Michelle Pfeiffer on aging: 'It can wreak havoc on your psyche'

Michelle Pfeiffer has been referred to as one of the world's most beautiful women many times, but at 55 years old, the "Family" star claims watching herself age on the silver screen wasn't easy.

"Having to watch yourself age on a giant movie screen is simply not natural," the mother of two told the Ladies' Home Journal for the October 2013 issue. "It can wreak havoc on your psyche. My dermatologist said to me once, 'You know that 10X magnifying mirror that you have in the bathroom? Throw it away.' It was the best advice anybody ever gave me. Of course, now my eyes are weaker and I can't see to put my makeup on without that mirror!"

The Academy Award nominated actress went on to say that she's completely changed the way in which she treats her body. Although she is now a vegan who works out frequently, Pfeiffer explained that her lifestyle was not always healthy. She attributed her new diet to a documentary she saw on CNN.

"A few years ago I saw a special on CNN, "The Last Heart Attack," about how to prevent heart disease. I'm not really at risk for that but my father died of cancer and my mother has advanced-stage dementia. And I have people close to me battling cancer. Seeing both of my parents suffer has made me think a lot about longevity and quality of life. And while it's open to debate, if there's any chance we can prevent a lot of chronic illnesses by the way we eat, why not try it? So I cut out meat and dairy and after two months my cholesterol shot down 83 points," she explained.

"I also try to exercise five days a week -- I run, do free weights. But I haven't always been healthy. When I was in my 20s I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. I lived on Marlboro Lights and Coca-Cola."

In the end, the Hollywood veteran has made peace with her vanity demons, and is happy with her looks.

"Once you get over a certain hump there actually is less pressure," Pfeiffer said. "You can begin to look great for your age. You don't have to look young anymore. I've moved over to that other side -- I'm 55, which is a little too close to 60, but looking great for my age is okay now."