Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock Lotion SPF 45

Now that summer is upon us, sun protection is a must. And a key element of effective sun protection is use of a good sunscreen. I've been using Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 Sunblock Lotion for the past year and am quite happy with it.

According to Neutrogena, Healthy Defense Sunblock Lotion is oil free, PABA-free, and protects against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains anti-oxidants which protect against free radicals that can damage skin. The bottle says it is the "#1 Dermatologist Recommended Suncare."

Neutrogena also says that Healthy Defense Sunblock is lightweight and fast-absorbing. I have found this to be true. The lotion is a white cream. You look like Casper when you first put it on, but the color fades within a few minutes. According to product directions, it should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure in order for it to be fully absorbed. This conforms with the recommendations of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Even after absorption, the lotion leaves your skin with a sweaty appearance. Although it is oil free, it will make your palms quite moist. I therefore recommend gently patting your hands with a towel before grasping anything. Although gentle on your skin, this stuff can take the dye off a wallet.

It's not surprising that the bottle says that eye contact should be avoided. Even a modest amount of sweat can put the lotion into your eyes. Although harmless, eye contact can be quite painful. If this occurs, generously flush with water immediately.

My skin is fairly sensitive, but I've experienced no irritation whatsoever with Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunblock. Ironically, my skin was irritated by Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, which has an SPF of 30. Both products have ingredients and specifications recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Although Healthy Defense Sunblock is said to be waterproof, Neutrogena and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend reapplication after swimming and extensive sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all sunblock be reapplied every two hours outdoors.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunblock Lotion comes in a four-ounce bottle that retails for about $10.00. Although the American Cancer Society logo appears on the bottle, the logo is not an endorsement. Neutrogena pays the American Cancer Society a royalty for its use.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunblock also comes in stick form. The stick form has an SPF of 30.

Overall, this is an excellent product, but if you sweat heavily or do vigorous outdoor exercise, consider a sweat-proof formula.