Playboy vet Kendra Wilkinson, 40, hits back at claims she aged 'poorly'

Kendra Wilkinson recently took to social media to respond to online critics who have said she is not aging well.

The 40-year-old former Playboy model and Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend – who did an alcohol detox in December – shared an up-close selfie on Instagram and added a defiant caption.

'I’ve seen many people comment saying I’ve aged “poorly” and that is OK. I’m OK with aging “poorly,”' she declared.

The star, who now works in Los Angeles real estate, continued, '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.'

She was married to former athlete Hank Basket, 43, from 2009 until 2018 and they have a son, Hank Jr, 16, and an 11-year-old daughter, Alijah.

Wilkinson and Hefner had a 60-year age gap and in the early 2000s, the blonde beauty starred on The Girls Next Door, an E! series about life at the Playboy mansion.

The former reality television personality parted her blonde hair in the middle and pulled it into a low ponytail in her selfie.

She admitted, 'I used to use a light filter on myself but now I’m just embracing myself as [I am].'

'I am a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life and i hope that i can manage this feeling forever now after working hard to get here to this place,' she added elsewhere in the caption.

'I was verrrry young when i started tv and lived a crazy chaotic 20 years of impressing others but now it’s about ME. Giving back to ME. Even with less money and way less fame.'

And the proud mom said about her two kids: 'Watching them grow has been my ultimate happiness over everything else. I’m so beyond grateful for today!'

Taking to Instagram Stories on Thursday, she shared a video showcasing different angles of her face.

She wrote, 'Love going natural, no makeup sometimes. Found the best facial products ever.' 

The media personality has addressed weight gain and aging in the past, and told fans in January 2025 that she felt 'good' and was 'mentally healthy.' 

She acknowledged in an Instagram caption at the time, 'Yes, I’ve gained weight. Yes, I'm aging. Yes, I’m not that girl I was before (playboy girl) but for once in a long time I feel good and mentally healthy.'

And she gushed, 'Kids are my everything. Feeling pretty balanced. Working out and cooking a lot more. Golf, work. No housekeeper or nanny.'

The note went on, 'For those of you hating on my new weight, 40 yr old face please know that I’m happy, healthy and at peace in life finally.

'Leave me alone and respect that I’m where I actually want to be finally all together.'

Wilkinson turned 40 on June 12.

Getting ahead of the critics, she said, 'Almost 40 is feeling amazing and yes, to the people criticizing my alcohol intake…I hear you and that will be monitored better.'

She admitted, 'Drinking too much is definitely drinking too much but you know what’s coming up in JUNE…. Shots. Love ya.'