Review | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++

If there is one thing I won't leave house without, it's my SPF (and also my eye brows haha). I used to work under the beauty brand Lancome and during the BA training, my trainer stressed the importance of SPF and the harmfulness of UV rays. That was a good 5 years ago and till now, I still can remember the training.

In layman terms, there are two types of UV rays. UVA rays, cause aging and UVB rays, cause burning (A for aging and B for burning).

UVA rays account for 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth's surface and although they may not be as intense as UVB rays, they are up to 50 times more prevalent. UVA rays are present during all daylight hours throughout the whole year, and can penetrate both clouds and glass.

UVA rays, which penetrates the skin deeper than UVB rays, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging. However, it was only recently discovered that UVA rays damages skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis where most skin cancers occur. Thus, UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.

UVB rays, which is the main cause of skin reddening and sun burn, tends to damage the skin's more superficial epidermal layers. It also plays a key role in the development of skin cancers. It's intensity may vary due to seasons, locations and even time of day. However, UVB rays can burn and damage skin all year round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces like snow or ice.

(Credit: x)

#1029: Current Skin Care Routine

As asked on my ask.fm, I've decided to do a post regarding my daily skin care regime including of the products I've been using and when I use them.

As some of you may know, I used to have a really bad complexion with break outs all over my cheek and chin area before my period and they last throughout the month. The next break out just adds on to the pimples and acne I already had on my face.

I wouldn't say I'm narcissistic but my complexion was really the bane of my existence for years (had this problem ever since I was 19).

I'm a firm believer that the first step of being beautiful is to have good skin and mine was horrible enough for me to never have the confidence to head out without makeup.

I've always envied girls with perfect clear skin, or at least problems that could be covered up with makeup, giving the illusion of clear skin.

You can try and hide scars with foundation and concealer, but you will never be able to hide the bumps of pimples/acne even with make up, which was my main problem.

After months of deliberation, I finally went to the National Skin Centre for an appointment and got prescribed both oral and topical medicine.

I've changed certain products since my first consultation there but I've been using these products since the second/third consultation and I would say they've been working really well for me.

Despite a bit of clogged pores here and there (like less than 5?), I've been spared of almost all pimples and acne yay.

Only left with the scars which everyone says will fade in time and I'm super happy that everything worked for me.

I just went for a follow-up consultation on Monday and the doctor said I can stop taking oral medication and just continue the topical ones which makes me super happy!

Anyway.... here are the products that I've been using on my face!

Some are prescribed by the doctor, some are from my previous skin care regime, I'll let you know which is which.

#1

So every morning when I wake up, the first step I do is to cleanse my face and this cleanser was prescribed by the doc.

Hygin X Antibacterial Foaming Wash

#2

My next step is to apply toner on my face, avoiding the eye area.
This toner basically helps to remove last traces of makeup/cleanser as well as to brighten up the skin.

Boots Botanics Cleansing Toner

#3

And then, apply eye cream.
This fights dark eye circles, eye bags and fine lines around the eye area.

Genefique Yeux.

#4

After that I use this cream on all my spots, only during the day. (Prescribed by the doc).

Dalacin T Topical Gel

#5

And then I top it all off with moisturizer which was prescribed by my doc but you can buy it at Watsons, Guardian or any supermarket.
I guess this product is pretty moisturizing as it's really thick? I don't really like the smell nor texture though 'cuz I find it too thick.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

#6

My last step of my skin care routine is to apply sunblock because sunblock's really important for protecting our skin against UVA and UVB rays!
I typically go for sunblocks at are SPF50 so that it protects my skin for longer periods of time, especially when I spend really long hours out of home.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

#7
So usually when I bathe at night, washing my face is part of that and the cleanser I use at night depends on whether I applied makeup during the day.
It's supposed to be really gentle on the skin.
If I didn't, I use:

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash

And if I did apply makeup, I use this cleanser 'cuz it helps to remove makeup as well. Double cleansing is important!
ZA Facial Cleansing Foam

#8
Once or twice a week, I'll do a facial scrub as well to remove dead skin cells and to promote skin renewal!
Lancome Exfoliance Clarte

Then I repeat steps #2 and #3.
But instead of using #4, I use this instead which is a cream that helps promote the renewal of skin so it reduces the likelihood of clogged pores and thus pimples.
Stieva-A Cream 0.025%

Then as the last step I will usually apply #5 Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. Typically when I do a facial scrub, I would prefer to use a sleeping pack instead 'cuz it's more moisturizing and pampers my face ^^
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

I hope this helps answer the question!