At 58, Sarah Jessica Parker Says She Has ‘No Interest’ in ‘Looking Younger’

Isabella Cavallo, Emily Goldman

September 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM·3 min read

sarah jessica parker in new york city june — Sarah Jessica Parker Doesn’t Want to Look YoungerJames Devaney - Getty Images

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Sarah Jessica Parker opens up about her approach to skincare and aging.
The 58-year-old And Just Like That… star tells Prevention that she has “no interest” in “looking younger.”
Plus, some of her go-to skincare products.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s skincare prowess knows no bounds. The star has spent countless hours with makeup artists, transforming into Carrie Bradshaw on And Just Like That… (and in Sex and the City years before), absorbing skincare tips along the way. Though she credits her dermatologist and RoC (a skincare brand for which she’s an ambassador) with helping her perfect her skincare routine, the star’s relationship with her skin has changed as she ages.

“It’s important to me that someone is minding my skin versus somebody who is like ‘I can make you younger,’” Parker tells Prevention. “Which is of no interest to me and isn’t a reality.” The actress says working with experienced makeup artists, having a dermatologist she trusts, and simply knowing her skin better over time helps her see results and keeps her skin glowing.

The 58-year-old actress takes an educated approach to skincare, learning about her complexion and taking steps to protect it—which wasn’t always the case. Growing up as one of eight kids (and an avid swimmer) she says access to sunscreen wasn’t always guaranteed. “I think when you’re younger you don’t take the time to try to better understand the science of [skincare],” Parker says. “You just don’t know as much; there’s no concern.”

While Parker admits to forgoing sunscreen in the past, she says she became much more vigilant in the past 10 to 15 years. Nowadays, the star says her relationship with skincare is “more committed than it’s ever been.” Between time and having kids with various skin types, Parker says she’s become more thoughtful about sunscreen and sunburns.

Along with protecting her skin from harmful UV rays, the star says the types of products she uses have changed over the years. Now, she’s added retinol to her routine. “I have sensitive skin,” Parker says, admitting that she initially thought the powerful skincare ingredient would cause a reaction. “I used to think corrective things were intimidating because I didn’t know what my [skin’s] reaction would be.”

Parker credits her relationship with RoC and “reading the material” with helping her better understand the benefits of retinol (which include addressing UV damage, smoothing skin, combating acne, and even helping even out skin discoloration). If you’re also worried about irritation like Parker, there are plenty of retinols for sensitive skin to choose from.

But how does the actress counteract the drying effects of retinol and maintain her glowing complexion? According to a post on Instagram, she uses Merit Beauty’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum to provide smooth, glowing skin while acting in And Just Like That... The product has four types of hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and gives Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, hydrated, radiant skin.

But at the end of the day, the star keeps her skincare routine simple. She sticks to her favorites for logistical reasons that are so relatable. “I try not to be seduced by a lot of recommendations because it gets confusing to me,” Parker says. “I just don’t want to spend that much time on it and I don’t want to have my bathroom dominated with countless tubes.”

If you want a no-fuss skincare routine and radiant skin like Parker, check out some of her favorite products below.