Sunscreen Review: Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield vs Neutrogena Utlra Sheer Dry touch

Sunscreen: Sun has always been a blessing to human kind for spreading it warmth and loving rays each day. As innocent and harmless it may seems most of us are aware now that run rays contains UVA (Ultra-violet Alpha) and UVB (Ultra-violet Beta) rays which can cause various reactions to our skin. Studies have proved that sun- exposure can even cause early aging and skin wrinkles.

Myth: Sun rays contains UVB which is most harmful to the skin and that’s where we get the sun-burns and tanning from. What more can the sun rays do to us anyways? As long as the sunscreen contains protection against UVB our skin will be fine!

Fact: Out of all the rays sun omits, UVB (short wave) and UVA (long wave) are the most deleterious to our skin as they can penetrate the atmosphere easily. UVA is more dangerous than UVB despite being less intense. They are present in the daytime throughout the year irrespective of weather and are capable of penetrating through glass and clouds! It can cause pre-mature aging and plays a significant role in causing skin cancer.

Few unwanted love-bites that sun rays leave on their ‘sun-lovers’:

• Premature Aging and Wrinkles
• Skin Cancer
• Sun-burn
• Freckles 
• Discoloration of skin
• Undesirable Tanning
• Itching and Peeling of skin

Now who would want to step out in the sun after reading this? Sadly, we can not ignore that. Did you know less exposure to the sun can also be unhealthy as sun- rays are direct source to vitamin D! Deficiency of Vitamin D can leave you with bad body ache each day (Been there, had that).

What is PA rating: The name sounds fancy but it simply stands for the level of protection provided from UVA rays. The sunscreen can have PA+, PA++ and PA+++  protection ratings (The higher (+) the better). So opt for PA+++ against the prior two level of protections mentioned.

What is SPF: SPF stands for sun protection factor and protects us against UVB mainly. Higher the SPF value in sunscreen lesser are the number of times you need to reapply the sunscreen in a day.
For eg, you get a sun-burn within 10 mins under the sun and if you are using a sunscreen with SPF 30, you need not apply the sun-screen until another 30*10= 300 minute

I usually opt for higher SPF sunscreen’s since I am a lazy ass.

I have used two sunscreen religiously over the span of last 6 months:

• Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield
• Neutrogena Utlra Sheer Dry touch

Neutrogena Utlra Sheer Dry touch (L)
Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield (R)

The tubes look worn out since I have a habit of carrying the sunscreen’s around with me for every trip!

1) Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield (SPF 50)

I have used multiple Sunscreen’s over the past years but never stuck to one since they were either too greasy and runny or very travel unfriendly. Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield comes in a sleek small tube with a twist up cap that avoids the wastage of Sunscreen.

Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield
SPF protection: 50
Pa+++

The Suncsreen is in the form of a lotion which is neither too runny nor too thick which is definitely a plus point. Application is very easy since you just have to take merely a drop of the sunscreen and smear it all over your face. Its does not leave your face feeling greasy/ oily or too dry. Given to its brilliant texture as my makeup/ face does not melt away under the sun either (Thumbs up).
It has a sweet and strong smell at first but once you apply it on your face/ body the smell dissipates very quickly. I have a very sensitive skin and certain products react in a way that I end up getting boils which persists for months before leaving! This product, though not meant for sensitive skin types (It has added perfume to it), have not left any bad impact on my skin yet.

What does the product claims?

Women who want to preserve their skin’s quality. Protect their youth capital and limit photo-aging, with maximum protection.
Upon application, complexion looks instantly flawless, visibly fairer, and younger. 12 hours long, skin is protected from UVA amd UVB rays. 100% of women showed a reduction of dark spots visibility and fairer skin.

Why should I purchase this product:

• Texture: Its a water based cream which smears across the face in a swish saving the struggle with usual sunscreens!
• It offers SPF Protection 50 and PA+++
• Does not melt under the sun
• Notable reduction of my freckles. Sadly my freckles love me way too much and very adamant on staying.
• Considerably lesser tanning and freckles fade with time.
• Portable tube that can squeeze into your travel kit easily!
• Is waterproof as long as you do not rub the area.

Why should I avoid it:

• Price: 30ml is priced at nearly INR 3500
• If you have a sensitive skin it may not suit your face.
• Contains Methyl Paraben
• Includes Cethyl Alcohol traces which may cause side-effects/ allergies.

Will I buy it again?
Despite the cons I do like this product a lot. However, I have been eyeing Shiseido for a while now. So hopefully, I will be getting my hands on the new baby soon!

Product Rating: 4/5

I will be posting Neutrogena Utlra Sheer Dry touch Sunscreen review in the next post stay tuned ♥

~Xoxo!