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What is the secret of Lebanese singer Fairuz’s beauty at 90?
Is it because she ditched the stage or did good genes and specialised routine come into play? We ask the experts
- PUBLISHED: Sat 23 Aug 2025, 8:04 AM
- By:
- Sara AlKuwari
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When the legendary and reclusive Lebanese singer Fairuz was spotted at her son’s funeral last month, her appearance surprised fans. Even as she mourned the loss, people could not help but notice her blemish-free complexion at age 90. This sparked a debate on social media about the secret to her youthful look, with many suggesting it was staying away from the spotlight and inner peace that helped her look much younger than she really is.
But are these widespread speculations accurate? Can skin truly maintain its youthfulness until the age of 90 without cosmetic intervention? The short answer is yes.
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However, explained Dr Sara Iakovou, dermatologist at Quttainah Specialized Hospital, while it is possible, it is quite rare. She said: “A small percentage of people naturally age more slowly due to a combination of exceptional genetic factors, healthy skincare habits, reduced sun exposure, and an overall healthy lifestyle. In such cases, the skin retains its firmness and even tone, with fewer visible wrinkles well into old age.
However, this is exceptional and not typical.” For many years, Fairuz — a cultural icon and one of the most celebrated singers in the Arab world — chose to remain absent from the public eye. She rarely performed at concerts, released new songs, or granted press interviews. In fact, before her latest appearance, she was last seen in September 2020, when French president Emmanuel Macron visited her home to present her with the Legion of Honour — the highest decoration in France. A rare collection of photos from the meeting surfaced afterwards.
SUBTLE CHANGES
Dr Iakovou explained that natural ageing typically presents as subtle, uniform changes across the face, fine lines, a slight loss of volume, and uneven skin texture. In contrast, cosmetically treated skin, particularly with fillers or facelifts, may display areas of disproportionate smoothness, tightness, or noticeable changes in facial features.
Signs of natural youthfulness include harmony between skin quality and other signs, such as those on the hands, neck, and posture. She believes that if the Lebanese celebrity truly hasn’t undergone cosmetic surgery, her visage would be evidence of exceptional genetics and disciplined self-care. “Genetic factors can account for up to 50 to 60 per cent of the ageing of our skin,” Dr Iakovou noted.
Traits such as collagen density, skin thickness, and natural pigmentation strongly influence the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. However, lifestyle and environmental exposures still play a significant role in how these genetic advantages manifest over time. Then there are skincare routines and habits that can significantly delay the onset of wrinkles. Dr Iakovou said: “Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, a diet rich in antioxidants, consistent moisturising, gentle cleansing, and avoiding smoking all contribute to slowing the visible signs of ageing.”
Hydration is another essential part of maintaining youthful skin. “Whether applied topically or taken internally, combined with gentle exfoliation and collagen-boosting ingredients such as retinoids or vitamin C, hydration help maintain skin elasticity for decades.”
Reshma Devjani, clinical dietitian at Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai, added that staying hydrated “may help reduce acne breakouts by regulating oil production”.
Dr Iakovou noted that Fairuz may have followed a very subtle and expertly executed skincare regimen that avoids visible signs of intervention. “In an age when cosmetic enhancements are increasingly common, the natural ageing process can be even more impressive,” she added.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PEACE
Fairuz withdrew from the public eye and stopped live performances more than 25 years ago. While no one knows whether she has lived a happy life since then, experts agree that psychological stability is one of the key factors that influence how we age.
“When a person maintains a balanced psychological state, the body tends to produce fewer stress hormones like cortisol, which can break down collagen and elastin in the skin,” explained psychiatrist Dr Mansour Assaf. “Lower stress levels also reduce chronic inflammation, helping the skin stay firm, hydrated, and more radiant over time,” he added.
QUIET, SECLUDED LIFESTYLE
A life of fame exposes a person to many stressors such as public scrutiny, gossip, and constant social demands. On the other hand, Dr Assaf said: “A quiet, secluded lifestyle away from the spotlight is likely a significant factor in Fairuz’s ability to maintain vibrant skin at 90.”
He added that low stress levels also help a person maintain hormonal balance and protect skin health for decades. “I encourage privacy and following a routine, including rest, self-care, and a healthy lifestyle. All these factors help one maintain a youthful appearance,” added Dr Assaf. “Chronic stress and untreated psychological trauma keep the body in a prolonged ‘fight or flight’ state.
This stimulates constant cortisol secretion, which accelerates skin ageing by weakening the protective barrier, slowing cell turnover, and increasing oxidative damage. People suffering from chronic stress may notice pallor, deeper wrinkles, dryness, and even skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,” he continued.
Conversely, people who live satisfying lives tend to look younger than their biological age. “Satisfaction and fulfillment have a clear impact on youthfulness. A positive outlook encourages healthy habits, stronger social relationships, and lower stress levels, all contributing to a more vibrant appearance. Emotionally satisfied people tend to smile more, have less facial muscle tension, and often have a natural glow that makes them look younger,” Dr Assaf said. Another element is sleep.
Good quality sleep is one of the most underappreciated anti-ageing measures, say the experts. During deep sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, damage caused by UV exposure is repaired, and collagen production is stimulated. Lack of sleep disrupts these processes, leading to dark circles, puffiness, and premature wrinkles. Over time, regular sleep improves skin elasticity, evens skin tone, and boosts overall radiance.
TIPS FOR YOUNGER SKIN
They also point out that nutrition and mental health play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and delaying the onset of ageing. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants supports skin repair and protection. Meanwhile, mental well-being reduces stress-related ageing effects. “Nutrition is closely associated with skin health and is required for all biological processes of the skin, from youth to ageing or disease,” said Reshma Devjani, clinical dietitian at Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai.
She explained that a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for skin elasticity, hydration, and overall radiance. And, unhealthy eating patterns can exacerbate skin issues and accelerate ageing. The nutrients she suggests for skin vitality include vitamin C (stimulates collagen, inhibits melanin); omega-3s (maintain moisture, reduce inflammation); vitamin A and carotenoids (support cell turnover, protect from sun); zinc (wound healing, antimicrobials); selenium (UV protection); and vitamin E (protects collagen, reduces inflammation).
“Foods like fatty fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of these nutrients,” she added.
Devjani said avoiding excessive refined sugars and processed fats can help delay signs of ageing, as refined sugars can damage collagen and elastin, while processed fats contribute to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
So, what exactly worked for Fairuz? Was it just staying out of the limelight? Or was it something to do with epigenetics and a life well lived? We think it was somewhere between the two — nature is powerful after all, but nurture rewards you too.
