You know that list of desired soul mate qualities you've got, or have had, before he/she turned up?
I have a similarly long list of qualities... for the ultimate high-protection sun block!
I already have a love affair with my day-to-day UV shielder,
Osmosis Shelter SPF 29. (
30 ml. $28,
http://www.SkinLoft.com). But my quest for the perfect high-octane sun block has been ongoing for years. Extra-protective sun blocks (over SPF 30) should be used anytime you'll be outdoors over an hour, including time spent in the car. Unfortunately, serious UV squashers tend to be greasy, pore-clogging, and leave one with the dreaded skin affliction known as greased pig syndrome, or GPS. Unacceptable!
Here's my list of requests for the ideal
extra-
potent sun block potion. See if these resonate with you, too.
10 Desired Sun Block Qualities (in no particular order):
1. A light, smooth, non-sticky texture.
2. Best technology, broad-spectrum, high UV filters.
3. Non-irritating.
4. Has a bit moisture, but not too much.
5. Makeup glides effortlessly on top.
6. Unscented.
7. Affordable.
8. Waterproof, sweatproof.
9. Non pore-clogging (noncomedogenic).
10. Eco-friendly.
I spotted a new Neutrogena sunblock recently in the drugstore. It had a really long, important-sounding name: Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face Advanced Sunblock Lotion SPF 100. Naturally, I was immediately hooked and bought a bottle.
Bottom Line:
Happily, Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face Sunblock Lotion met nine out of ten desired qualities, and is by far the best 'extreme' sun block I've yet tried. It's Neutrogena's newest addition to their already dizzying array of sun products. If you can actually locate it amongst their sea of others, this is definitely Neutrogena's standout star.
The one quality it didn't pass muster with, unfortunately, was the eco-friendly category, as it's purely a chemical concoction. However, the formula's numerous benefits outweigh any equivalent sunblock currently in the 'natural' market. Until such time a viable eco alternative can be had, this one is simply the best.
SkinTechie Tip: To minimize chemical penetration into skin, apply sunblock over any treatment serum (Vitamin C, Prevage, etc.) and/or light moisturizer, so it has something other than bare skin on which to rest.
The high SPF (100) is extreme, but most of us use far less SPF than we think. You need about 1/2 tablespoon of sunscreen on your face to achieve the bottle's alleged SPF. Consider the extra high SPF to be an insurance policy against under-usage. Still, for optimum anti-aging protection, apply as much SPF as you can possibly stand. Yes, really. Sunblocks are one of the few examples where More really is More.
Apply it like it's cheap. Know what I mean? Like that go-to jug of body lotion you always reach for instead of the fancy one your friend gave you.... use sun block like that.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating for optimum subconscious fermenting: THERE IS NO ANTI-AGER LIKE A GREAT SUN BLOCK, applied daily!
Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face SPF 100 uses the company's patented Helioplex technology to block rays throughout the UV spectrum, so rest assured you're getting the best protection possible. It's lightly moisturizing, amazingly un-greasy, and unscented to boot. Plus, you can work up a sweat and not end up sunburned or pimply. And did I mention inexpensive and available in most drugstores? Simply sublime.
SkinTechie rates this product 5 Stars.
Now, with my search for an effective, non-gnarly high-SPF product complete, maybe I'll start on that soul mate quality list. Stay tuned....