Important Facts About Sun Protection // Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock, Body Mist Sunscreen Review

Let’s talk SUNSCREENS, they're only the most important skin care product. That’s why this post has been on my mind ever since the hot summer season started. As you can see from the pictures, I actually have two sets of sunscreens, one is empty & the other is new. If its not broke, why fix it right? Both these sunscreens have worked well for me when I first used them so I have repurchased them.Some important points about sunscreens:  Fact 1: UV rays that reach our atmosphere are of 2 types-UVA & UVB. UVB rays cause sunburns & skin cancer. SPFs measure only UVB protection. Any SPF 15 product filters out 93% of the UVB , SPF 30 filters out 97%, & SPF 45 filters out 98% of UVB rays. The best UVB protection you can offer your skin is SPF30.Fact 2: UVA rays may also cause skin cancer. But the amount of protection against UVA rays cannot be measured by SPF. Presence of ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, ecamsule, and oxybenzone indicate UVA protection. Sunscreens with both UVA & UVB protection could be labeled multi spectrum, broad spectrum, or UVA/UVB protection. PA+ is a Japanese UVA rating (‘+’ is the lowest rating & ‘+++’ is the highest).Fact 3:  SPF in makeup & skincare only protects you from UVB rays. In order to protect your skin from UVA rays, its mandatory to use a sunscreen having ingredients mentioned in Fact 2. To quote WebMD, “Ultra-protective makeup is a boon for skin. But think of it as the Robin to your sunscreen's Batman — a dynamic duo stronger together than either is alone”. Fact 4: Sunblock is a physical kind of protective lotion containing both organic and non-organic ingredients that act as a barrier between your skin and UV rays by reflecting or scattering them. Sunscreen is the chemical kind that penetrates the skin and absorbs the UV rays before they reach the protective outer epidermis layer of your skin & damage it. When you’re looking for a sunscreen in India, go for one that has an Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher and is broad spectrum(i.e both UVA & UVB protection). Why? See Fact 1 above. For me, the sunscreens that met all the criteria are the Neutrogena Dry Touch ones. There are many more in the market but currently these two are the only ones that give you a bang for your buck.The Neutrogena Dry-Touch technology claims to leave a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish. Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreens are also non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores), oil free & PABA(Para-AminoBenzoic Acid) free. They also have claims such as ‘broad spectrum’ (mentioned in Fact 2) and ‘helioplex’. Helioplex is stabilized version of Avobenzone(mentioned in Fact 2), which deflects a wider range of UVA rays than other anti-UVA ingredients. It is stabilized so that it doesn’t degrade in sunlight i.e its staying power is extended.  These sunscreens need to be applied 15-30mins before sun exposure!Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+:Price: Rs.175 ($2.75)/Rs499($8) Qty: 30ml(1 fl.oz)/88ml(2.97 fl.oz)Availability: Nykaa | Flipkart |Amazon Ingredients:Water, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone – 3, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Beeswwax, Gylceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan gum, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate copolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylstearate, BHT, Trideceth – 6, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Methylisothiazolinone, Diethylhexyl 2, 6 NapthlateReview: I use this sunblock primarily for my face & feet. It’s a white colored creamy product, inspite of being ‘dry touch’, it spreads easily on the skin. However it’s not comfortable to spread all over the body unless I’ve properly moisturized, and it feels too heavy on my body post moisturization (that’s why I use the sunscreen reviewed below) It claims to give a ‘non-shiny’ finish, however, after application my skin does look slightly shiny, even after powdering on top. But it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It needs to be applied 15-30mins before going out in the sun. It’s also waterproof, sweat proof & resists rub off. I can’t attest to the waterproof claims but I do think it resists rub offs. I always buy the small size(30mls) and carry it in my purse as well to reapply when I’m outside for longer durations. It does protect my skin from tanning & I would definitely recommend this product to everyone having normal to oily skin type.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30:Price: Rs.675 ($10.6) Qty: 141g (5 fl.oz)Availability: Nykaa | Flipkart |Snapdeal Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzoneReview:I use this spray-type of sunscreen only for my body. I like using it for the whole body because it’s very convenient and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin when used post moisturization. One thing that I’m not too fond of is that it makes my skin look shiny post application. Shiny skin looks good if you have waxed your arms. If you haven’t, it’s not an appealing look.  But this is something I have to overlook because of the ease of use. I do wish this bottle was available in smaller sizes so that I can always carry one around in my purse & reapply whenever I’m outside for longer durations. According to the instructions, once you spray this onto your skin, you do have to rub it in. I haven’t used this on my face, my sister tried it a couple of times on her face & it broke her out so I would not recommend it. As for sun-protection, I think it has prevented my arms & legs from tanning but it doesn’t really protect my feet from tanning which is why I use the sunscreen mentioned above.  It is water resistant for 80min. This is the cheapest sunscreen spray in the Indian market & I definitely recommend everyone to try it out at least once.Now, coming to another important fact about sunscreen-Fact 5: You need to apply at least a 1/4^th tea-spoon sized amount on the face & neck each for the sunscreen to be effective. If you’re using a spray, it should be applied until an even sheen appears on the skin. Sunscreen should always be the final step of your skincare/makeup routine, because anything applied over your sunblock will reduce its effectiveness. ANY sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration or outdoor activities. Before you rate a sunscreen for not working, make sure you’re using it properly girls!
I would suggest you to try out at least one of these sunscreens, and definitely buy them online because its always cheaper than buying at the store! Let me know your favorite sunscreens in the comments!