Blanca Blanco turned heads on a beach in the South of France on Wednesday, looking as though she was auditioning for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. The Finding Nicole actress was spotted in a chic green-and-white string bikini that showcased her stunning figure.
The Washington state native was enjoying the beach during the 78th edition of the annual Cannes Film Festival. Blanco also revealed to the Daily Mail that she invested $12,000 in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) over several months to prepare for the high-profile Cannes red carpet.
'I was scared at first because it sounds so different, it is not exactly like getting an oxygen facial, it is much more intense,' she told the Daily Mail. 'But my friends said to do it because it has so many positive effects, like improved tissue health and cognitive function - and now I look 10 years younger.'
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing blood oxygen levels to promote healing, fight infections, and treat conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and chronic non-healing wounds, according to the Mayo Clinic. It enhances white blood cell function and stimulates stem cells, with sessions typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. A standard course involves 20 to 40 sessions, often five days a week for five to six weeks. A single session at private facilities costs between $100 and $350, meaning Blanco's 40 sessions totalled around $12,000.
'Everyone is like, what does it do exactly? They think it sounds silly, but it's not silly at all,' said the Beverly Hills resident. 'It promotes a younger appearance by increasing oxygen levels to tissues, which boosts collagen production, stimulates stem cell proliferation and reduces inflammation. These treatments reverse cellular aging by shortening telomeres and clearing senescent "zombie" cells. I know it sounds weird, but it works. Now I have less fine lines, my skin is super elastic and I have more of a glow to my complexion.'
When asked if she feels she looks better after the sessions, she agreed. 'I can tell the difference in my skin, it feels tighter, and I do feel good, but that may also be because I gave up sugar last month,' shared the Breaking The Mold author. Reducing sugar intake offers significant health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, lower risk of type 2 diabetes and reduced inflammation. 'No more sugar in my coffee, no more chocolate after lunch and forget any fancy cocktails that are drenched in sugar like apple martinis,' said the star. 'Of course, I will go back to sugar one day, but for the summer it's adios sweets! I want to look my best. Come winter, however, I am calling my old friend chocolate back up.'
Blanco had already made a splash in a red Christophe Guillarmé dress at the Red Carpet Opening Night at the Palais Des Festivals on Tuesday, seen with the designer. She also attended the Marche Opening Night Party during the 79th Cannes Film Festival at La Plage du Palmes on Wednesday. Also at the event were Demi Moore and Jane Fonda.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival, running from May 12 to May 23, features a lineup dominated by acclaimed international auteurs. Several films generating significant critical buzz include Sheep in the Box, a sci-fi drama following a grieving couple who adopt a humanoid robot; Paper Tiger, a crime drama from James Gray starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller; and All of a Sudden, Ryusuke Hamaguchi's French-language debut centering on the bond between a nursing home director and a terminally ill playwright.
