Audrey Hepburn's Biggest Skincare Secrets Are Still So Useful Today

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When it comes to true, timeless beauty icons, Audrey Hepburn is undoubtedly among the first to come to mind. With films like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "My Fair Lady," the British actor established herself as Hollywood royalty, but Hepburn is remembered for far more than just her roles. The star's impact on fashion and beauty remains relevant, with Audrey Hepburn's iconic bangs making a resurgence in 2023 and the actor's winged eyeliner remaining a staple in makeup trends.

While Audrey Hepburn is one of the pop culture icons you should let influence your wardrobe, the star is also known for her gorgeous skin. And today, we're taking a look at all the skincare advice that Hepburn has shared over the years. From what the non-negotiable part of her nighttime routine was to just what she had in common with fellow beauty icon Marilyn Monroe, here is what Audrey Hepburn preached — and it's just as relevant today.

Audrey Hepburn knew that the key to many skin concerns is simply ensuring your skin is hydrated enough, both from the inside and out. "She was really about drinking a lot of water and eating a lot of vegetables," Hepburn's son Luca Dotti wrote in the book "Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen". "It was a matter of how she was brought up," Dotti continued. 

Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health — skin health included. Of course, there are signs your skin is dehydrated, and ensuring you take the right steps when you notice them is key. According to Vogue, the Hollywood star was all about using skincare to keep hydrated. Per the outlet, Hepburn said that she used "a lot of moisturizers and oils, because I have rather dry skin." Even though Hepburn's skin was on the drier side, this was never noticeable in her movies or appearances.

When it comes to skincare, Audrey Hepburn had a very holistic approach. The Academy Award-winning actor knew the importance of good nutrition and the role food plays in the appearance of the skin. Hepburn emphasized that a healthy lifestyle was an essential part of her skincare. Of course, it's no secret that certain skin conditions can actually indicate more serious health problems. "Good health is the key to good skin; if your skin isn't good, it's a signal that something is wrong," the Hollywood icon preached (via Vogue).

While Hepburn focused on a healthy lifestyle, the actor admitted that it's not always easy to eat clean and work out regularly. "You try to exercise, but you can't always; you eat the things that are good for you, but you also eat things that are not so good for you. Let's face it: a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me," she shared in 1971 (via Vogue). "I don't believe in any rigid rules. You have to be as relaxed as possible about food and fitness and the rest of it, or you'll be a slave to your beauty habits." The Hollywood icon added that living your life and being happy is more important than any beauty ritual. Nevertheless, plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as ballet, remained a big part of Hepburn's daily life.

As a Hollywood star, Audrey Hepburn often wore plenty of makeup, and the star revealed that taking it off at the end of the day was something she never skipped. "Working in the theatre, I've seen what not removing make-up well can really do to the skin, so I'm very careful about that," she shared (via Vogue), adding that soap was what she used to cleanse her face. In 1972, Hepburn's makeup artist, Alberto de Rossi, also revealed to Vogue that he always cleansed her face prior to applying makeup. "Soap and water. Some complexions can be very dry, but there are certainly special soaps for that type of skin," the artist shared at the time.

However, the beauty industry has evolved a lot since then, and today, soap is rarely used to remove makeup, unless it's a specific soap meant for one's face. However, the importance of removing your makeup at the end of the day remains just as relevant. Even though makeup products have changed as well — and plenty of them contain skincare ingredients in them now, cleansing your skin before bed is still crucial. We've already discussed what happens to your skin when you sleep with your makeup on, which is why this Hepburn skincare tip still holds up!

While Audrey Hepburn took care of her skin every day, the "Roman Holiday" star knew the importance that a visit to the dermatologist plays in maintaining skin health throughout the years. "I owe 50 percent of my beauty to my mother, and the other 50 percent to Erno Laszlo," Hepburn gushed about her dermatologist, whose client list also included Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly (via Grazia).

Hepburn trusted that a dermatologist knew what was best for her skin, and Erno Laszlo was immensely popular among the rich and famous at the time. In fact, his self-titled brand continues to have an impact on beauty, as its products remain popular. Now, if you've never been to a dermatologist, consider visiting one when you can, and definitely make an appointment with your dermatologist if you notice one of these skin conditions.