Nivea Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 20 (Nivea Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 20)

Member Name: carlmcq

Product:	Nivea Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 20
Date:	07/07/09 (133 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Does exactly what it says on the tin...

Disadvantages: Well, get a stronger one is needs be

So, after what was the Great British Summer, it does appear to have been put on hiatus for the time being. No great surprise there, but for an almost nostalgia-esque moment, here's my sun scream of choice...just for when the better weather returns...

Nivea Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 20 usually sets you back approximately £9 to £12 from most outlets, which isn't cheap all things considered, but in places such as Superdrug they do continue offers throughout the summer, just as 2 for 1 or buy one get one half price, which can be a godsend for many watching the purse strings but obviously in need of protecting themselves from the sun's rays.

But sun cream doesn't just block out the sun, nowadays it does all sorts of stuff, apparently...the advertising jargon given from the manufacturers website states that it "helps protect your skin against sunburn and premature skin ageing. The non-sticky, easily absorbed formula works as soon as it is applied to the skin to provide immediate protection." Premature skin ageing?! That may sound impressive, but that's the products job - the sun obviously damages the skin and 'ages' it so you'd expect nothing less, would you?

The text from the manufacturer goes on..."The fast acting formula provides long-lasting moisturisation for smooth, supple skin. Offers immediate protection against UVA and UVB rays, deep and long lasting moisturisation with skin's own Hydramine, non-sticky, easily absorbed and water resistant." Nothing untoward there, at least it's water-proof which is always good for water babies like myself...but I've never quite understood how it works as surely it would naturally wash off? Scientists, please send your answers on a postcard...

The product comes in a glossy-blue 200ml container, with finger grips on either side of the bottle. It's a spray bottle, some the yellow nozzle is protected by a yellow cap, which I imagine could be lost quite easily under a thin scattering on sand on the beach.

There are a few hazards and cautions, which come with the product, but nothing out of the ordinary...

* Avoid contact with eyes and fabrics
* Apply 15 minutes before going into the sun, reapply when in the sun and then every 1-2 hours and always after swimming or towelling
* Apply generously over the entire body
* Shake well before use and do not spray directly into the face

Funny how is says to reapply after swimming, despite it being apparently 'water-resistant'...

The ingredients are listed on the back of the packaging, but I'd be here all day typing them up. It's dermatologically approved and pH neutrally, so it's safe for all.

Some may prefer a strong protective cream, which is understandable, especially if on holiday abroad where the sun can be stronger, so the SPF-30 or even SPF-40 versions are available...there's even SPF-50, which I'm guessing may be wise for holidaying around the Mediterrean with young children.

It's predominantly odourless, as you'd expect, with just a slightly smell that you find with all sun creams. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's the kind of smell you associate with moisturisers so it's a pleasant one, thankfully.

Would I recommend the product? Well, seeing as sun creams are never cheap, this is certainly a decent price for a product that does exactly what it says on the tin. Here's to the return of the Great British Summer then...

Summary: Just the job as sun protection.