Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

When it comes to the skin, the less product we use the better. That being said, a sunscreen is probably the most important part of our daily skin routine, whether you're slaving in the sun all day or have slight to moderate sun exposure on a said day. The hassle of using a moisturizer, waiting for that to dry, putting on a layer of sunscreen lotion and then waiting some more for that to be fully absorbed is pretty time consuming if you ask me. So when I saw the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer, I couldn't contain myself and bought it instantly. It's a two-in-one product as the name suggests, a moisturizer with SPF content. It's pretty much the IT thing for me, as I'm a college-goer and don't really put on make-up so I have to forego the make-up with SPF option. Also Neutrogena's products are aimed at sensitive skinned beauties so you can use it without the fear of ending up with itchy, flaky skin or acne. 

Do i need to go higher on the SPF content while choosing my sunscreen?

"Sun reaches the earth in the form of UVB and UVA rays.  UVB radiation plays a key role in skin cancer, and SPF refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen offers.  Thus, higher SPFs can help: An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent.  Furthermore, higher SPF values offer some safety margin, since consumers generally do not apply enough sunscreen.  To evaluate SPFs, testers apply two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin.  But in everyday life, most people apply from only 0.5 to one milligram per square centimeter of skin.  Consequently, the actual SPF they achieve is approximately 1/3 of the labeled value.

Despite these advantages, there are potential downsides to using products with very high SPFs.  First, above SPF 50 (which blocks an estimated 98 percent of UVB rays), the increase in UVB protection is minimal.  Second, although UVA protection is also important (UVA not only accelerates skin aging, but contributes to and may even initiate skin cancers), SPFs mainly measure UVB protection.  Individuals applying high-SPF sunscreens may not burn (UVB is the chief cause of sunburn), but without UVA-screening ingredients they can still receive large amounts of skin-damaging radiation. To avoid such a scenario, regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia have adopted UVA testing guidelines and measurement standards, and capped the SPF of sunscreens at 50+." - taken from skincancer.org/SPF

*My advice is go no lower than SPF 30 and no higher than SPF 50 for optimal protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Here's my experience with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

What Neutrogena claims about their Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer:

Provides complete and long lasting protection against UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors. Stabilized with patented Helioplex™ that works like an invisible shield to give you superior protection from skin darkening and signs of premature aging. In a moisturizing formula that protects against dehydration, yet is oil-free and non-greasy. With Dry Touch Technology, it spreads on smoothly to a clean and non-shiny finish.
Dermatologist tested. PABA-free, oil-free, does not clog pores.

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 4%, Benzophenone-3 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%.

Water, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer,  Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer,  Steareth-100,  Cyclopentasiloxane,  Trisiloxane,  Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-2, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Neopentyl Glycol Bisabolol, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate.

Price: INR 399/ P460
Quantity: 30 ml
Shelf Life: 2 years

Recommended usage: Apply liberally to face and neck 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. For added protection re-apply after swimming, excessive perspiration, towel drying or extended sun exposure.
Use as the end step of daily skincare routine.

product swatched on hand - after(left), before(right) 

What I love about this moisturizing sunscreen :

• True to its word, it fares well in the moisturizing department. My skin is dry and this doesn't make it drier (although it contains alcohol) but makes my skin soft and supple.
• Best thing about this sunscreen is that it's non-greasy! Finally something that doesn't produce icky grease on face.
• It gives a matte finisha nd keeps oils at bay for most part of the day. 
• Doesn't leave a whitish cast like most sunscreen lotions
• Contains Avobenzone and Oxybenzone and thus offering a broad spectrum coverage.
• Mildly scented (it's not an offensive smell; bearable.) 
• Non-comedogenic; doesn't clog pores.

What I don't like about it:

• I sweat a lot and have to reapply it every 4 hours but that's really not a con.
• Might seem a tad pricey.

I couldn't help but compare it to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 50+ PA+++ with Helioplex.

Although both of them offer the same amount of SPF, I found the Complete UV moisturizer to be better for my dry, sensitive skin. The dry-touch sunblock does make skin greasy in summers and leaves a mild whitish cast on skin. But the complete UV moisturizer doesn't suffer from any of those problems.

Would I suggest it?

I have come to love this product and with summer approaching fast I would definitely suggest it. I've found my HG sunscreen. Have you? I would love to know what products you use to stay safe from the sun! 

Stay beautiful, stay protected! :)