[Review] Face Sunblocks from Neutrogena, VMV Armada & Biore

Again, Paragraph 3 for the real review. :)

Summer came early in the Philippines and as a person who likes to take care of her skin, a sunblock is a must. I have known some people who are not a believer of sunblock mainly because their skin doesn't really make a difference after putting it on but believe it or not the sun and its harmful rays can cause premature aging on our skin. Normally, these aging signs doesn't show up instantly. If you don't protect your skin now, the results will come rushing after 10 or few more years. Take note: even if its not sunny and even if we are indoors, we should still put sunblock in the morning because the sun is still there and the UVA/ UVB/ UVC can still penetrate the skin. Sunblock is also as equally important especially for those with acne prone skin like I have. Because we put treatments on our face (whether it is Benzoyl Peroxide, retinoic acid, isotretinoin, adapalene, clindamycin etc) Putting sunblock is a must because we are only creating double damage in our skin if we dont. I recommend watching Dr Neal Schultz’ video's about Sunscreen here: http://www.dermtv.com/episodes/sunscreen. He answers question too if you mail him! I am a testimony to that. Its like having another dermatologist online. :)

In my case, I have an on and off relationship with sunblock. I was using tretinoin when I first encountered it. However, the sunblock didn't really work on my skin because my face is horribly red after. And the sunblock that my derm prescribed worsened the burning sensation caused by the tretinoin. I endured it for a year cause I thought it was normal. Then came another dermatologist but he didn't prescribe me a sunblock for everyday use. He only gave me one when I was in a beach. I wondered why. Probably because I was massively breaking out then, sunblock might make my situation worst. When I was on Isotretinoin and have cystic acne, I didnt use sunblock. When I got clear, I instantly purchased moisturizers with sunblock with at least SPF 15 (the minimum) such as Olay White Radiance, Maxi Peel Concealing Cream, VMV Spring Clean Moisturizer and others I forgot. My face has improved then. It was this time I have realized the importance of Sunblock because it helps me avoid any damage on my face such as acne. I don't really settle with one type of Sunblock and I am always on the look out for the sunblock that doesn't give me break out, shiny face, and no allergic reaction on my nose.

At the moment, I have been using three main sunblocks on my face.

VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60

Price: PHP 900 in 30g (Expensive for a small tube)

A little matte finish consistency, not that runny and dense, easy application, a little tinted (see the tube color when opened) and it hides blemishes in the face creating a smooth look. The smell is not that harsh and I have used it around my eyes and it didn't cause any bad reaction. I really like this! However, I am saddened with the price cause it cant afford my budget for everyday use.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)*

Price: PHP 400+ (I am not sure but its only less than PHP 500) for 88ML. Wow it takes forever to finish! :)

Creamy consistency, very dense, leaves a heavy white cast on the face, the fragrance is too strong that it stung my eyes and my nostrils had an allergic reaction. The smell disturbed me as it gave me headache towards the day. I used it together with VMV Armada on my eyes-nose- corner of lips, and the Neutrogena around my forehead, cheeks, jawline. I tried this for few weeks and I notice a little oil mine after 2 hours without powder or foundation on the face. Not really lightweight as it claims. The Helioplex that they mentioned is a stablizer. Meaning, it doesnt break down upon exposing the skin in the sun. Some Sunblocks really break down in the sun because they do not have stabilizing ingredients.

Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+ (PA+++)*

► Edited: May 11, 2010

Price: SGD 12.50 (Roughly PHP 400) for 30g

Very runny consistency, easy application, leaves a matte finish. Perfect as a make up base because it leaves the face smooth and oil free. Too drying for dry skin. Comes with four variant (White for Oily Skin, Purple for Dry Skin, Pink for the Rosy glow effect and BLUE for both face and body usage) Lightweight! No disturbing smell on the face after application.

I suggest the White Variant for the acne prone. Being an acne prone myself, I have found this product very compatible with my skin! Not clogging at all. I even put it twice a day. (Early morning and mid afternoon) And it definitely improved my face. I guess being protected from the sun can really have a lot of benefits!

This product is a bit drying. Trust me, as an oil mine person, I am still surprised that my skin became dry after 3 months of usage most especially with the lines in my eyes. Solution? After putting Biore, leave for at least 10 mins, then put a moisturizer around the fine lines of your eyes.

I even use this product without putting powder or foundation. This goes to show that, it corrects my skin tone and it stays matte for at least 4 hours.

*the more plus on the P.A., the better protection. VMV has no PA cause it uses European scale. PA is started by the Japanese sunblock manufacturers.

Verdict:

1. ★★★★★ Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+
2. ★★★★☆ VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60
3. ★★★☆☆ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)

Biore is already my #1. I am really surprised with this product cause after using it for 3 months, my skin improved and its definitely not oily at all compared before and when I ran out of this, I couldn't find a better alternative. I tried my VMV Armada which is stocked in my kit but unfortunately, after 10 mins, my skin became OILY, STICKY and overall, uncomfortable. I realized that VMV is very moisturizing and I wasn't able to notice that before. I dont use Neutrogena anymore in my face because I couldn't take the smell at all.

Recommended?

☑ Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+

☑ VMV Armada Face and Body Shield 60

☑ and ☒ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (PA+++)

Neutrogena is not really recommended for the sensitive skin. But its a great alternative if you ran out of Biore or Armada.

Meanwhile for the body, I currently using Alba Boanicals Green Tea. It has a strong smell as well but I am about to finish it and will use my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer for the face next time.

Happy Summer and stay protected, everyone!

XOXO