EVEN though former model and actress Jazreel Low, 42, left showbiz more than 15 years ago, she has continued to face criticism.

Jazreel, who runs a chain of spas under the Asmara group, said: 'About six years ago, when I was pregnant, I had strangers come up and tell me, 'Oh gosh Jazreel, you've become fat.'

'And I'm like, 'Yes, I'm pregnant.'

So, Jazreel is sympathetic to Zoe about the criticism she has been facing.

She said: 'Some of the comments (directed at Zoe) that I have seen on the Internet and in the papers have been very cruel. To be criticised in public like that is really quite bad.'

Jazreel was the second runner-up in the first Star Search contest in 1988 that saw Zoe clinch first place.

Jumping to Zoe's defence, Jazreel said: 'The fact is there is no denying that she looks really good for her age and is very well-kept.'

That sort of intense attention on how she looks isn't something Jazreel misses.

She joked: 'I have a high definition television set myself, and I'd hate to see what I look like on it.'

Would she ever turn to plastic surgery or such procedures to turn back the effects of ageing?

The mother of a 6-year-old girl said:'I don't believe in botox...

'A lot of natural products can help, so I haven't resorted to that. But if my lines get really bad, then (botox) could be something I may consider one day.'

Ageing for her is part and parcel of growing older and wiser, hence it's 'not a bad thing to me'.

Besides, Jazreel pointed out, getting older means becoming more confident and comfortable with herself.

Still, she acknowledges that society tends to be less forgiving towards older women.

She recalled how it was reported in the press two years ago that a local nightspot denied entry to a woman who was over 35 during their ladies' night.

She said: 'There is definitely discrimination against older women. I don't rebel against that but I do resent it. Too much emphasis is placed on looks. Beauty is from within, cliched as it sounds. '

Today, instead of having viewers scrutinise her every pore, Jazreel finds more satisfaction running her four spas in Singapore and Bintan.

She said: 'Of course, I get criticism if I don't make the right business decisions but I'm not a celebrity, so I don't have to please everyone.'

Her secret

Jazreel's looks, which belie her age, can be credited to generous helpings of fruits and vegetables in her diet, as well as weekly facials.

Older women like actress Jane Fonda, in her 70s, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey, 55, inspire Jazreel, who is married to Mr Michael Teh, 55, owner of a landscaping business.

She said: 'They are confident and successful and I don't think they spend so much time on trying to have fewer wrinkles.

'Looking good is important but focusing all your energy on that is a waste of time.'

This article was first published in The New Paper.