Penelope Cruz Admits Anxiety Struggles, 'Hypochondriac Tendencies'

Actress Penelope Cruz may be one of Hollywood's sought after leading ladies, but behind the camera, the Spanish star admitted she suffers from anxiety and "hypochondriac tendencies."

The Oscar winner and 41-year-old mother of two said that she has been so good at hiding her fears and apprehensions, but she does carry a lot of struggles. "Everyone thinks I'm so centered and relaxed but it's the opposite of what goes on inside me. But I've been working on it all my life so it gets better," Cruz said.

Adjusting To Social Media

The actress is doing the press rounds these days to promote her latest movie, "Zoolander 2," and is yet to learn to embrace social media to touch base with fans and followers. While she has an official Instagram account, she admitted she only uses it for "specific" purposes.

"I'm not going to photograph the fried eggs I eat in the morning. It seems unnatural to me, like posting photos of my family."

Cruz also dished that when it comes to sending messages, she's pretty old school and would prefer writing actual letters or cards. "I'll always be like that. I hold out the hope it changes one day and the two worlds can co-exist."

She also confessed that despite working in front of the cameras for years, she still has fears of doing live theater. In fact, her fears are so great that she has missed many opportunities to star on Broadway.

Her Odd Health Routine

Meanwhile, the wife of actor Javier Bardem also revealed that she routinely visits a nutritionist who helps her determine if she's vitamin-deficient. She receives "good quality" multivitamins from the health expert, including probiotics and enzymes.

She knows her quirks drive her "hypochondriac tendencies," but she believes her peculiarities about health made her smoke less. It has done wonders for her skin, too. At her age, when most women would opt to get botox or undergo procedures, Cruz has yet to try getting cosmetic enhancements. It also helps that she's particular about her skin regimen. Part of her routine is to apply sunscreen daily and to take off her makeup before going to bed.

Cruz was exposed to beauty routines at a young age, long before other girls. She understood their effect from watching her mom's clients. "I grew up in my mother's beauty salon, so I'm very aware of the difference that make-up can have [on women]," the Lancome model said. "New hair, or nails, or make-up would make them walk taller, carry themselves better, feel prouder. It's very empowering."