Why Scarlett Johansson’s Skin Defies Age—And the One Habit She Refuses to Quit

Scarlett Johansson has long been admired for her luminous skin and effortless beauty, but at 40, she’s proving that healthy habits—not just Hollywood glam—are the true secret behind her glow. As of May 2025, the Fly Me to the Moon star and co-founder of skincare brand The Outset continues to turn heads with her radiant complexion, and she’s not keeping her approach a secret.

In a recent interview with Eat This, Johansson opened up about the five key wellness habits that keep her skin looking youthful, vibrant, and camera-ready. From minimalist skincare to mindful movement, here’s what the actress swears by.

1. She Swears by a Skin-Firming Serum

As the face and force behind The Outset, Johansson uses her brand’s firming serum daily—typically in the morning. Formulated to tone, smooth fine lines, and boost texture, this product is at the center of her routine. “It gives me that extra glow without feeling heavy,” she noted. Dermatological studies support the benefits of firming serums, especially in improving elasticity and radiance as skin matures.

2. She Keeps Her Face Makeup-Free (Most Days)

After years of heavy makeup on film sets and red carpets, Johansson now opts for minimal coverage in her everyday life. “If I’m not filming or at an event, I let my skin breathe,” she shared. Forgoing full foundation allows her pores to stay clear and reduces irritation—especially important for someone with historically acne-prone skin.

3. She Takes 15-Minute Power Naps

Johansson prioritizes sleep—not just at night, but during the day, too. She takes a 15-minute nap most afternoons to reset her energy and reduce stress. “It keeps me sane,” she joked, though science agrees: short naps have been shown to lower cortisol levels, which can improve skin health by reducing inflammation and stress-related breakouts.

4. She’s a Devoted Pilates Regular

Rather than high-intensity training, Johansson sticks with Pilates—a low-impact, muscle-lengthening workout she’s practiced for years. Her go-to? A 50-minute reformer class. The benefits go beyond tone and posture: increased circulation from regular Pilates sessions can aid skin cell turnover and give skin a naturally flushed glow.

5. She Avoids Facials—And She’s Okay with That

Despite what you might expect, Johansson skips traditional facials. “They make me nervous,” she admitted, citing her sensitive, acne-prone skin. She particularly avoids extractions, preferring a gentler, self-guided skincare approach. Instead, she focuses on consistency and simplicity—core tenets of The Outset’s minimalist philosophy.

The Bigger Picture

Scarlett’s wellness approach isn’t just about surface beauty. Her habits—rooted in self-awareness, balance, and science-backed simplicity—highlight a shift in how she cares for her skin and self. “I used to think I had to do more, but now I just want to feel good in my own skin,” she said.

With a skincare line built for sensitive skin, a reputation for authenticity, and a clear sense of what works for her, Johansson is redefining glow—not as a trend, but as a lifestyle. At 40, she’s not just aging gracefully—she’s glowing on her own terms.