In a candid cover story interview with PEOPLE, Vanessa Williams, the former beauty queen, Hollywood star, and now 61 years young, discusses her approach to aging and why she chooses to embrace it without the help of plastic surgery. She confidently states, “I want to look like myself” and believes that her face tells the story of a life well-lived.

Williams shares that while she has considered fillers and Botox in the past, she ultimately decided against them. Instead, she turns to micro-current and nano-current technology to maintain her youthful appearance. She finds these non-invasive treatments to be amazing and prefers them over more intense procedures.

The actress draws inspiration from like-minded individuals, such as fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who encourage embracing wisdom and the natural aging process. Williams acknowledges the presence of wrinkles, which she attributes to spending too much time in the sun. However, she’s unapologetic about her love for the sun, believing that enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like doing a crossword puzzle while basking in the sun and sipping a glass of wine, is worth it.

While Williams chooses to forgo plastic surgery, she prioritizes her overall health and well-being. She incorporates bio-identical hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen into her routine, along with sublingual drops for liver, kidney, and adrenal support. Additionally, she utilizes stem cell therapy under her tongue. Williams also maintains an active lifestyle that includes kickboxing, weightlifting, cycling, swimming, and other activities to stay fit and vibrant.

As she jumps into new ventures like playing the iconic character Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada musical and releasing her first album in 15 years titled Survivor, Williams exudes happiness and fulfillment. She embraces her role as an empty nester and cherishes moments spent with her family through FaceTime. Her zest for life is truly infectious.