Sophia Loren has cautioned young actresses against having plastic surgery.

The 81-year-old star has warned young performers that having surgery could ruin their natural beauty, adding that it could lead to them looking worse than they thought they originally did.

She said: ''These young girls really need to be more careful and selective of what they are doing to their bodies and their faces. I mean, you do not know for sure if you are going to a good doctor ... you can end up looking worse than what you thought you originally were.''

Sophia also hit out at selfie culture, admitting relentless self-promotion baffles her.

The Italian film actress told the New York Post newspaper: ''In my time, an actress' merit and skill was based on her talent. Now when people meet me, they pull out their phones to take pictures.

''I do not know much about social media, but it seems that that's what makes people more famous. My era of Hollywood was much better - you were known for your skill and talent. I was very lucky to be a part of that time.''