Dame Joan Collins insists her genes and "simple" approach to life is the secret behind her remarkably youthful appearance.

The Hollywood veteran, 93, recently made a glamorous appearance at the opening ceremony of the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival, prompting fresh fascination with how the former Dynasty star continues to defy her age decades after becoming internationally famous as scheming socialite Alexis Colby.

Now, speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Joan said about her age-defying looks: "I have very good genes - I'm very lucky."

She added: "My father lived to be 87, and for somebody born in 1903 that's pretty amazing.

"My mother took incredibly exceptional care of me and my sister. When we were growing up she gave us all supplements when nobody was taking supplements."

Joan, who has long spoken openly about healthy ageing, added she avoids extreme diets and complicated wellness routines.

She said: "I just believe in healthy living. I don't eat junk, I get eight hours of sleep, I exercise. It's very simple."

The actress also dismissed suggestions she has struggled with her mental wellbeing.

She said: "I never have thought about my mental health, ever. My mental health is perfect.

"I had great parents, I had a wonderful, loving mother, a quite strict father, so I never got into drugs and booze or any of that, so I never thought that there was anything particularly wrong with me.

"But being healthy is not my main focus. My main focus is my life, my children, my husband, my friends."

Joan remains one of television's most recognisable soap icons thanks to Dynasty's 1980s success, while she is also preparing to portray Wallis Simpson in forthcoming biopic My Duchess.

In recent years, Joan has repeatedly gone viral for red carpet appearances and social media videos, often sparking debate about ageing in Hollywood and cosmetic surgery culture.

Joan has been married to Percy Gibson, 60, since 2002 and frequently shares glimpses of their relationship online, alongside updates from her acting projects and public appearances.

Despite the growing popularity of cosmetic "tweakments" among celebrities, Joan reiterated she has never undergone Botox or surgery.

She said: "I do not believe in what they call tweakments.

"I've never had them, which is why I look more or less the same as I have done for years."

The actress told The Sun in 2017: "If people want to think I've had surgery, then… you can tell (I haven't) because I have lines and jowls."

She added in 2023: "A lot of people think I've had a ton of work done. To set the record straight: I have not.

"I haven't had Botox, I haven't had any tweakments, I haven't had fat injections, and honestly, when I look at the women who have - certainly a lot of women in their 40s - it appalls me."

Joan said her skincare routine centres around sun protection and sleeping on her back to avoid what she called "scrunchy face".

She explained: "I also always, always sleep on my back.

"I've trained myself to, because I used to sleep on my side, scrunched up into the pillow, and then I was told not to because it gives you 'scrunchy face'. Which is absolutely true."

Speaking previously to You Magazine, Joan said: "I have always worn sun protection and have kept my face away from harmful rays since I was 20."

The actress also revealed she still removes her makeup every night using Nivea cleanser before applying night cream by Charlotte Tilbury.

Joan credited another beauty trick to legendary makeup artist Allan 'Whitey' Snyder, best known for working with Marilyn Monroe.

She said: "Before all big events and post-flights, I get a bowl of ice and cotton pads, cool the pads and place them on my eyes, then lie down for five minutes. It reduces puffiness and refreshes the eyes."