We have been conditioned to see celebrities through a very specific, high-definition lens. It’s usually polished. It’s often airbrushed. But then Valerie Bertinelli goes and posts a selfie in a hotel bathroom, and suddenly, the internet feels like a slightly more honest place.
If you missed it, the 65-year-old actress and lifestyle icon recently shared a raw, makeup-free image of herself in a red bikini. It wasn't about being "perfect." Honestly, it was about being real. She was standing there, eyeglasses on, getting ready for a cold plunge in 66-degree water. No studio lighting. No professional glam squad. Just Valerie.
This isn't just about a Valerie Bertinelli selfie; it’s about a massive shift in how we talk about aging in 2026. People are tired of the "anti-aging" narrative that treats getting older like a disease. Bertinelli is leaning into the "pro-aging" movement, and her followers are here for it.
The Madness and the Mirror
A few months back, Valerie sparked a huge conversation with a different mirror selfie—this one in her underwear. She mentioned the "madness" her body had been through over the last year. She didn't initially spell out every detail, but she was clear about one thing: she’s done with the self-loathing.
It’s kind of wild to think about. This is a woman who spent years as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. She’s been the face of "losing weight" for a generation. Now? She’s the face of "loving what you’ve got."
"For the first time in my life, I love my body as it is," she told her followers. That’s a heavy statement. Think about it. She’s been in the public eye since she was a teenager on One Day at a Time. That is decades of people commenting on her waistline, her face, her everything.
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Why People Are Reacting So Strongly
You’ve probably seen the comments. Most are cheering her on. Some, because it's the internet, are critical. But Valerie isn't backing down. When people judge her for posting these photos, she basically tells them to look inward.
She’s mentioned that kindness takes strength. It’s easy to be mean behind a keyboard. It’s a lot harder to look in a mirror and be kind to yourself.
- Authenticity: She’s showing the "lumps and bumps" that most stars hide.
- Vulnerability: Sharing a photo in your underwear at 64 or 65 is objectively "scary," as she put it.
- Rebellion: She is actively rejecting the idea that a woman’s value decreases as she ages.
The Cold Plunge and Mental Health
Her most recent "red bikini" post wasn't just a thirst trap. Far from it. She was talking about her mood. She’s been using cold plunges to deal with inflammation and to keep her headspace clear.
She’s been very open about her mental health journey. From her split with Mike Goodnough after ten months of dating to the loss of her ex-husband Eddie Van Halen, she’s had some rough years. The Valerie Bertinelli selfie isn't just about physical appearance; it’s a progress report on her emotional well-being.
It’s relatable. Who hasn't looked in the mirror and felt a spiral of self-doubt? The difference is she’s choosing to stop the spiral. She’s choosing cereal for dinner and "adulting" on her own terms.
Dealing with the Critics
One of the coolest things she did recently was clap back at the "size" comments. People tell her she’s too thin. Others say she’s too fat.
"I’m a size 10," she said on The Drew Barrymore Show. "How is that too thin? How is that too fat?"
It’s such a simple point. We have these rigid boxes for what a woman’s body should look like, and she’s just... over it. She’s just Valerie. She’s a mom, a chef, an actress, and a human being who is allowed to take up space without apologizing for it.
How to Apply the Valerie Mindset
If you’re looking at her posts and feeling inspired, there are a few practical things you can take away from her journey. It’s not just about taking a selfie; it’s about the "internal labor" she mentions.
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- Audit your social media. If you follow accounts that make you feel like garbage about your own body, hit unfollow. Find people like Valerie who show the reality of aging.
- Practice "Patient Discernment." This is a phrase Valerie uses. It’s about deciding whose opinion actually matters. Hint: Usually, it’s only yours.
- Find your "Cold Plunge." It doesn't have to be literal ice water. It’s whatever tool helps your mood—journaling, walking, or just eating breakfast for dinner because you feel like it.
- Stop the scale obsession. She’s been vocal about not letting a number define her. Focus on how your jeans feel and how your energy levels are instead.
Valerie Bertinelli is proving that 65 isn't the "end" of being vibrant or visible. It’s just another chapter. By posting that Valerie Bertinelli selfie, she isn't asking for permission to exist; she’s claiming it.
The next time you’re hesitant to take a photo because the lighting isn't perfect or you aren't wearing makeup, think about Valerie in that Manhattan hotel bathroom. She felt "simple appreciation" just to be standing there. Maybe we can all find a little more of that.
Actionable Insights for Self-Acceptance:
Stop waiting for a "goal weight" to start living your life or appearing in photos. Start by taking one unedited photo of yourself today. Don't post it if you aren't ready, but look at it with the same kindness you'd offer a friend. Recognize that your "lumps and bumps" are actually just evidence of a life lived. Switch your focus from how your body looks to what it allows you to do—whether that's cooking a great meal or just standing strong in front of a mirror.