Coconuts Inside A Tuscan Sunflower Coloured Bottle. (Boots Soltan Lotion with Coconut Fragrance SPF 25)

Member Name: Machair1

Product:	Boots Soltan Lotion with Coconut Fragrance SPF 25
Date:	12/03/09 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: UVA and UVB filters

Disadvantages: I feel it does not provide enough protection for very intense sun

You may have gathered from an earlier review that for most holidays and time spent out of doors I use Sunsense which is a factor 30 or above range of products developed in Australia in an attempt to cut the incidence of skin cancer there. However I do have a lot of opposition from the family as regards using factor 50 for too much of any holiday, and so I discovered the Boots coconut range a few summers ago which I do use certainly towards the end of a trip.

The Soltan range is my favourite. If you look carefully along the shelves you will see one of them has a brown label and a brown flip top on a gorgeous Tuscan sunflower coloured bottle- this one is the one to look out for because it is scented with coconuts, and this is what appeals to me the most. It is a very moisturising product and the lotion applies really easily covering you with a wonderful tropical aroma, which really enhances the experience of sitting on a beach for a few hours. It is available in plain and in water resistant, and I normally buy the water resistant option as I do love a paddle. You won't miss it as it has two little palm trees on the front.

The lotion is uva and uvb blocking and retails for about £9.73. It is also available in two lower SPF factors 15 and 8 which personally I would never buy as I feel they are too risky for my white skin which is speckled with moles. The factor 8 costs less at about £9.24. Boots often have it on buy one get one free so it is good value.

The skin cancer experts are saying that it is just as important to use the correct amount, as to use a certain product within the same protection factor, so make sure you apply a teaspoon to each limb (5mls) plus back, front, and face to cover everywhere adequately making a total of 35mls per person per application. This means each bottle is only enough for 6 applications, which is a factor to bear in mind when costing out holiday incidental expenses. It is also really important to lotion up at least 15 minutes before you go out into the sun.

According to the bottle this lotion is protective against the aging effects of the sun. It also claims to have an antioxidant complex which boosts the body's natural defences against the harmful effects of the sun, thus preventing longer term skin damage.

Skin cancer I would say does run in my family, but my parents were both sun worshippers and really failed to take care, but it can take up to 30 years to develop so I may be about to pay for a carefree teenage and youthful approach to getting a tan which was so important in those days.

I have enjoyed using this product on holiday and especially recommend it for the delightful coconut fragrance which is idyllic. I have not burnt at all when using it or suffered from any form of peeling or dry skin, but it may be also due to the fact that I am careful in other ways such as avoiding the midday sun and wearing a wide brimmed hat.

Both my daughters love this product and it is the only one they take with them. I think it combines a very effective lotion with a lovely summery smell and makes a valuable addition to any holiday beach bag.

I have only given it 3* because personally I feel it is prudent to always look for a higher factor than this to be as safe as possible, but life is about living, and as most people do not want to submerge themselves in factor 50 I feel this is a great middle of the road product and offers good protection.

Summary: A good product with a lovely smell.