Emma Watson
British star attends the US premiere of Noah in New York March 26, 2014. Reuters

She may be renowned for her youthful beauty, but Emma Watson says she's looking forward to getting older - despite the pressures of the fashion industry.

The former Harry Potter star, who has been in the spotlight since the age of nine, told Sunday Times Style Magazine that she is now more confident in her own skin, and is excited about the way it is going to change over the years ahead.

While admitting that the glare of the media spotlight made her nervous and insecure as a girl, Watson said she can now "take criticism on the chin a lot more. As a younger woman, that pressure got me down but I've made my peace with it.

"I'm excited about the ageing process."

Watson also suggested young girls are being pushed too far in their quest to reach the unrealistic ideals portrayed in the media, saying: "With airbrushing and digital manipulation, fashion can project an unobtainable image that's dangerously unhealthy.

"I'm more interested in women who aren't perfect. They're more compelling."

Her comments come after she shared a behind-the-scenes snap of herself getting ready for the New York premiere of new film Noah, in which she stars alongside Russell Crowe.

The Bling Ring star captioned the image sporting a chic chignon and wearing a stunning black gown with a deep v back: "I did NOT wake up like this."

Watson stayed true to her principles by then sharing a picture of the products that she used to achieve her red-carpet look.

Noah, the Biblical blockbuster directed by Darren Aronofksy, opens in UK cinemas on 31 March (Today).