'Adding my unfiltered face to the mix': Aussie screen icons take a stand against online obsession with youth

Rachel Ward has unwittingly sparked a conversation surrounding the internet's obsession with youth, following a barrage of hate from internet trolls.

The British-Australian actress, 68, had previously posted a filter-free, no-makeup video of herself on her NSW farm to Instagram, which was met by a flood of negative comments regarding her natural, aged appearance.

Now, Packed to the Rafters' alum Rebecca Gibney has led the charge in "changing our social media algorithms," posting a bare-faced selfie in solidarity with Ward.

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Taking to Instagram, the 61-year-old actress criticised the slew of "AI rubbish [and] perfect photoshopped lives," rife throughout social media.

"Then I came to images of @rachelwardofficial and I breathed a sigh of relief," Gibney recounted.

She then continued the lengthy post, saying it was "just so lovely" to see real faces and lives amongst a sea of doctored content.

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"So I thought I might add my unfiltered sun damaged face and my funny old cowl lick fringe and fine over processed hair to the mix," the Logie winner continued.

"I believe we are here to help each other through this crazy old life and to do it with kindness and compassion.

"If this post helps one person remember that what we see on [social media] isn't just bad news and perfect faces, and that it's ok to just be who you are, then I've done my bit.

"Because that is the one thing I can control."

Gibney received an outpouring of support from fans in response, including grateful acknowledgement from Ward, who commented "thanks Rebecca. Lovely post. Big hug."

Her post later motivated former Home and Away star Debra Lawrance to share her own bare-faced photos.

"Following the post from the fabulous @rebeccagibney_ my 69 year old face au naturel," she captioned the shot.

"Changing the algorithm one pic at a time. Let's do this ladies."

Rachel Ward's original post went viral last Christmas, and was met with cruel commentary from users criticising her ageing appearance.

One commented "what the hell happened to her. Wow!!" while another claimed they "Did not recognise her until she said her name."

Ward went on to post a video response to the criticism, appearing unbothered by the hate and defending the process of natural ageing.

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"Dear those that responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticising my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today – I ran my hands through my hair, et cetera," the 68-year-old joked.

"Anyway, just to say, do not fear ageing, it's a wonderful period of life," she added.

Ward concluded the post by thanking those who had defended her against the cruel comments, saying "it was amazing to receive that response from you all."

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