In this summer’s The Shallows, Blake Lively appears in a role she seems born for—surfer. She’s got that California girl vibe down, for real.
Still, Blake used a body double, so she didn’t have to deal with any of the issues that can come with spending practically 24/7 in the water. So how do real surfers keep their skin, hair, and bods beautiful while catching waves? We spoke to two professionals for the scoop.
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1. They Baby Their Faces
“I try to use gentle products, as I shower after almost every surf,” says Coco Ho, a professional surfer from Hawaii who's sponsored by Volcom. She takes off her sunscreen with Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil ($32, sephora.com), then follows with Elina Organics Gentle Cleanser (available at professional skin-care and medical offices). At night, she slathers on Elina Organics Sea Buckthorn Healing Lotion (available at professional skin-care and medical offices).
Ashley Kidd, a professional surfer from Texas, washes her face every night with PanOxyl ($12, amazon.com), a benzoyl peroxide face wash. “It keeps my skin looking smooth [with] no acne bumps,” she says. She applies Neutrogena moisturizer morning and night.
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2. They Take SPF Seriously
Coco loves Pulpo One Ounce Bronze All Natural Sunblock ($11, pulposunscreen.com), because it’s full of hydrating ingredients like olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut wax. (Bonus: The formula won’t wreck reefs.) “It works so well and feels amazing on the face,” she says.
When you’re in the water, SPF easily washes off, so both women know that it’s important to reapply often. “I use Neutrogena sports sunscreen and apply every hour,” says Ashley. “I also wear hats to protect my face from the sun.”
3. They Pay Major Attention to Their Hair
Along with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, Coco swears by Kitoko Oil Treatment ($21, amazon.com), which is a blend of oils and vitamin E. “It’s hydrating enough, but doesn't feel heavy and oily on your scalp,” she says.
Post-surf sesh, Ashley showers with Label M Oats and Honey Shampoo ($18, amazon.com) and Conditioner ($17, amazon.com). She follows that with It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product ($25, amazon.com). “It keeps my hair soft, shiny, and healthy,” she says.
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4. They Protect Their Bods
Since she’s out in the sun all day long, Coco often opts for rashguards to keep herself sunburn-free (one of her current faves is Volcom’s Henna Spirit Body Suit, $90, volcom.com). “They can also save you from reef cuts at times,” she says. Coco is also obsessed with high neck crop tops, like Volcom’s Wild Buds Crop Top ($52, volcom.com). “They are extremely supportive and nothing falls out, she says. “The fact that my chest is covered from the sun in these is just an added bonus.”
Ashley prefers racerback bikini tops because they don’t move around a lot and seamless Brazilian cut bottoms because they are comfy and easy to move in (and no one wants an irritated backside). She’s launching her very own bikini company called Cheekah in Spring 2017, with pieces designed specifically for water sports.
