16 Celebrities Who Prove the Adage "Black Don't Crack"

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Growing up, my mother and I had a major issue: everyone always thought she was my older sister. Of course, she became effervescent with the compliments, while I insisted that the person was obviously being facetious. But now I must admit that my mom is double my age and still looks like she's in her 30s. Her big skin secret: "Black don't crack."

You've probably heard the saying before, but there's actually scientific proof to this statement. Women (and men) of color have more melanin in their skin, which serves as natural protection against the sun's harmful rays. "Melanin acts as a photo protective, meaning it protects against ultraviolet light," explained dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles of Derma di Colore in NYC. "Because a lot of the signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration — are caused by UV light, we don't get a lot of those signs of aging with pigmented skin." While that doesn't mean darker skin tones can avoid sunscreen altogether, it does mean that outward aging takes longer to appear on caramel and ebony complexions than their fair-skinned peers.

Still don't believe us? We've rounded up 16 stars who prove there's truth to the idiom "Black don't crack." You'd never guess that each one of these celebrities is over the age of 40. Now, we're not saying that these ladies (and gent) haven't had a little help from cosmetic touch-ups and concealer, but genetics still play a major role. The secret is in the skin tone.

01
Pharrell Williams, 41
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Pharrell Williams, 41

We don't know what potions Pharrell has been drinking, but he actually looks younger now than when he first arrived on the hip-hop scene back in the '90s. Maybe it's that huge Vivienne Westwood hat keeping the sun's aging rays away . . .

02
Gabrielle Union, 42
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Gabrielle Union, 42

We've had the pleasure of seeing Gabrielle's skin up close, and this isn't Photoshop, people! She looks just as flawless IRL. The secret: she has been drinking a gallon of water a day since she turned 35.

03
Jada Pinkett Smith, 43
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Jada Pinkett Smith, 43

Everyone might be talking about her kids, Willow and Jaden Smith, but can we give Jada her moment in the spotlight? Her wrinkle-free skin (and petite height) make her look about 25 years old. The actress revealed that she relies on Dr. Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Acid Ampules ($215) to keep her complexion clear and radiant.

04
Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, 43
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Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, 43

Yes, this is the same Chilli that had us creeping in the '90s but all grown up. She has been able to maintain a teenage mask by refraining from alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, and sodas. Nobody said looking this good was easy . . .

05
Sanaa Lathan, 43
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Sanaa Lathan, 43

We're actually jealous that Sanaa hasn't gained one fine line or wrinkle since she starred in The Best Man 16 years ago. How is that even fair? Sanaa attributes her glow to eating right, drinking water, and working out.

06
Naomi Campbell, 44
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Naomi Campbell, 44

Now we don't expect models to age much — they do have extensive skin care routines, after all. But Naomi has fared better than most of her "big six" supermodel comrades. Maybe it's all the yoga she's been doing?

07
Taraji P. Henson, 44
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Taraji P. Henson, 44

We might have to check Taraji's birth certificate because she looks more like 30 than 44. And while you might think she's chained to a daily makeup routine, the actress admits that she is more comfortable going barefaced. Plus, it helps that Taraji has hardly any flaws to hide!

08
Nia Long, 44
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Nia Long, 44

Recently Nia posed for Allure magazine in the nude, and we can tell you that her face isn't the only thing defying gravity. Even after having two children and crossing over the 40-and-fabulous milestone, she is toned and taut from head to toe — not that we were staring or anything.

09
Stacey Dash, 47
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Stacey Dash, 47

There's no need to do a double take; Stacey looks the exact same today as she did as Dionne in Clueless (that was back in 1995 by the way). She did get rid of those box braids and plaid miniskirts though, thank goodness.

10
Garcelle Beauvais, 48
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Garcelle Beauvais, 48

If you can find wrinkles on Garcelle's fabulous facade, you've got superhero eyesight because we can't spot a thing. We love that even though the actress is knocking on 50's door, she's not afraid to try out dramatic beauty trends like a dark-brown lip or shoulder-grazing lob.

11
Halle Berry, 48
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Halle Berry, 48

Halle is ruining it for all the rest of us ladies. Now, men expect all of us to look that good at 48, which just isn't possible. The actress has a simple skin care routine: cleanse, moisturize, and sunscreen — that's it.

12
Viola Davis, 49
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Viola Davis, 49

Viola has been labeled as "less classically beautiful" by some, but honestly she's aging better than most 49-year-old actresses in Hollywood (take that, New York Times). She has less forehead wrinkles than any bright-eyed babe in her 20s.

13
Iman, 59
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Iman, 59

Look at your mom. Now, look at Iman. Look at your mom again . . . Iman is looking pretty good! After all this time, she still has the same beauty that wowed us in Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" video. The supermodel and business maven admits that while her face remains flawless, her body is another story altogether. Damn you, gravity (shakes fist)!

14
Tina Knowles, 61
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Tina Knowles, 61

Beyoncé and Solange don't have to worry about sagging and dark spots in their old age because Tina looks more like the older sister than a mother. While plastic surgery rumors have been flying, we can spot good genes anywhere, and the Knowles clan has it made.

15
Alfre Woodard, 62
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Alfre Woodard, 62

Typically someone Alfre's age is limited to matronly roles, but this season she's playing the POTUS in the TV series State of Affairs. Her skin is anything but old, which has allowed her to play diverse acting roles over the past three decades.

16
Cicely Tyson, 91
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Cicely Tyson, 91

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Cicely is over 90 years old and still looks as glamorous as ever. While she may have a few laugh lines, that's just proof she's lived a full, happy life. Cicely's even up on the latest beauty trends like eyebrows on fleek. Who you calling grandma?