Get a Touch of Sun

Whenever I see a multifunctional product or something marketed with the "all in one" buzz phrase, I get that skeptical crinkle in my brow. I get a nagging sensation that the quality of the product is somehow compromised or diluted when unrelated features are tacked on. The more superfluous the added feature(s) may be, the higher my red flag is raised. I need my cell phone to second as a camera just as much as I need my car to microwave a burrito while I'm driving. This relates to tech gadgetry, but it's another thing when talking about a skincare product that purports to moisturize the skin, as well as tan and provide UV protection. Olay's Touch of Sun Daily UV moisturizer claims to do just that: not one, but three crucial and related benefits for the skin. How well does Touch of Sun work?

Let's break it down:

Does it Protect?
Sunblocks (or sunscreens) usually block the damaging effects of the sun by absorbing certain wavelengths of the sun's spectrum. This can be achieved by either chemical or physical means. Those providing protection chemically - with compounds like octisalate or avobenzone, among numerous others - work by absorbing UV rays. However, the white pasty gunk that looks like bird droppings on the noses of California lifeguards work by reflecting sunlight, thereby physically deflecting harmful UV rays.

Olay Touch of Sun's active ingredients are 4% octisalate and 3% avobenzone. Octisalate effectively blocks UVB rays while avobenzone, also known as Parsol 1789, is one of the few chemical sunblocks that protect against UVA rays, a function specific usually to the physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Touch of Sun also contains 8% octocrylene and 2% homosalate, two additional sunscreen compounds that are also water-resistant, lending the product a lightly creamy texture without being greasy. Although you wouldn't use this for outdoor sports (it provides a solid SPF of 15), you still don't want your moisturizer to run off at the first beads of perspiration. Speaking of moisturizing...

Does it Moisturize?
The simple answer is yes. The consistency is very light and runny, not lotion-y or pasty in any way. This makes for easy application, blending smoothly and seamlessly into my face and neck with no oily or gunky film. The water-based texture explains its non-comedogenic properties, which means it won't clog pores. Also advertised as an all day, 24-hour moisturizer, my skin felt soft and smooth enough.

Does it Tan?
Touch of Sun is marketed primarily as a moisturizer with the tag line reading "plus a touch of sunless tanner". Self tanners can be really tricky. They usually have a harsh chemical scent and make your face feel basted. This is not to mention the Technicolor orange hue or streaky effects that some may impart. After I applied it to my face and neck, I was relieved to enjoy a clean, slightly sugary scent, no hint of foul, sulfuric odors. I was also expecting my face "to cook" as some self-tanners inexplicably do, probably owing to the chemical reaction of the tanning agent. None of this was the case and best of all, I didn't look like I needed a new liver. After only thirty minutes, I sported just the slightest honey glow. My complexion was even-toned and natural. A minor caveat for the fellas who use sunless tanners: be careful around the five o'clock shadow as uneven dark spots will sometimes form around stubbly areas. Be sure to give yourself a smooth shave before applying.

For 2.5 ounces, be prepared to pay around $12.99 retail. I'd say it's worth it for the triple benefit this product provides. On a final note, I will leave you with the package directions:

Apply evenly on clean face and neck as needed. Wash hands after application. If color change is not as dark as desired, apply more frequently. Children under six months old: consult a doctor.

If you can't find the funny in that previous passage, then I hope your kid is at least 7 months old.