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.

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See the importance of sunblocks right now? Now moving on to what "SPF" and "PA" stands for...

"SPF" stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. The value demonstrates the effectiveness of protection against UVB rays, as well as the degree of protection against UVB rays when nothing is applied on skin. For example, SPF 25 means that the UV protection product is 25 times more effective on guarding against skin redness from the sun than when nothing is applied on skin.

"PA" stands for “Protection Grade of UVA rays”. PA+ signifies the product as having “protection efficacy” with PA ++ and PA+++ indicating strong protection efficacies. In general, the higher the SPF value, the higher the PA value.

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In short, the higher the SPF and the more number of "+" is always better. Also, just because you are indoors does not mean that you shouldn't apply sunblocks because UVA rays can penetrate through glass and clothes.

So what does Neutrogena claims its sunblock does?

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock is a breakthrough in sun protection. Stabilised with Helioplex, it provides superior balanced broad-spectrum protection against skin ageing UVA and burning UVB rays, and combines it with Dry Touch technology for an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This lightweight sunblock had a light fresh scent and is gentle enough for even sensitive skin.

• Waterproof, sweat proof, resists rub-off
• Non-comedogenic
• Oil free and PABA free

The tube contains 3.0 fl oz or 88 ml worth of product which honestly, is a lot and lasts a really long time.

The sunblock has a thick, white texture which blends relatively well. If you apply too much, or it isn't blended well, there may be a white cast. But if you blend well, it leaves a matte and smooth finish which isn't greasy or sticky at all.

Blended half way.

Blended fully.

There is a slight scent to it. It smells literally like a sunblock which isn't the most pleasant scent but it does disappear pretty quickly so it does not bother me too much.

Overall:

PROS:

• Inexpensive
• Contains a lot of product
• Lasts a long time
• Mild fragrance
• Isn't greasy
• Relatively matte finish
• Relatively easy to blend
• Does not leave a white cast
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• No skin irritation or break outs

CONS:

• Slightly thick
• Can feel it on the skin

To give my two cents worth, I say, get this sunblock. I'm on my 3rd tube already and I have yet seen the need to change up my sunblock. Not only is it really affordable, it comes in a huge tube which lasts literally forever. The fact that I apply this sun block every day, for the past 5 years, and am only on my 3rd tube is enough to show how long a tube lasts.

Also, I have never gotten a sun burn ever since I started using this sunblock, even when I was in BKK walking under the insanely hot sun at 36 degrees celcius. I'm impressed.

I know that there are many other more popular sunblocks out there like Biore's sunblocks but I can never be fully willing to shell out money for something which contains almost half the product but costs about the same.

The only down side of this sunblock would be the fact that it is on the thicker side, and you will be able to feel it on your skin but this isn't a big enough factor to dissuade me from this sunblock.

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Side note: For the whole of next week, I'm going to be reviewing one mask per day from Etude House's I Need You range. Excited? Haha. I promised to do the review for the longest time but I wanted to be sure to try a good amount of the masks first before I embarked on this journey. So keep your eyes peeled for the reviews!