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Gabrielle Union in Bathing Suit Calls Herself "Stifler's Mom"

Here’s how she stays in shape.

Gabrielle Union is a 49-year-old mom but is determined to let everyone know that doesn't mean she can't be fit and fabulous. Her social media account is full of swimsuit photos and videos. She just shared a new video this week. In it, she walked out of the pool wearing a gray-blue bathing suit. Union captioned the video, "Stiffler's Mom, Kaav's Mom, who knows the difference," referencing the sultry mom in American Pie (actually spelled Stifler's Mom). How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gabrielle Union stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1

She Protects Her Skin From The Sun

Union has amazons skin, and she makes sure to take care of it. She revealed some of her skincare secrets to Essence. She says that a big secret of hers is protecting her skin from the sun. "A lot of women of color do not think that we are at risk. We believe that our melanin is built-in protection and we are good to go from birth. That's not the case. Our moles can change shape and be cancerous as well. We have to stay on top of our sun protection. We burn as well. Everyone says, 'Black people don't burn,' but yes, we burn as well, so do Latinas, Asians and everyone else. No one is exempt from sun damage. If I have to be worried about it, everyone needs to be worried about it."

2

She Uses Different Products

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

Union's skincare routine involves a lot of different products. She revealed some of her favorites to Essence. "I have all of my cleansers in my shower but it really depends on what I feel like using that day. If I want an extra boost, I use the Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Scrub because it's so pungent. If I wake up with a huge blemish on my face, I've got to attack it so I might use an acne-specific cleanser. When I take off my makeup I love the Pink Grapefruit cleanser because when I'm working, they really pack on the makeup, so I have to use a deep cleanser. I always use the Clear Poer Toner after I cleanse just to make sure I've removed all the makeup."

3

She Drinks A Lot Of Water

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Union tells Essence that one of her biggest wellness secrets is drinking a lot of water. "I try to drink a gallon of water a day and it's made a huge difference in my hair, skin and nails. I generally don't have major skin flare-ups because I'm so hydrated.  Substitute soda, juice, and any sort of sugary drink out of your diet."

4

She Takes Baths

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Union revealed her nighttime routine to SELF. She says that she has started to take more baths as a way to wind down. "I've never taken more baths in my life than I have during this pandemic. One of the things that has just brought me a lot of joy is that Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak. It's a non-negotiable."

5

She Goes To Therapy

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Union tells SELF that she loves to go to therapy with her family. "Whether that's me, or my husband, or Zaya, or my little sister, or all of us, we carve out time for therapy every week," Union says. "Don't miss it. In some cases like me, a couple of weeks ago, I did four hours of therapy. I was overwhelmed and I had to just say, Cancel stuff. I don't feel like I can think, my brain is mush, and I feel overwhelmed, and I need to draw a different boundary this week. And I just upped my therapy."

Anna Bechtel
Anna Bechtel is a freelance writer currently based in Hamden, CT. Read more
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