When you hear about a 102-year-old woman with smooth young-looking skin, it’s hard not to wonder what are her skincare secrets. Deborah Szekely, who co-founded a health resort in Baja California back in 1940, still works three days a week and radiates health and vitality.
Her skincare routine doesn’t rely on pricey anti-aging products but instead focuses on timeless, science-backed practices. Let’s review her main habits for healthy and glowing aging.
Skincare secrets from 102-year-old Deborah Szekely
Deborah’s philosophy is simple: focus on healthy living and let your skin benefit from it. Here’s how she does it.
1. Fresh and wholesome foods
Deborah follows a diet full of fresh and healthy foods and avoids processed items with more than three ingredients. “I give all the credit to a good diet and regular exercise”, she told Business Insider. This habit isn’t just her opinion — it’s science. A 2020 review from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology highlighted how a whole-food and a plant-based diet could combat skin aging and produce fewer wrinkles.
Deborah’s nutrient-rich diet gives her body the antioxidants and vitamins to fight skin damage. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats like avocados work wonders for the skin, making it appear more elastic and hydrated.
2. The power of exercise
At 102, Deborah still prioritizes physical activity, walking a mile every day. She believes that keeping your body moving is crucial for maintaining youthful skin. When you work out, your blood flow increases, carrying oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This nourishes the skin and helps to clear away cellular debris, promoting a healthier complexion.
Even moderate activities, such as daily walking, help boost collagen production, the protein that keeps skin firm. Staying active also enhances your overall well-being, which is key to feeling (and looking) young.
3. Clean skin and sunscreen
Deborah’s evening routine is quite simple. Her biggest non-negotiable? She never goes to bed with makeup on. But her top tip for skin preservation is using sunscreen every day and dermatologists couldn’t agree more.
Dr. Derek V. Chan, a board-certified dermatologist, calls sunscreen “by far the most important part” of any anti-aging routine. A daily SPF of 30 or higher can protect your skin from UV damage, which accelerates aging and increases the risk of sunspots, fine lines, and skin cancer.
Take advantage of these skincare secrets
Deborah Szekely’s youthful appearance at 102 isn’t the result of magic creams or extreme routines. Instead, it’s a reflection of consistent habits: a clean diet, regular exercise, and daily sun protection. Her story is a reminder that what we do every day has long-term effects.
Applying some of these practices might not make you live to 102, but they can certainly improve your skin’s appearance and overall well-being. Follow Deborah’s steps: embrace a healthy lifestyle and watch your skin, and your life flourish in your older age.