Kendra Wilkinson Embraces Aging, Claps Back at Critics

The former Playboy model celebrates her body and happiness despite online comments about her appearance.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Kendra Wilkinson is embracing the skin she's in and clapping back at online critics who leave negative comments about her age. The former Playboy model says she's 'happier than I've ever been lately' despite a 'little weight gain and wrinkles', and she's not going to let the 'negative energy' of body shamers tie into her happiness anymore.

Why it matters

Wilkinson's response highlights the ongoing issue of women, especially public figures, facing criticism and scrutiny over their appearance as they age. Her message of self-acceptance and prioritizing her own happiness over external validation is an important counterpoint to the unrealistic beauty standards often imposed on women in the public eye.

The details

In an Instagram post, Wilkinson wrote that she used to use filters on herself but is now 'just embracing myself as it is.' She acknowledged comments from critics saying she's aged 'poorly', but said she's 'ok with aging 'poorly'' because she's 'happier than I've ever been lately.' Wilkinson, who rose to fame on E!'s The Girls Next Door, is now a realtor and mom of two, and says she's focused on 'giving back to ME' rather than 'impressing others' as she did in her 20s.

  • Wilkinson made the comments in an Instagram post on March 8, 2026.
  • This comes nearly a year after Wilkinson addressed body shamers about her post-Playboy figure in March 2025.

The players

Kendra Wilkinson

A former Playboy model who rose to fame on the reality show The Girls Next Door, and is now a realtor and mother of two.

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What they’re saying

“I used to use a light filter on myself but now I'm just embracing myself as it is. I've seen many people comment saying I've aged 'poorly' and that is ok. I'm ok with aging 'poorly.'”

— Kendra Wilkinson (Instagram)

“For some reason I'm happier than I've ever been lately even with a little weight gain and wrinkles and I'm not going to tie my happiness again into the negative energy.”

— Kendra Wilkinson (Instagram)

The takeaway

Wilkinson's message of self-acceptance and prioritizing her own happiness over external validation in the face of body shaming is an important reminder that women should not have to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, especially as they age. Her story highlights the ongoing need to challenge the societal pressures and double standards that women often face.