Ouch, it can sting!
Written: Feb 01 '05 (Updated Feb 01 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Moisturizing, hydroxy acid & spf 15.
Cons: Not a lotion for sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line: Great for tough, dry skin in the winter, don't try if your skin is sensitive!
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| daydrmgirl's Full Review: Neutrogena Healthy Face Lotion SPF 15 |
I used to use Shiseido's face lotion, which is very mild but a bit too dry for the winter. So I went out looking for a face lotion that is moisturizing, will not clog pores, non-greasy (I have enough grease, so thank YOU!), and with SPF... so I paid a visit to the nearest drugstore's face lotion shelf one cold sunny afternoon.
Neutrogena - the brand
I've always like Neutrogena products. I tried their acne treatment face wash before and it worked most of the time to control occasional breakouts. I don't know if you sometimes just "feel" like a brand is trustworthy and makes good product? That's the kind of feeling I have towards Neutrogena. Well, who knows, you might have the exact opposite feeling... but in this case, the brandname played a big role in my deciding to purchase this lotion.
My skin type
I have the mixed (combination) skin type - my T-zone is more oily than my cheeks. While I need to control the oil in my T-zone, I need moisture around the eyes and cheeks. Especially during New England's winter time, things can get DRY. VERY DRY. Including my skin. I never have huge breakouts in my life. Once in a while, when I'm stressed and get very little sleep, I get maybe at most 10 acnes on my forehead. None of them too ugly. My face skin is smooth, and generally in good condition. I don't use makeup except a bit of foundation and lipbalm/lipgloss. I have a thing for face masks though... from peeling masks, moisturizing masks to clay masks. I try to use them at least once a week as a treat. But other than that, my face is very low maintanence.
The healthy skin face lotion
**Its claims
"spf 15"
"A multi-vitamin facial treatment with alpha-hydroxy"
"... is clinically proven to improve dull, rough, uneven skin and reveal newer, younger skin 4 times faster than an ordinary moisturizer."
**Is there truth in its claims? What you need to know.
As a student in statistics, I learned to question statistical claims. Results can be manipulated easily in ways that you want to fit what you want to say. Thus, I would place strong doubts on the last statement, and ask these questions:
(1) Clinically proven by whom?
(2) How was skin's "dullness" measured?
(3) What is "an ordinary moisturizer"?
As you can see, these are important questions to ask upon seeing a statement like this. What if this result was based on a private clinical report done by Neutrogena-hired physicians (who also happened to receive free Neutrogena products for the rest of their lives), who measured "dullness" by asking participants "how dull" do they think their skin is, and compared their data with people using moisturizer that contains nothing but olive oil. You see how this statement has no value now?
Active ingredients
7.5% Octinoxate
5.0% Oxybenzone
Why I bought it
The brand, the spf, and the alpha-hydroxy. I've read in some fashion magazine that alpha-hydroxy can soften skins. I own Eucerin's alpha-hydroxy lotion and liked its effect on elbow patches and my kneecaps. So it might be great for my face too, right?
Ouuuuuch!
My friend and I both bought a bottle after spending almost half-an-hour browsing and researching all the different lotions. She used it that afternoon and she said her face started stinging right away and her face felt hotter and hotter. She had to wash the lotion off after 15 minutes. On the other hand, although I felt a mild sting at the beginning, it goes away after 2-3 minutes. The instruction did warn about irritation, but it says that it is
"normal and temporary. If irritation persists, use once a day, every other day, until your skin adjusts; then revert to daily use."
Another sunburn alert says:
"This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Limit sun exposure while using this product and use a sunscreen for a week after use."
I thought this second one is a bit ironic since this lotion is suppose to *protect you from the sun* with its spf 15. The lotion itself is white and creamy, a bit on the thick side, though it spreads quite well. As the instruction said, two pumps can adequately cover my face and neck area. The pump on top is easy to use and can be locked by twisting it into place. It feels a little bit greasy when just applied, but as it dries, the greasiness is gone and left the skin a little bit sticky (not greasy). It's too much for my nose so I usually don't put any directly on my nose, but use the leftover for that area.
Worth a shot?
Perhaps. I'll probably try another brand after I finish this bottle, but I enjoyed my experience with this lotion so far. Not too great for my sensitive-skinned friend though. Well, at least I get to take over her barely used face lotion... guess I'll just have to postpone my next face lotion experiment then!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
daydrmgirl
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 2 members
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