Neutrogena has released a new line of sunblock products that contain Helioplex, which blocks not only UVB sunburning rays, but also UVA skin-damaging and aging rays of the sun. This new product has made it to shelves everywhere in the United States, and has become a popularly sold product. Here is my review of the product.
Just about everyone these days is wearing sunblock, for many reasons. Sunblock use increased when we discovered that sunburn increases your chance of getting skin cancer. Sunblock use increased when we decided to accept that global warming and the hole in the ozone are allowing more intense rays of the sun to reach the earth. More and more people become aware of the dangers of exposing their skin to the sun, and so more and more products become available to help protect us.
UVA and UVB
It used to be that everyone’s main focus was on avoiding sunburn. The thought was that if you weren’t burning, your tan was healthy, and you’d be fine. However, this turned out not to be the case. UVA rays cause sunburn. But UVB rays cause wrinking and prematuring aging of the skin. These too can lead to skin cancer. Other countries jumped on the bandwagon before the United States, and products became available in Europe and Australia that promised to stop UVA and UVB rays in their sunblock protection.
My History of Sunblock Use
I have always sought out the most protection possible for my skin with sunblock. I remember being about 10 years old when I first found out that there was such a thing called sunblock. I had managed to get a couple of unpleasant sunburns on my trips to the beach in recent years, and was tired of going through the pain. So, I decided to spend my allowance on sunblock. From that year on, I have used sunblock religiously. Many people make fun of the fact that I spend about fifteen minutes three or four times a day whenever I go into the sun putting on sunblock. I wear it to go to the zoo, to go to the beach, to take a walk, anything. I think it’s worth it.
Neutrogena and Helioplex
I seek out the best product available. I will say, the products I have used in the past couple of years have stated that they block UVA and UVB, but the Helioplex is supposed to be something new that is more effective and better… Helioplex allows Avobenzone and Oxybenzone to work together to block the complete spectrum of UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Avobenzone mainly blocks UVA rays, while Oxybenzone blocks UVB and some UVA. Thus, with this product you get broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s rays.
Neutrogena has some new sunblock products that contain Helioplex. There are five products offered: Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55, Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 45, Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30, Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45, and Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30. The product I tried is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55.
I like to use products for my face and neck that have an SPF of at least 30. I try never to use less than 30 on my face. The important thing to remember is that a high SPF still does not block out all the sun’s rays, it just makes them less. With an SPF of 55 you get about 1/55 what you would get without sunblock, but you still get some exposure. I picked this product because SPF 55 is one of the highest I have seen available. I also chose to try this product because it promised to be sheer and light on the skin. What did I find?
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
I think the product is great. The price isn’t bad- it cost me about $10 for a tube of 3 ounces. This is a bit more than other products, but you are paying for the technology of the Helioplex. Neutrogena has a good reputation and good products, which also raises the price. I imagine that this would cover my entire body about three or four times, or be able to used for my face and neck say ten to fifteen times before being replaced. I will spend the money for a good product to save my skin. The question is, does it work? I think the sunscreen works similarly to some other products by Coppertone with 50 SPF for sunburn purposes. The added benefit of anti-aging won’t be seen for years. I am going to go ahead and assume this benefit is being covered.
The product boasts to be light and sheer. I find this somewhat true, but the lotion is still a bit greasy. When I put this on, I was hoping I wouldn’t be able to tell I had on a lotion. However, even blended in well, I could feel the greasiness on my face and neck. I also felt it on my hands, and had to wash them thoroughly with soap. The product in my opinion is only about 10% lighter and less greasy than other sunblock products with high spf. The fragrance is also very noticeable. I was hoping for something with a light scent, but this had a strong scent- somewhat floral and somewhat “beachy.” I think it would attract bees (which I am allergic to.)
Overall Recommendation
Overall, I will recommend this product. It is made by a reputable company, and has a new technology to block sunburning rays as well as aging-rays that penetrate deep beneath the skin’s surface and change elasticity of the skin. I would just warn that the light formula isn’t as light as it could be.
