Secrets of a surfer girl: Helen Hunt, 51, preserves her skin with thick suncream while riding waves in Malibu

By Alexa Rae Johnson for MailOnline

Published: 11:27 EST, 19 August 2014 | Updated: 12:45 EST, 19 August 2014

She loves to spend her free time at the beach, but Helen Hunt appears determined to avoid the damaging effects of the sun's rays.

The 51-year-old actress was seen enjoying a day at the beach in Malibu, California with a thick layer of sun cream slathered all over her face and neck.

However, the ghostly white of her face wasn't her only stand-out trait. Helen also revealed her slim physique as she changed out of her wetsuit at the end of the day.

Scroll down for video

Anti-aging technique? Helen Hunt, 51, was seen enjoying a day at the beach in Malibu, California with a thick layer of sun cream slathered all of her face and neck on Monday

Anti-aging technique? Helen Hunt, 51, was seen enjoying a day at the beach in Malibu, California with a thick layer of sun cream slathered all of her face and neck on Monday

The Oscar winner, who donned a striped bikini underneath her black and turquoise wetsuit, looked healthy and fit while hanging out in the parking lot at the beach.

She maintains her form through her frequent surfing sessions, but according to USA Today, the star also prioritizes a nutritious diet.

In 2012 she said: 'I do eat well. I try to love my body...That is what I tell my daughter. I say, "Love every bite of food. Love your body."'.

Staying active: Helen took her boogie board out for a spin during the sunshine-filled day

Staying active: Helen took her boogie board out for a spin during the sunshine-filled day

Running ashore: The actress, who is an avid surfer, rode the smaller plastic board all the way in to the beach

Running ashore: The actress, who is an avid surfer, rode the smaller plastic board all the way in to the beach

The Mad About You star just finished directing and starring in a surfing-related movie she wrote called Ride that also stars Luke Wilson.

Helen plays Jackie, a New York City magazine editor, who takes off after her free-spirited son when he drops out of NYU to become a surfer in California.

Luke plays her surf instructor love interest who helps her realise her full potential.

Fit at 51: Helen showed off a slim physique as she changed out of her wetsuit in the beach parking lot

Fit at 51: Helen showed off a slim physique as she changed out of her wetsuit in the beach parking lot

Ouch! The Oscar winner appeared to have accidentally got some of her sun cream into her eyes as she was seen splashing water on her face to clean them out

Ouch! The Oscar winner appeared to have accidentally got some of her sun cream into her eyes as she was seen splashing water on her face to clean them out

The film - which is in post-production - is a family affair as her partner of 13 years Matthew Carnahan serves as executive producer.

The couple have been in a relationship since 2001 and have a 10-year-old daughter Makena Lei together.

Next, the duo will work together on an upcoming movie based off a book called Serpent Girl, written by Carnahan.

The film will see Carnahan direct and Hunt star opposite Malin Akerman.

Ride: Helen, seen June 21 at the Hollywood Bowl Hall Of Fame, will next star as a New York City magazine editor who takes off after her free-spirited son when he drops out of NYU to become a surfer in California

Ride: Helen, seen June 21 at the Hollywood Bowl Hall Of Fame, will next star as a New York City magazine editor who takes off after her free-spirited son when he drops out of NYU to become a surfer in California

Comments (14)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now