Neutrogena Launches SPF 100+
The numbers war is on and Neutrogena is pulling out the big guns with their new Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ (yes plus)! Neutrogena believes, correctly so, that most people apply less sunscreen than they are supposed to in order to get the correct SPF. They go on to make other science inspired marketing claims to convince you that the high horse power sunscreen is necessary.
#1 Dermatologist recommend 1 oz of sunscreen- dermatologists didn’t determine the correct amount of sunscreen to use- the recommended amount comes from the amount of sunscreen used in the test ( 2 milligrams per square centimeter) to determine the SPF as dictated by the FDA in the sunscreen monograph 1999- not dermatologists!
#2 Under-application of a given SPF can result in receiving only 1/10 of the SPF (i.e. SPF 70 gives protection of SPF 7 when applied)- This claim is way too general for my taste. So are you saying that if I don’t put an ounce of sunscreen on then I’m only getting 1/10 the protection? Even if I am off by a little smidgen? How much less sunscreen do I have to apply to get 1/10 the SPF that I want? Is it the size of a pea when I need a half dollar, pea to a dime, pea to a quarter? You get my point… So with an SPF 100 you will get the protection of an SPF 10…how about I develop an SPF 400+ so when you apply it you will actually be getting SPF 40- oh I am so on this when I get back to the lab on Monday!
#3 If an individual used an SPF 100+ instead of SPF 55 over the course of a lifetime, his/her skin would have about half of the sun damage- Hold on now! That I can’t buy into because the difference in protection between SPF 55 and SPF 100 isn’t significant so that will not affect the amount of sun damage that I get. Now if you were comparing SPF 15 to 30 then that’s more believable and accurate- once you get above SPF 30 the amount of protection that you get is not as impressive as the higher SPF number would lead you to believe.
I’m not discounting the need for a high SPF sunscreen as most derms recommend 30 or higher; if you are very fair and burn when just looking at the sun then hey, slather on and have a ball! What I do like about this sunscreen is the UVA protection! Neutrogena and the scientists at Johnson & Johnson have put together a great photostable UVA system-the famed helioplex- for broad spectrum protection which is very important for reducing the risk of certain skin cancers.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Don’t our bodies actually need some sun exposure for Vitamin D? Also, if you really want SPF 100, just wear some clothing. I think that’s a little overboard.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hi Trudie,
There has been a lot of debate on this subject in the derm world. The concensus at the last conference that I attended is that the best way to get the amount of vitamin D needed is through our daily diet and not reliance on UV rays.
Best,
Ni’Kita
June 27th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Incredible post,, Will definitely come back again soon-
July 9th, 2009 at 8:31 am
This is the BEST sunblok that I’ve ever seen. Pity that in Holland you can’t find it in the shope. Also on the Internet only 45+. Anyone can help me and give me a TIP where I can buy it on the net?
The sun is this year very bad for our skin.
ct@london.com
Thanks!!!
July 12th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Hi Sergio,
I do know that you can get it on Amazon.com! Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Ultra-Sheer-Dry-Touch-3-Ounce/dp/B001OMIA0A
Thanks for stopping by the B. spot!
Best,
Ni’Kita
May 28th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Doesn’t matter how much clothing you put on. If you have a skin condition (vitiligo) you need all the coverage you can get. I for one am glad to see 100+ SPF.