Julianne Hough believes she looks younger now than she did in her prime.

Even at 28, Hough believes she looks younger now than she did as a teen on the early seasons of Dancing With the Stars. The dancer turned judge explained this in a new interview with People, speaking on the heavy makeup she would wear in those days.

"Back when I was on 'Dancing With the Stars' at 18 years old, I think I look older than I do now," Hough said. "I've definitely gone for a 'less is more' standpoint . I cut back on hair and makeup and all that stuff. As far as beauty goes, my philosophy is starting from the inside out. Being happy, having a positive attitude, drinking tons of water - happy girls are the prettiest girls."

The dancer has certainly toned down her appearance over the past few years, opting for simpler looks as she now judges Dancing With the Stars. She is hoping to continue this trend in the coming year.

"For me, I'm only gonna look like this this year and then I'm gonna look different next year, so might as well embrace that," she said. "Maybe I'm just 28 and want to stay young, so I'm not wearing any makeup because it makes me look older. Maybe it's because I feel like I'm getting older, I don't know!"

Hough had major success at the beginning of her run on Dancing With the Stars. She won her first two seasons with the show, with Apolo Anton Ohno in season 4 and Hélio Castroneves in season 5. She left after season 8 to pursue other career opportunities but would later return to guest judge. She then joined as a permanent fourth judge in season 19, which she would continue through seasons 20, 21 and 23.

Dancing With the Stars returns for its 24th season next March on ABC.

Tags: Julianne Hough Dancing with the Stars Reality TV ABC