Salma Hayek has never been shy about showing her natural skin. At 59, the actress often shares bare-faced selfies that highlight her radiant complexion and soft glow. Fans regularly ask how she manages to keep her skin looking so smooth and youthful without heavy makeup.

The answer is refreshingly simple. Hayek credits one daily habit she learned from her grandmother, who was trained in cosmetology: she avoids washing her face in the morning. Here, we’ll look at why she swears by this unconventional ritual, along with the other beauty practices that keep her skin healthy and bright.

Why Salma Hayek skips the morning cleanse

Hayek’s most surprising habit is that she never cleanses her face first thing in the morning. She explained that her grandmother taught her skin restores itself overnight, so there’s no need to strip it again once you wake up. “If I cleanse very well at night, why would it be dirty when I wake up?”, she told The New York Times.

Instead of scrubbing, she lets her skin decide what it needs. Sometimes she spritzes rose water for hydration. Other days, she goes straight to cream or serum. This approach avoids unnecessary irritation while keeping the skin barrier intact. Dermatologists often note that over-cleansing can dry out the complexion and trigger more oil production.

Salma’s philosophy is simple: less is more. By not overdoing it, she allows her natural oils and overnight repair process to work in her favor. That balance helps explain why her skin looks luminous and refreshed without layers of foundation.

Other skincare tips she follows

Of course, she doesn’t rely on one ritual alone. Over the years, she’s shared several of her favorite practices and products, blending traditional wisdom with modern skincare. Here are a few highlights:

Hydration is non-negotiable. Hayek uses rich creams, serums, and oils depending on what her skin needs each day. She’s a fan of Biologique Recherche Grand Millésime Serum and Anne Semonin Sérum Précieux, along with products from her own line, Nuance.
She avoids over-exfoliating. While many people scrub often, Hayek is careful. She believes that too much exfoliation may give a temporary glow but harm the skin in the long run. Experts agree that gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is usually enough.
She uses natural ingredients. Coconut oil is her go-to for makeup removal. She follows with rose water and occasionally creates DIY cleansers with oatmeal, honey, or almond milk to soften the skin.
She always removes makeup at night. Even after long days on set, she never skips this step. Her nighttime routine often includes steaming her face with a hot towel infused with rose water to clear away any residue.

Taken together, these habits reveal a consistent theme: treating her skin with care, patience, and moderation. She avoids harsh trends, trusts natural ingredients, and adapts her routine to how her complexion feels day by day.

Salma Hayek’s glowing skin isn’t the result of expensive treatments or intense routines. It comes down to a mindful daily habit—skipping the morning cleanse—and supporting it with hydration, gentle products, and a steady nighttime routine.