Pamela Anderson was shocked by the public's reaction to her make-up-free appearance

The 'Last Showgirl' star - who achieved sex symbol status in the 90s - told The Sunday Times newspaper: "There's these beautiful clothes. I'm wearing Vivienne Westwood. I have this great hat and beautiful coat. Nobody's going to notice if I don't wear any make-up.

"I didn't realise it was going to start all of this, all these people really relating to me."

Pamela thinks her appearance actually sent a strong message to other women.

She explained: "It's a great message - we are good enough just the way we are. I have to remind myself of that every day."

Pamela feels the public's perception of her has changed over recent times.

The actress believes the shift is also beneficial for her two sons.

Pamela - who has Brandon, 28, and Dylan, 26, with her ex-husband Tommy Lee - shared: "[My sons] probably don't feel they have to defend their mom any more.

"My public perception has changed and you don't realise how much that affects your children. I think they feel a lot more comfortable now too, looking at me at this point in my life ... It has been a journey for all of us, but we're all in a better place now."

Pamela's sons share her passion for nature and vegan food, and the actress is thrilled that they've followed in her footsteps.

She said: "It has definitely impacted them, my lifestyle. They love that mom's in the garden, she's pickling, making mustard ..."