It's so hard to believe it's July and while we had a crazy winter here in New England, lately the sun has been bearing down on us! While I'm not complaining what I am doing is making sure me and my family continue to practice sun-safety. It's a topic that I write about quite a bit especially due to my diagnosis of discoid lupus several years ago. While I haven't had a flare up in a long time, it's still important to make sure my family is protected and while I didn't start becoming an avid sunscreen user until almost adulthood, there is one brand I use most consistently: Neutrogena.
As a brown-skinned family, while it's easy to think sunscreen isn't needed, it really is! The challenge for me has always been finding a sunscreen that doesn't show up so chalky and white on my skin. When Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer line was introduced I was thrilled because it goes on so smooth without the residue. Now with children, I've since moved on from sprays given recent news and make sure to slather on the liquid sunscreen and just tried the Pure and Free Baby stick sunscreen Neutrogena sent over along with an assortment of other Sun Care products. While it was quite chalky on my children's skin, because we've suffered from eczema in my family, especially Grayson, knowing the The National Eczema Association has awarded five Neutrogena Sun products their Seal of Acceptance gives me confidence in using it on our skin:
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- NEUTORGENA® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free™ Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
At Grayson's first birthday party a couple weeks ago, I was able to provide a sunscreen-buffet of sorts for my guests to use as were exposed to strong, direct sun with no tree-cover. It's crazy to think that only 20% of Americans use sunscreen daily when 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer. Sunburns in children are especially dangerous as they can develop into cancer later in life. The Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60 is fragrance free, PABA free and has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, something that's a must when selecting sunscreen.
I was especially intrigued by the Pure & Free™ Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 meant to go under make-up. It has a fine tip and is PureScreen technology, made especially for sensitive skin. Also, the kids aren't the only ones who get to use the stick! Neutrogena also sent the Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick which is a great alternative to my liquid Ultra Sheer I've come to love. It's weightless and non-shiny and I'd actually prefer using this stick on the kids as it wasn't chalky at all on my skin!
When I received notice that I'd get to participate in this review I was so excited and soon after was alarmed to see the news about concern about Neutrogena's products spreading across social media. I always do due diligence when I see issues like this for brands I've partnered with and sought out answers on my own. Here's Neutrogena's official response:
We share EWG’s goal of raising awareness about safe sun habits and sunscreens, but disagree with their conclusions about Neutrogena® sunscreen products. Contrary to EWG’s claims, the global safety profile of the ingredients we use is comprehensive and strong in supporting their safe use, and supported by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and other external safety experts. Our scientists believe that SPF values higher than 50 provide the highest level of sun protection for everyone, as studies show people routinely under apply sunscreens. We are committed to education about skin cancer and sun safety, but consumers should be aware that EWG test methods lack the rigor of peer-reviewed, scientific evaluation, and they should talk with their health care professionals if they have questions about sunscreen products and protection.
I appreciate Neutrogena's response and appreciate the work that EWG is doing and encourage you to be informed consumers as well.
Neutrogena Sun Care products are available through Walmart both in-store and online. For more information please visit Walmart.com and be sure to follow Neutrogena on Facebook and Twitter for latest product news.
