I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation
It’s summer, and it seems like I see more skin on the beach every year. With cheeky bikinis being the norm, I have to wonder what those women who are subjecting their skin to the burning rays of the sun will look like when they’re my age. Will they regret those long lazy days in the sun working toward the perfect tan? I say yes. Because though many 20-something women say they’d rather “look good now” because they won’t care when they’re older. But I haven’t met an older women yet who doesn’t want to look her best, long into her 70’s and 80’s.
But healthy skin is important to me and not just because it looks great, but also because it means that I’ve been protecting it from the harsh realities of life. I’ve learned to embrace the pale white skin with the thousands of freckles my ancestors passed on to me. By shielding it from damaging sun exposure, I’m doing all I can to prevent skin cancer, and I have good reason to be concerned about it.
I’ve seen how the removal of skin cancer from both my mother and sister’s faces not only altered their appearances, but it meant painful reconstruction for both of them. They were fortunate that their cancers had not spread, so surgery was all they needed for a cure. But this less deadly form can turn lethal when it goes untreated. Plus one victory doesn’t mean you won’t have another area become cancerous. My mom has had several rounds of skin cancer over the last 30 years. Her first round was her lower eyelid and since then she’s had skin cancer removed from the bridge of her nose, her forehead, and her upper lip.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily.
You might think since my mom has had so many cancerous lesions that perhaps she spent a lot of time in the sun, but it’s entirely the opposite. However, my sister was a sunbather, having growing up in the 70s when slathering baby oil to intensify a tan was the norm. She also spent time in tanning beds before they discovered they were as damaging as regular sun exposure. So trying to gauge what your risk is, is difficult. But what is known is that using sunscreen to block the sun’s harmful rays can help.
How to Avoid Skin Cancer
Even if you’re like my mother and get minimal time in the sun, it’s a good idea to protect the areas most prone to skin cancer. I’ve read studies that say the face and the top of the ears are the most common areas though backs and the top of women’s thighs are also standard. The theory behind those areas is that they’re exposed to the sun less often. That makes them more prone to burning and sunburns have been linked to skin cancer later in life.
Studies have also recently discovered areas of the body that are easily missed are more prone to disease. Sunscreen needs to be applied thoroughly – it can’t protect if you if it’s too thin or not covering at all. Try using the sunscreen in the places you’re more likely miss first and then do a general application. It makes sense because it gives you two chances to cover the area thus a better shot at full coverage
In addition to sunscreen, always wear a hat when outdoors for extended periods, sunglasses with UVA/UVB rating to protect your eyes (yes, they can sunburn too!), and be aware that the sun can bounce off of water or other reflective surfaces causing burns.
Neutrogena Pure & Free and Sensitive Skin Sunscreens
But what about skin that is sensitive? So many sunscreens cause burning and pain when applied, particularly for those people with Eczema. But I’ve just tried three of Neutrogena’s Sunscreen products for sensitive skin, and I can honestly say they have no fragrance and didn’t cause the slightest amount of stinging. In fact, Neutrogena received the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association for their Pure & Free and Sensitive Skin sun blocks.
While Neutrogena has five products with the Seal of Acceptance, here are the three that I tested:
NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
You don’t have to be a baby to love this NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick. The small applicator and solid stick formula means it glides on like a deodorant stick. It’s too small for large adult areas, but it’s perfect for the face and ears and petite enough to fling into your bag for frequent reapplications. It’s excellent for babies too – there are no artificial scents, so it’s safer for sensitive baby skin. It’s a must-have formula for smooth coverage.
NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
I loved the NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen. It’s thick and creamy, so it clings for easier application and no dripping. It’s scent-free and caused no burning or itching when applied. It absorbed into the skin within a few minutes and because it stays white for a short while it was easier to tell if I’d applied it evenly.
NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
The NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Liquid Sunscreen was my least favorite of the group. It was very thin and dripped before I could get it applied. I ended up having to wipe it from my shorts, camera, and beach towel. I also worried that I wasn’t getting a thick enough coverage to provide the UVA/UVB protection it promised.
Sunscreen – You’ll Be Glad You Used It
No matter what you have planned this summer, take along a sunscreen that’s appropriate for the kind of application you prefer and the type of activities you’ll be doing. Protecting yourself now will mean fewer chances of contracting skin cancer and the promise of less wrinkles and damaged looking skin. I promise, when you reach 50 you’ll be glad you chose to care for your skin.
Have you tried Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Care Products? They Would love your feedback! Write a review on the Neutrogena website to let others with Eczema and sensitive skin know that sun protection without pain is possible.
Neutrogena Sun Care products can be purchased at local Walmart stores as well as via Walmart.com.
Skin cancer runs in my family so I have to be extra careful when I head outside. Looks like a great way to protect your skin.
This definitely sounds like a good option for me. I have sensitive skin and I can burn very easily.
I love that sensitive sunscreen… I use it on my Little Miss all the time and it is great. It is the only thing she doesn’t have a reaction to 🙂
Sunscreen is so important for healthy skin! I love Neutrogena and I love that they have a great sunscreen for sensitive skin! Because my skin is sensitive and most sunscreens make me break out!
I’ve seen more and more people with skin cancer as I get older. It makes me even more aware of how important it is to take care of our skin!
I have been using Neutrogena products for years. It is a great sunscreen. It is not greasy feeling. Sunscreen is so important to put on every day.
We lost a family member to skin cancer last year. It was just heartbreaking, and it made me much more diligent with my family’s skin care.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think most people don’t realize it’s fatal, but it is. (((HUGS)))
We use the same sunscreen in our home. I like that this brand and that the ingredients are safe.
My father has had melanoma before and so we take it very seriously in our family. I am always slathering myself and the kiddos up. My hubby has VERY sensitive skin. This stuff might be better for him!
We use the highest spf for babies here. I dont mess around with skin care and prevention!
I like to tan, so I never use sunscreen. I always use it for my kids, though 🙂
I will have to check out this sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and definitely want to keep my skin protected from the sun too.
I always have sunscreen on hand since we are in Florida. These sunscreen bottles are the perfect size for my purse!
They are a great -I love the sunscreen stick. It’s the one that will be going on my next press trip where I’ll be standing in the sun for hours. It applies evenly and discreetly – no one will know. 🙂
I have to admit, I am AWFUL about putting sunscreen on my body. I protect my face regularly, but I like having a golden glow.
You do, and you’re beautiful. Moisturize often and prevent that saggy old skin that can sneak up on you!
Looks like a great sunscreen. You really have to look at sunscreen ingredients as many chemical sunscreens are very toxic.
I love that this product doubles as sun protection and eczema treatment. I’d love to get some soon for my face.
We have melanoma on both sides of the family so I am super careful about sunscreen with my girls.
My son has eczema and we find we really have to watch it during the summer. The heat and playing outside can really make it flare up but of course we need to keep sunscreen on him. I appreciate these tips and knowing about these products!
I think those are great tips for cancer prevention. I will be sure to let my oldest know for her kids.
Sunscreen is so important. These look like great products!