes to eating fermented foods as well as her skincare routine.

Dr. Tina Alster, a dermatologist and director at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, told BI at the time that genetics and protection from the sun are “likely the two most important factors” for Eto’s skin looking so young.