May 3, 2010
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 55 & 70
Last week I volunteered at Janey’s school for her “Air Show”—a paper airplane contest for second graders.
I was scheduled to assist her class outside on the grass from Noon to 2:00 p.m.—the exact time of day I try to avoid the harsh sun at all costs. Despite my 1/2 Asian ancestry, my skin burns within minutes of being exposed so I make every effort to avoid direct sun during the mid-day hours.
Because I’m a trooper (and I promised Janey I’d be there), I applied some Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 70, grabbed my big floppy yellow hat and headed out the door.
What I love about this new sunblock is the light, barely-there texture that feels more like moisturizer and less like your typical greasy, heavy sunblock. The invisible finish is perfect alone or under foundation (my favorite in warm weather is MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural).
Sadly when my little second grader saw me, she demanded I remove my hat immediately saying in a loud whisper how I looked “ridiculous and embarrassing.” (Nothing like an 8-year-old child to put you in your place.)
Hatless, my skin was left to rely on the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 70 for protection. Two hours and several failed paper airplane take-off attempts (on Janey’s part) later, my skin was completely protected and totally unaffected by the sun!
Since today is Melanoma Monday, I want to pass along some Be Sun Smart® tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock SPF 55 & 70 features Helioplex®, a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies that delivers superior UVA/UVB protection from the sun. It’s also oil-free, waterproof and sweatproof—and IT WORKS!
