Friday, August 27, 2010

Apothecary: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Hello ladies,

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite facial sunscreens: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. Part of my beauty routine for several years, I am a devoted user of this product. I rely on Healthy Defense to protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays.
The box contains post-consumer recycled material.


Rose on a blue trellis. I had a really lovely conversation with the gardener of the plot where the rose bush is abloom. He welcomed me to take cuttings of his flowers for the rest of the growing season.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. I find this moisturizer works effectively even on hot and humid days. The consistency feels sheer on my face and neck. I find the formula to be relatively sweat proof for standard daily activities. I would recommend reapplying after exercise or exertion.

This moisturizer works exceptionally well under makeup. I have no problems with my concealer or bronzer shifting after application. My skin feels soft, but never oily. Healthy Defense leaves no perceivable residue.

Having fair and sensitive skin causes me to be very critical of SPF efficacy. I find that brands with similar active ingredients may not result in the necessary sun protection if their inactive ingredients don't assist in absorption. Neutrogena's patented helioplex broad spectrum UVA-UVB provides me with worry free protection against sun damage.

It's essential to wear a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB sun protection. Affecting the surface skin, UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. UVA damage goes deeper, penetrating skin layers to break down collagen and elastin found in healthy skin. This damage is what results in the signs of aging: lines and wrinkles, visible loss of elasticity resulting in skin sagging and age spots or discoloration.

The active ingredients include: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 12%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.35%, Oxybenzone 6%.

The inactive ingredients are as follows: Water, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Diethylhexl 2, 6-Naphthalate, Glycerin, Glycerl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantothenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, BHT, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzyl Alcohol.

The formula contains Vitamins B5, C, and E. These are listed as Panthotenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol respectively. I am always pleased when antioxidants are present in skin care. Protection against the formation of free radicals is necessary for skin health and longevity.

I will continue to review sunscreens for face and body as a regular feature at painted Lady fingers. An advocate for daily use of facial sunscreens, I have worn a moisturizer with SPF every day since I was 12 years old. If you already practice daily sun protection or would like to start, I highly recommend Neutrogena's Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer.

Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 can be purchased at neutrogena.com for $13.99. I bought my tube at the local CVS drugstore.

Happy painting, ladies!

7 comments:

  1. I started using this sunscreen this summer and I love how light weight it feels. It really helps when a sunscreen isn't sticky and heavy because it makes you want to apply it more often.

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  2. Serena: That's great! I am glad you are enjoying Healthy Defense as much as I am. You make a really good point about how user friendly this sunscreen is.

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  3. I think I have this exact sunscreen.Except it's not called Healthy Defense in Oz, it's called...I can't remember. I started using it last year when my dermatologist said it was oil-free and would be good for preventing those spots. I can't really tell if it's better or worse than other sunscreens though.

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  4. i lovee SPF 30 !! :)
    thanks for sharing this..

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  5. Great poset! Sunscreen is super important! I can never live without it!

    http://xmaterialgirlsx.blogspot.com/

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  6. Joan: Neutrogena makes several facial sunscreens. I'm not sure which one you are using, but I do love the brand. :)

    ipehishere: That's wonderful that you protect your skin. You are beautiful!

    ~Lisa: Thanks so much! Sunscreen is such a beauty staple for me. I apply it even on overcast days. I never want to leave sun protection up to chance.

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  7. I like Neutrogena products. I used to use the Norwegian Formula (?) in the Winter when my fingers would crack. Worked really well. Have you ever read Paula Begoun's book "Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me"? Lots of interesting facts and reviews. I don't always agree with everything but it's a very good book. She also has a website she keeps updated. There's a ton of information about all of the top makeup and skincare lines.

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