This Is How Celebrities Stay Looking Young!
There are way too many celebrities that defy their age.
By too many, I mean nearly all of them.
You may have heard the saying “You’re not ugly, you’re just poor”.
Yes, celebrities have money and can afford the best treatments and plans.
Stress also accelerates aging, and having a secure financial status will certainly alleviate stress.
But there are still many common denominators that I want to go over, along with what you can learn and apply to your own life to look younger, feel better, and hopefully live longer.
PEDs
We have female celebrities who have aged backward like all of the Kardashians, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, and plenty more.
We will get into the ladies, but what about the men?
How did Tom Brady retain a youthful look?
How do actors like Christian Bale build a ton of muscle for their roles?
Why do Jamie Foxx, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Matthew McConaughey look the same (or better) as they did a decade ago?
So for the men.
Christian Bale, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, and even Zac Efron have had crazy transformations where they put on 20-40 lbs in less than a year.
So how did they do it?
For many of them, it is performance-enhancing drugs.
That seems like such a cop-out answer, but the truth is that there are a lot of steroids in Hollywood.
Before I discuss what they are using, I’ll back it up with some science.
The average beginner trainee, if they’re doing everything right, can put on about 20-25 lbs of muscle in the first year of training.
And that will inevitably come with a little bit of fat too.
The second year, it’ll be half that, so around 10-12 lbs of muscle.
The third year will be half of that, and so on.
We can assume these celebrities are doing everything right with their training and diet regimen, it is their job, after all.
But most of the time, they are not beginners.
They have been training for many years to play the roles that they do.
And not only that.
They are full, lean, dry, and vascular.
All your favorite adjectives could fit here.
Testosterone
So what are they using?
Let’s start with a basic: testosterone.
In a natural male, testosterone peaks and dips based on your environment.
If you get less sleep, drink alcohol, or have a stressful few weeks, your testosterone will be lower.
Testosterone typically peaks in the morning and decreases as the day goes on.
Testosterone replacement therapy or even a full “blast” (aka, using dosages higher than the body would make naturally), will be common with these types of acting roles.
Supplementing with exogenous testosterone keeps levels stable at a high level, no matter what is going on in their environment.
Many believe testosterone is a relatively “safer” compound to use, given that it is a natural hormone in the body and must be prescribed by a doctor (and celebrities have access to the best ones).
And the results will show.
Celebrities can gain two or three times as much muscle as a natural trainee in the same amount of time.
If their career depends on it, I see why they do it.
Typical doses for testosterone replacement could range from 75 mg to 200 mg per week, but it’s not unlikely that some actors are using more.
Bodybuilders can use anywhere from 300 mg to 2000 mg per week to pack on size and strength.
Of course, this does come with risks.
Infertility is possible, along with gynecomastia, acne, growth of the prostate, high blood pressure, a worsening lipid profile, and blood clots.
Let’s not forget the permanent shutdown of your body’s natural testosterone production.
So having a doctor’s supervision is key.
Growth Hormone
But testosterone is mostly for building muscle, losing fat, and maintaining youthful energy.
These factors all worsen since testosterone decreases with age.
But what are they using to look young?
Can you guess it…it is human growth hormone (HGH).
This one is a little complicated.
Because growth hormone might make someone look younger, but it will age them faster.
In biology, there’s a growing notion of a tradeoff between growth and longevity.
Essentially, the same biological pathways responsible for growth also contribute to the breakdown and onset of chronic ailments associated with aging.
What fuels an organism’s growth also fuels its aging process, potentially leading to conditions like cancer over time.
In the animal kingdom, larger organisms tend to have shorter lifespans.
You may have heard that fasting boosts growth hormone but is good for longevity at the same time.
Fasting, while temporarily boosting growth hormone, simultaneously suppresses mTOR and insulin signaling, which are chemical pathways in the body crucial for growth.
Additionally, fasting promotes autophagy, the body’s process of recycling aging cells and replacing them with healthier ones.
These longevity benefits are likely derived from fasting’s anti-growth effects on the body.
So some processes internally may not be aging well.
However, growth signaling also plays a role in essential processes like wound healing, muscle building, and recovery from exercise.
Substances like HGH, which stimulate growth, can enhance these functions.
Although taking synthetic HGH can make older individuals feel revitalized and sometimes even superhuman, it comes with the risk of increased cancer and diabetes susceptibility in the long term.
But seeing improved muscle growth, increased fat loss, improved hair growth, and smoother skin are typical in those using these hormones.
For a young man who is still growing, natural GH production will be around 1-2 IU per day. For an older man or woman, it could be closer 0.2 IU per day.
Typical “longevity” doses will be around 1.5-3 IUs per day, but it’s not uncommon to see bodybuilders using upwards of 10 IU per day.
Peptides
And many peptides are similar.
Peptides are combinations of specific amino acids that will exert an effect on the body when administered.
Among the most common peptides favored by celebrities for maintaining a youthful appearance are growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs).
GHRPs like Hexarelin and Ipamorelin stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormone.
So celebrities do get the same effects of supplementing exogenous growth hormone, but by stimulating their own production.
But as with anything that promotes growth, there is an increased risk of cancer.
And while muscles may grow, so will everything else.
Including your organs.
So these may contribute to more of a “healthy on the outside, less healthy on the inside” type look.
Other common peptides that do not act on growth hormone are BPC-157 and TB500 which are healing peptides for speeding up injury recovery and increasing hair growth.
These have higher safety profiles, and can REALLY accelerate how fast someone heals after surgery, muscle sprains, and more.
Weight Loss
The last compound that is common is a drug that has been tossed around the media a lot in the last couple of years, semaglutide is the compound name.
Ozempic. Wegovy.
Elon Musk has talked about it.
Kim Kardashian is someone who I will be talking about a lot too, along with many others.
These drugs are the GLP-1 agonists, and there are other similar compounds like tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
These were initially diabetes medications, but now they have become “the skinny drug” because they crush appetite by delaying gastric emptying.
These allow celebrities to lose weight and/or maintain a lower weight.
More people are on this one than you’d think.
But there are risks.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common.
A history of thyroid cancer in the family is also a no-go.
Alcohol consumption is also a no-go because of risk of pancreatitis.
When this first came out, costs were crazy, like over $1000 a month for the medication.
There are some more affordable clinics offering it these days, feel free to reach out to me directly if you want me to refer you to those.
Cosmetic Surgeries
So we’ve talked about common injectable medications, but too often we see someone reversing 10 years in age in a span of months.
Behind the scenes, celebrities often employ a variety of cosmetic procedures to preserve their youthful glow.
Hair Treatments
The first one that I am most familiar with is hair transplants.
A lot of people have had them.
Stars like Wayne Rooney and Elon Musk have openly discussed their experiences with hair restoration procedures.
David Beckham, Steve Carrell, and countless countless others join them.
A hair transplant involves transplanting hair follicles from areas of dense growth (like the back and sides of your head) to areas of thinning or balding.
These hairs from the sides and back are not subject to hair loss.
These guys have access to the best surgeons money can buy, but they also use medications like finasteride to maintain any native hair they do have.
A hair transplant can get costly in the USA, getting up to $20k, so many people opt for medical tourism, traveling to Turkiye or Mexico for the procedures at a reduced cost, typically $2-7k.
And on the flip side, there is also laser hair removal.
Some of us have hair where we don’t want it.
So do celebrities.
They are most definitely removing back hair, arm hair, armpit hair, you name it.
There is quite a wide range of pricing here depending on the area and number of sessions required.
Facelifts
For more drastic transformations, celebrities may opt for facelifts, which involve surgically tightening and lifting the skin to reduce sagging and wrinkles.
You can notice these by some scars that are usually present right in front of the ears.
Tom Brady is someone in the media who has been pointed out for having this done lately.
Stars like Jane Fonda and Sharon Osbourne have openly discussed their experiences with facelift procedures, which can take years off their appearance and provide long-lasting results.
These are game changers.
I’d say if there were two, many older celebrities are using Botox, which I will get to, and getting facelifts.
An average cost will range from $7,000 to $15,000.
For younger celebrities, PDO threads (or a “thread lift”) are a less invasive procedure that uses a dissolvable suture to tighten and lift your skin.
It can often be performed in under 45 minutes without needing to go under a scalpel.
Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts use a biodegradable polyester suture.
They’re best suited for rejuvenating your skin while some newer types of thread lifts are better at lifting sagging skin.
Blepharoplasty
Next, we have blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery.
This is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids.
It’s typically performed to address sagging or drooping eyelids, excess skin, and fat deposits that can create puffiness or bags beneath the eyes.
During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes excess skin and fat, tightens the underlying muscles, and may also adjust the position of the eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Jane Fonda, and Courteney Cox have reportedly undergone blepharoplasty.
These procedures are pretty subtle, leaving individuals looking more rested and youthful without drastically altering their appearance.
The typical cost for this is $5,000 to $8,000.
Rhinoplasty
You may notice that many celebrities have similar noses.
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the shape, size, or structure of the nose for both cosmetic and functional reasons.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is often sought to improve the appearance of the nose, addressing concerns such as a dorsal hump, asymmetry, or a bulbous tip, while functional rhinoplasty focuses on correcting breathing difficulties caused by structural abnormalities.
The procedure typically involves reshaping the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues of the nose, either through an open or closed approach, depending on the extent of correction needed.
Noses can really transform people’s looks, they’re more common than you think even with the general population.
They typically run from $5,000 to $15,000.
Breast Augmentation
I don’t need to explain this one, do I?
These can go anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000.
BBL
Of course, cannot forget the BBL.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the shape and contour of the buttocks by augmenting their size and improving their symmetry.
It’s sought after by individuals looking to achieve a fuller, rounder buttock appearance, often for aesthetic reasons or to enhance their body proportions.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from areas of the body through liposuction, typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and then carefully injected into the buttocks to add volume and shape.
Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B have been rumored to have undergone Brazilian Butt Lift procedures.
The BBL is the most searched cosmetic procedure in America, oddly enough.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, these can run from $5,000 to $20,000.
Facial Implants
Another surgery that is more common than you’d expect is facial implants.
Cheekbone and jaw implants are cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing the definition and structure of the cheeks and jawline for a more sculpted and harmonious facial appearance.
These procedures are commonly sought after by individuals looking to achieve a more prominent and chiseled facial contour, especially if they feel their natural features lack definition or symmetry.
During the procedure, custom-shaped implants made of silicone or other biocompatible materials are carefully inserted into the desired areas of the face through small incisions, creating a more angular facial profile.
Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox have been speculated to have undergone cheekbone and jaw implants.
These procedures are a bit more affordable, typically around $3,000.
Cosmetic Procedures
Botox
If there is one most common thing, it is Botox.
Botox injections are another go-to option for many celebrities looking to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
By temporarily paralyzing the muscles beneath the skin, Botox relaxes wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming.
Countless celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Simon Cowell, have openly admitted to using Botox to maintain their flawless appearances.
But it doesn’t end there.
I would argue that most people above the age of 30 or 40 who don’t have many wrinkles use Botox.
This one is much more common and easily accessible to the general population.
Costs can range widely, typically $300 to $2000 per treatment, every 3-6 months.
Chemical Peels
Another treatment that’s pretty accessible that I have been seeing more of lately is chemical peels.
Chemical peels are another favorite among the Hollywood elite for achieving smooth, radiant skin.
This procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off, revealing fresh, new skin underneath.
But these can take a week or two to heal, which might not make it ideal for someone who has to be in public for their day-to-day activities.
Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow are known to indulge in chemical peels.
Rough pricing here is $2,000 to $3,000.
Fillers
Fillers, also known as dermal fillers or soft tissue fillers, are a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
They are commonly sought after to address signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume, as well as to augment lips and cheeks for a more youthful appearance.
The procedure involves injecting a gel-like substance, typically made of hyaluronic acid or collagen, into specific areas of the face to add volume and create a smoother, more rejuvenated appearance.
Results are often immediate and can last anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the type of filler used.
Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez have openly discussed their use of fillers to enhance their lips, cheeks, and other facial features..
Fillers are popular due to their minimal downtime and ability to achieve subtle yet noticeable improvements in facial appearance with relatively low risk.
Each treatment can cost $500 to $1500.
Platelet Rich Fibrin Therapy
Next are some newer treatments that we don’t hear about too much.
The first is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy, which is a cutting-edge regenerative procedure used to promote tissue healing and rejuvenation.
Derived from the patient’s own blood, PRF contains a concentrated mixture of platelets, growth factors, and other healing proteins that stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen production.
The procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets and growth factors from other blood components.
The resulting PRF is then injected or applied topically to the treatment area, where it promotes tissue repair, improves skin texture, and enhances overall skin quality.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Bar Refaeli have reportedly undergone PRF therapy to achieve smoother, firmer skin and a more youthful complexion, often citing it as a key component of their skincare routines.
PRF therapy is favored for its natural approach to skin rejuvenation, its ability to deliver long-lasting results, and its minimal risk of adverse reactions since it utilizes the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Depending on the area, these can go for $500 to $3000 for a series of sessions.
Fractional Radiofrequency Skin Resurfacing
Fractional radiofrequency (RF) skin resurfacing is another newer cosmetic procedure used to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections.
It involves the use of a device that delivers controlled RF energy to the skin in a grid-like pattern, creating microscopic thermal zones known as microthermal treatment zones (MTZs).
These MTZs stimulate the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production, and leading to skin tightening and rejuvenation.
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian have reportedly undergone fractional RF skin resurfacing treatments to combat signs of aging.
These skin tightening treatments can go from $1,000 to $4,000.
Laser Therapies
Moving on to laser and light therapy.
Laser treatments are also popular among celebrities seeking to improve the texture and tone of their skin.
These treatments use focused beams of light to target specific skin concerns, such as sun damage, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.
Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Lopez have credited laser treatments with helping them maintain their youthful glow.
As for red light therapy, this uses low-level red wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen production and promote cell regeneration.
Celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian have sung the praises of red light therapy for its ability to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.
Laser and red light are probably not the most effective out of everything, but can certainly help.
And they are relatively easily accessible.
Cosmetic Products
Now for the factors that are truly more accessible to the average person: cosmetic products.
While genetics certainly play a role, many stars credit their youthful appearances to a carefully curated skincare regimen that includes a mix of tried-and-true products and cutting-edge treatments.
Makeup
There is an obvious one: makeup.
If a celebrity is making an appearance on a show or a movie, they’re probably wearing it.
This makes it very simple to conceal imperfections and enhance features.
I’m not a makeup expert here so look up some beauty bloggers and I’m sure they have you covered.
Tretinoin
There is one product that is the heaviest hitter.
This one is the most researched and effective compound on this list for actual structural changes to the skin.
Tretinoin is a potent derivative of vitamin A, and has long been revered in the skincare world for its ability to stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover.
This prescription-strength retinoid is a favorite among celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Kerry Washington, who credit it with minimizing fine lines, evening out skin tone, and reducing acne breakouts.
And the data backs it up too. It is the only topical approved for wrinkles.
This will absolutely get the job done, it has been part of my skincare routine for a while.
Moisturizer
One of the other most important topicals is a moisturizer, which is a skincare staple that forms the foundation of any effective anti-aging routine.
By hydrating the skin and reinforcing its natural moisture barrier, moisturizer helps to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, giving the complexion a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Moisturize your skin, morning and night.
This one is so simple and low barrier to entry.
Just do it.
Sunscreen
Next of course we have sunscreen.
Talk to any dermatologist about the most important thing their patients can use, and you will hear sunscreen 100% of the time.
Sunscreen is perhaps the single most crucial anti-aging product, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin damage.
Regular use of sunscreen helps to prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of sun-induced aging.
The data on the safety of the spray sunscreens (ingredients that end in -benzone) are a little iffy on their safety data, so I prefer zinc-based sunscreens.
Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
There are two more products that I want to highlight that I see coming up quite often: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient designed to attract and retain moisture in the skin, resulting in a plumper, more hydrated complexion.
This naturally occurring substance can be found in many skincare products, from serums to creams.
But I prefer to use the ingredient on its own at night.
Celebrities like Meghan Markle and Priyanka Chopra are fans of hyaluronic acid for its skin-smoothing properties and ability to impart a dewy, youthful glow.
Then we have niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3.
This one has gained popularity in recent years and is said to help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone.
Celebrities like Zendaya and Emma Stone incorporate niacinamide into their skincare routines to maintain a clear, youthful complexion.
I’ve been testing these out for the last 4 months and they seem to work great.
Lifestyle Factors
Diet and Exercise
Celebrities often maintain their youthful appearances through a holistic approach that extends beyond skincare and cosmetic procedures.
Access to top-tier nutritionists and trainers allows them to optimize their diet and exercise routines for optimal health and vitality.
With personalized meal plans and fitness regimens tailored to their specific needs, celebrities can ensure that they’re nourishing their bodies with the right nutrients and engaging in effective workouts to support overall well-being.
But what is the best diet for longevity and maintaining a youthful look?
To sum it up: eat real food.
Typically, it’ll be a high protein diet which is crucial for the building blocks of muscle and the collagen in your hair and skin.
There will be plenty of fruits and vegetables to supply essential vitamins key for keeping all their body processes optimized.
I’m sure they avoid processed foods, foods high in sugar, and fried foods.
My skin quality and brain fog are always worse after consuming these things.
But unless they are preparing for a role that requires a lot of added muscle mass, celebrities eat less than you think.
Caloric restriction and longevity are directly correlated.
The less you eat (to a certain point of course), the longer you live.
This is a result of less inflammation and stress on the body.
As for exercise, a consistent weight training and cardio regimen will promote a lean figure and improve every single health marker.
Typically, 2-6 resistance training sessions, whether it is lifting weights, Pilates, calisthenics, or CrossFit will be common.
For cardio, three 30-minute sessions a week will be a good baseline for improved health parameters, but I’m sure many celebrities do more to maintain a slimmer look.
Water, Sleep, and Stress
Water intake plays a crucial role in maintaining hydrated skin and overall health.
Staying properly hydrated helps to flush out toxins, improve circulation, and keep the skin plump and radiant.
Half your body weight in ounces of water per day is a good start.
And of course, we can’t forget quality sleep.
Adequate rest allows the body to repair and regenerate cells, leading to a refreshed complexion and sharper cognitive function.
We don’t want eye bags.
Chronic stress can also accelerate the aging process by increasing inflammation, compromising the immune system, and contributing to the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
I know many celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Hugh Jackman incorporate stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness into their daily routines to promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Niche Treatments
We cannot forget a few niche factors that you don’t hear about too much.
Of course, there is Photoshop for photos.
I don’t think I need to explain that one.
The top celebrities also have great genetics, most likely.
It was probably a factor of them getting famous in the first place.
But there is one more treatment worth mentioning.
Blood infusions of younger people.
I’m not kidding.
This is not some conspiracy I’m trying to promote.
Bryan Johnson is a good example of this.
If you haven’t seen him, he is a multimillionaire who is devoted to reducing (and reversing) the process of aging.
He gave blood plasma to his father, which he claims reduced his father’s cellular aging by 25 years.
He received plasma from his teenage son and had no benefits, but he is also on a $2 million-a-year aging protocol, so he probably wasn’t the best candidate.
We are already doing something similar with feces, where fecal transplants from normal-weighted individuals to overweight individuals induce changes in their gut microbiome.
It has been shown to reduce their body weight and improve health markers.
There is much more to be uncovered, and I’m curious to see how gene therapy and stem cell treatments evolve with procedures like this.
Summary
There are a lot of things that can be done.
A lot of them cost thousands of dollars, so the things that I think are most sustainable for people.
First, eat healthy and exercise – this should be the baseline for everything.
Minimize stress, get enough sleep, and drink water.
Get on a good skincare routine.
At a minimum, use moisturizer and sunscreen.
If you can afford it, many of these surgeries and procedures can enhance your look.
But sometimes they won’t.
A lot of your looks rely on your own perception.
Confidence comes from within, and you are perfect just the way you are.
Take care of your inside, and the outside will reflect that.
If you need more help with maximizing a busy schedule, or with proper training and nutrition to build muscle, lose fat, or improving your health markers, fill out the application below and I will reach out when I have spots available!
Best regards
Dr. CP