While browsing Neutrogena's website today - the What's New page, to be exact - I came across something puzzling.
Now, don't get me wrong - I adore many Neutrogena products for skincare, makeup, and even my hair. Everyone knows Neutrogena makes amazing sun protection products, too, but I wonder if they've gone a little too far this time.
Check out this product: Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 90+ with Helioplex. Okay, so it's another Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock... but look at the SPF. 90+? It's so high that they don't know exactly how strong it is? Is it just me, or does this seem like overkill?
I've heard experts say that an SPF of 75-80 is already excessive for most people, considering it can be up to nearly 24 full hours of sun protection (and really, when was the last time you spent 24 straight hours in the sun?). And while it's no secret that we're becoming more and more obsessed with anti-aging and preventing sun damage, you probably wouldn't need an SPF of "90+" even if you lived on the surface of the sun itself.
I know some people will love this product, but seriously? I wonder how strong the chemicals in this sunblock must be to provide this much protection. I'm not entirely sure I want that slathered all over my face.
What do you think?
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4 comments:
Honestly, I'd give it a try. I have really fair skin and have to re-apply sunscreen at least every couple of hours to keep from burning.
I'm the same way :) So I guess I COULD use it, but I'm certain that SPF 75 or so will do the trick. I'd probably have to reapply frequently no matter what, just to make sure it remains effective. There are also studies that show higher SPF might actually not protect as well against UVA as lower (30-ish) SPF. Interesting, huh?
I don't think it's overkill, I have used sunblock since I was in my 20's and now at 60, I do not have a single wrinkle or crow's feet. More importantly, with the hole in the ozone layer and living in California and driving a convertible car, I'm sure I'm much less likely to develop skin cancer, the slow growing kind or the much more deadly melanoma. Though it's marketed for beauty, it is a first and foremost an anti-cancer protectant. I want all the protection I can get!
Anonymous - Good for you! If you've been using anything below 90 since your 20's and don't have a single wrinkle, then obviously you don't really need this. The strong sun protection products we have today are fairly recent, so there's no way you've been using SPF 75 for 40 years. But the fact is no one needs the duration of protection SPF 90 provides, and studies show the effectiveness of sunscreen can go down as SPF goes up. Not to mention, as I said, the kinds of strong chemicals required to provide SPF 90+ can't be too good for your skin. Keep up the SPF 30-75 and you'll be fine, I'm sure.
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