Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask

Handheld skin care devices are currently en vogue. They range from skin tightening to fighting acne.  I came across the Neutrogena LED Acne Mask, and have been testing it out for the past month. Light base acne treatment is an interesting concept. Today, I would like to expand on this with some personal experience and review the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask.

Light treatment, or photodynamic therapy is based on the principle of using exogenous or endogenous photosensitizers that when excited by light will create reactive oxygen species leading to cell death. The bacteria involved in acne (Propionibacterium acne), produces porphyrins that absorb blue and red light. Blue LED light has been shown to be antibacterial. The red light is absorbed deeper into the skin and helps to decrease inflammation and redness.

The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask, contains both blue and red LED lights without any UV radiation. It comes with a detachable activator (battery pack) that allows for 30 treatment sessions. Each session is 10 minutes long and Neutrogena recommends daily use. This mask is user friendly and the built-in eye shield is a plus. Although LED lights are deemed safe, I’ve tried other handheld devices that were uncomfortably too bright for my eyes, even with them closed. The hands-free mask also allows me to continue with my other daily routines while getting my acne treated—a feature I cherish given my busy schedule.

LED light therapy is by no means the preeminent modality for acne treatment. There is emerging research showing efficacy in treating mild to moderate acne. In the past month while I trialed this light mask, I only saw slight decrease in my acne.  I personal think this device can be a great addition for your beauty routine.

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment is small enough to fit in your clutch, perfect for those moments you’re out in public and start to sense a pimple brewing below the surface.

Some people only develop one pimple or so very sporadically, and in those cases it’s okay to spot treat as the acne lesion develops. This is where this gadget comes in. It includes a more targeted combo of blue and red light therapy than you’ll find in the facial mask, so you can use it to treat smaller areas. That also means you can use it up to three times a day for shorter bursts of time (it turns off at two minutes).

While spot treating does not get to the root of the problem, and is not typically ideal for patients with chronic acne, it can be beneficial when used as in addition to your entire acne prevention routine.

This product is great to use and to carry with you when you are traveling or on the go.

Neutrogena Sunscreen

Summertime is in full swing, and for many women the search is on for a great sunscreen that can be applied under make-up. Whether you like applying sunscreen or not, it is critical for your health, and doing so will protect your body’s largest organ, your skin. There are also benefits of using sunscreen throughout the year because the sun, while not as harsh and noticeable in the winter, still produces harmful UV rays, so feel free to use the information here year round!

First figure out which brands work best for your type of skin. If you’re trying a new sunscreen and have sensitive skin, do a little test on your inner arm and leave it on for 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction. Second, not all sunscreens will be suitable for use with make-up, so you might need a little trial-and-error here as well. Lately I have been using a sunscreen that really works well with my skin and I want to share it with you : This is my  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Review. I have been using the SPF 30 version and applying mainly on my face and neck area.

You can buy this Ultra Sheer Dry-touch product from SPF 30 all the way to SPF 100. The Sun Protection Factor or SPF is utilized to measure a sunscreen products protection from UVB (Ultra Violet B) rays, the type that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. SPF however does not measure how well a sunscreen will protect from UVA (Ultra Violet A) rays, which are also damaging and harmful.

To find out more regarding what the difference is between the SPFs, I suggest reading this article: Higher SPF Myth. You don’t NEED more than SPF 30 assuming you apply the proper amounts and make certain to reapply every few hours, but why not increase your protection even by a small percentage if it is available.

My family and I only use broad-spectrum sunscreens. When you’re out and about in the sunshine, you’re exposed to two forms of dangerous UV radiation: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are mainly responsible for the tanning effect your skin undergoes. It also contributes to skin ageing, wrinkles and causes some skin cancers. UVA is present at fairly consistent levels during daylight hours all year-round.

UVB radiation, which is even more dangerous,  causes skin reddening and sunburn and is the major cause of skin cancer. It also contributes to tanning and skin ageing. Unlike UVA, UVB levels vary according to altitude, latitude, time of day and time of year.

A broad spectrum sunscreen acts to block both UVA and UVB rays, affording better all-around protection for your skin.

Neutrogena’s main active ingredient for combating sun damage is their patented Helioplex technology, which is a broad spectrum formulation for UVA and UVB protection using avobenzone and oxybenzone. That would make Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunblock a chemical based sunscreen.

The main challenge in providing effective protection from UVA rays is that traditional chemicals used in sunscreens that absorb UVA light degrade quickly and become ineffective. Helioplex combines two exisiting chemicals, but does so in a successful unique way. The avobenzone here is in a more stable form, so it doesn’t lose its effectiveness with exposure to sunlight like in other sunscreens, so your application lasts a little longer.

Regardless of the SPF number you chose, all of Neutrogena’s dry-touch sunscreens have a light mildly floral scent that is not overpowering at all. This is a sunscreen that is meant especially for acne-prone and sensitive skin, and has never caused any breakouts on my temperamental skin. When worked in properly, this thick white cream, which is spread easily and is absorbed quickly, is non-greasy.  It does not leave your skin feeling dry nor does it add a layer of oily stickiness I sometimes experience with other sunscreens. Even when I was sweating I did not experience any greasiness.

The Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen really does have a dry finish. This sunscreen begins creamy but quickly dries down to a matte (in feel) finish. It does leave a very slight sheen on the skin, but it’s hardly worth complaining about, especially if you are dealing with oily to very oily skin and have been so far unable to find a stand-alone sunscreen that doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy.

Apply liberally on face and body 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure. Remember, you must reapply sunscreen every 2 or 3 hours (though with this Helioplex tech, 3-4 hours is fine) if you are staying / working outdoors in the sun.  Also reapply right after swimming. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sunscreen is very gentle and light on your facial skin, and really is waterproof and sweat proof. I can confidently say that because it remains effective on me even after an hour of running which is great.

What about your children. Neutrogena has you covered.

Whether you’re at the beach, pool, or just enjoying a hot summers day with the family, most of us know that kids never sit still long enough, to dry off the white blotches of sunscreen after its applied. Until now, introducing the Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray with broad spectrum SPF 70+ and Helioplex®. This #1 dermatologist recommended suncare, is specially formulated to work with wet skin. This breakthrough technology instantly cuts through water, creating a broad spectrum protective barrier with every application. When applied to wet skin, ordinary Sunscreen can whiten and drips off. The Neutrogena® Wet Skin Kids promises full strength sun protection even when applied on wet skin.

This #1 dermatologist recommended features Helioplex®, with broad spectrum sunscreen technologies that delivers superior uva and uvb protection from the sun.

If you’ve tried any of these products, I would love to hear your experiences.