Few people can step onto a runway at 52 and rewrite the narrative on aging in real time, but Molly Sims isn't most people. When she took the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit stage this year, jaws dropped. The model, entrepreneur, YSE Beauty founder and NewBeauty’s Spring 2026 cover star is simply, undeniably hot and somehow the kindest person in the room at the same time.
Sims says her approach to beauty these days is less about perfection and more about feeling strong, healthy and confident in her own skin, and honestly, it shows. Ahead of the show, we caught up with Sims to talk strength training, skin treatments, aging and the products she relied on to get runway-ready.
You've had such an iconic history with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Did your approach to beauty and prep feel different this time around?
“Honestly, yes. It felt different this time, but in the best way. I’ve learned over the years that prep isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what actually works for you. So instead of chasing ‘perfect,’ I focused on feeling really good in my skin, which meant staying hydrated, rested and glowy and a little less stressed about every tiny detail. It was hard, but I tried. I still love the glam moment, of course, but now it’s more about enhancing what’s already there rather than transforming anything. I’ve also gotten a lot better at knowing when to stop before I overthink myself out of a good hair day.”
What was most important for you to address during runway prep? Were there any concerns that felt different than they did earlier in your career?
“Since my early days shooting Sports Illustrated, I’ve had three C-sections, so yes, I was definitely a little nervous going into this. I didn’t just wake up at 52 shoot-ready. It took a lot of behind-the-scenes work. A big focus for me was rebuilding my core and shifting from just toning to actually building strength again. I really leaned into strength training alongside Tracy Anderson classes, not to change who I am, but to feel confident in my own skin. It’s never about hiding anything. It was about showing up feeling powerful in the body I’ve lived a full life in.”
What treatments did you do leading up to the show?
“I really leaned into treatments that focused on skin quality and glow. I did microneedling with PRP and exosomes, and also became obsessed with PRX treatments with Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Haleh Bakshandeh because the results were incredible with very minimal downtime or discomfort. Of course, a little neuromodulator maintenance here and there never hurts, and I always see Catherine Esposito for facials because she has this magic way of making my skin look fresh, glowy and alive. And honestly, if you don’t have time to hide out for days recovering after microneedling, which I definitely don’t, adding exosomes is such a game-changer because they really help calm inflammation and speed everything up.”
What did your at-home routine look like before Miami?
“I used a red light mask religiously throughout prep and really dialed in my routine because the truth is your skin snitches on your lifestyle. It knows when you're stressed, dehydrated, sleeping badly or saying ‘just one drink’ three nights in a row.
I focused on high protein, low carb, tons of greens, lots of water and yes, cutting back on alcohol, which honestly deserved its own medal. YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads ($75) were my non-negotiable because they're basically a reset button for your face and create the ultimate smooth, even base. But during prep, I also became obsessed with what I call the YSE Beauty Runway Ready Trio ($125).”
You've watched beauty standards evolve dramatically over the years. Are women approaching aging differently today?
“Absolutely. Women today are far less obsessed with looking younger and much more interested in looking great as themselves. Ten years ago, aging was treated like something to fight, erase, freeze and hide. Now the conversation feels smarter. It’s less about chasing youth and more about feeling confident in your own skin.”
What's your advice for someone considering body treatments for the first time?
“Start subtle and stay consistent. Focus on one thing that genuinely bothers you, and remember: consistency always ages better than chasing a single dramatic fix.”
Has launching YSE Beauty changed the way you think about treatments and maintenance?
“It made me a lot less interested in quick fixes and a lot more obsessed with what actually works in real life. Now I think in terms of consistency, maintenance and products that can keep up with a very unglamorous schedule, not fantasy routines.”
What does confidence mean to you now compared to earlier in your career?
“Back in the day, confidence felt conditional, like something you only earned when everything on the outside looked right. The outfit, the hair, the skin. It all had to be in place before you could even allow yourself to feel it. Now, confidence feels much more internal. It radiates from within, and it’s so much more accessible because you’re no longer outsourcing it. You’re defining it for yourself, on your own terms.”
