Anne Hathaway’s altering face: How star seems to be youthful at 43 than she did in her 20s – as professional reveals the secrets and techniques behind her youthful glow

She first burst onto the big screen aged just 18 in The Princess Diaries, playing Mia Thermopolis, a clumsy fresh-faced teenager who discovers she is heir to a royal throne.

But it’s appears Anne Hathaway, now 43, has barely aged a day after she showcased a very youthful complexion at the Oscars on Sunday.

The actress has been busy promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel to the 2006 comedy, based on a roman à clef by a former assistant to Dame Anna Wintour at Vogue. 

In a full-circle moment, the star took to the stage at the glitzy film awards alongside the fashion editor, who jokingly offered a frosty appraisal of Anne’s Valentino dress.

But for many viewers at home, it was the Hollywood A-lister’s face that drew the most attention, with one person writing on X: ‘What did Anne Hathaway do to her face and why?,’ while another said: ‘Anne Hathaway debuting her new face.’

It’s not the first time the actress has sparked speculation over her taut expression – and now, a cosmetics expert has revealed how the American star perhaps achieved her ageless look. 

Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, told The Daily Mail: ‘Anne Hathaway’s recent appearances have sparked a huge wave of admiration, and curiosity, about how she manages to look so radiant and refreshed in her 40s. 

‘While she has never publicly confirmed specific treatments, there are a number of realistic, subtle aesthetic options that could help explain her smooth skin, lifted features, and natural glow, all without looking overdone.’

The expert suggested that Anne has had small, ‘strategically placed doses of Botox’, which soften lines, especially around the forehead and eyes.

‘A vast number of celebrities use this preventative approach to maintain smoothness without freezing the face,’ explained Dr Ross. 

He continued: ‘Dermal fillers can restore volume where it’s gently lost with age, particularly the cheeks, mid‑face, and jawline. 

‘This can create a softly contoured yet natural silhouette, enhancing bone structure without dramatic change, which is likely what we’re seeing with Anne in these recent photos.’

The expert also suggested that the actress was a fan of ‘advanced non‑surgical options’ like laser resurfacing, microneedling, or biostimulatory injectables, cosmetic treatments that stimulate collagen and improve ‘texture and tone’.

Dr Ross also suggested Anne perhaps had undergone a ‘mild brow lift (non‑surgical or surgical)’ which can ‘lift the upper face while still looking beautifully natural’.

He added: ‘I can’t say for certain if Anne has had that, as in equal measures she undoubtedly has excellent genes and is ageing very well. There is no doubt that Anne looks after her skin and sees a dermatologist regularly. 

‘Great skin always starts with fundamentals, daily SPF, hydration, antioxidants, and a strong home routine can make a big difference in how skin looks and ages. Anne has long spoken about taking care of her skin and health over the long term.

‘Anne doesn’t look too overdone, she has enhanced what’s already there rather than transforming it, and the work she’s had done has been done carefully and is very subtle,’ concluded the expert.

The Daily Mail contacted Anne Hathaway’s representatives for comment. 

Over the years, Anne has revealed snippets of her self-care and exercise routines which may give some insight into how, at 43, she looks better than ever.

The Les Mis actress gave up drinking amid a promise to be sober while raising her sons Jonathan, born in 2016, and Jack, born in 2019. 

The actress told People: ‘In my thirties, I had to give up alcohol. I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t lead the life that I wanted while drinking.’

The actress said she doesn’t plan to drink again until her children have moved out.

Speaking to Boston Common Magazine, she also revealed one of her hangovers had lasted for five days, which put her off drinking altogether.

‘When I’m at a stage in my life where there is enough space for me to have a hangover, I’ll start drinking again, but that won’t be until my kid is out of the house,’ she said.  

Dr Asha Chhaya, aesthetic doctor and medical lead at WY Skin Clinic, said: ‘Giving up alcohol can have a profound impact on skin health and overall appearance. 

‘Alcohol is notorious for dehydrating the skin, which can lead to a dull, tired complexion and exacerbate conditions such as redness and acne. 

‘By abstaining from alcohol, Anne has likely mitigated these adverse effects, resulting in clearer, more hydrated, and youthful-looking skin.’ 

And avoiding alcohol isn’t the only way in which Anne looks after her skin, as her long-term facialist revealed the actress has a strict skincare routine.

Su-Man told Net-a-Porter that she massages her face, puts on a face mask and applies SPF 30 every day. 

The actress herself has also spoken in the past about how she has always prioritised her skin and protected it from sun damage after her mother encouraged her to wear SPF daily from a young age.

‘I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine and use spray tan if I need to look as if I’ve been sunbathing,’ she previously told The Sun in 2012.

Sure enough, in 2015, pictures emerged of her walking down the streets of New York City holding a turquoise umbrella in the sun. 

In terms of health and fitness, Anne works out regularly and has been known to exercise in sessions for an hour a day, five days a week.

Celebrity personal trainer Ramona Braganza, who helped Anne get in shape for her roles in Get Smart and Rachel Getting Married, said varying workouts are really important.

She told Women’s Health that Anne would do her ‘321 training method’ which involved a mixture of cardio, circuit and core exercises using resistance equipment to increase strength.