Lotus safe sun Collagen Shield Sunblock SPF 90 PA +++ Review

When I first saw the Lotus advertisement on TV on this new range of sunscreen, the first thing which came to my mind was..Do we really need such high SPF??? 

Ok, so I had to again dig my nose into some research about this whole concept of High spf's... and much more, so brace yourself to a long post !!!!


First thing first, What is the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock?

• Sunscreen ‘screens’ the sun rays which are falling on your skin and thereby lets some of the ultraviolet rays to get through. Sunblock ‘blocks’ all the sun rays falling on you and thereby deflects all the ultraviolet rays. 
• Sunscreen is in a little more liquid form and hence can be applied easily whereas sunblock is a little thick and is hard to spread.
•  Sunscreens are good for normal day-to-day protection from the sun. But, if your skin is sensitive or aging a sunblock is recommended 
• Sunscreen can be washed off easily whereas it is harder to wash off a sunblock.
• Personally, Sunblocks works better on my sensitive and combination skin and makes me sweat less!

A few facts on SPF,PA+++,UVA/UVB rays-

•  UVA rays are responsible for tanning,damaging collagen in tissues and cause wrinkling,UV induced cancer ; UVB rays cause sunburn ; UVC doesn't reach the earths surface (due to its short wavelength)
• Measurement of UVA protection efficacy is the PFA (or Protection Factor of UVA), which is represented in the labels of Sunscreens/Sunblocks as PA (or Protection grade of UVA)
• SPF/Sun Protection Factor refers to the ability of a sunscreen to block UVB rays, which cause sunburns, but not UVA rays,It is an index of protection against sunburn

A much complex equation goes into this calculation , but may be this will help you get the picture...

• PA +  = PFA value of 2 or more but less than 4 
• PA++ = PFA value of 4 or more but less than 8
• PA +++ = PFA value of 8 or more

Now to the number game...

• Basically  an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 % of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97 %, SPF 50 blocks 98 %, and SPF 100 blocks 99 %.... Ultimately the thing is Spf 15/30 if applied/used in the correct way and dosage would give you optimum protection against sunburn.As,you increase the SPF number (after 50), the percentage of protection actually varies little about ) 0.05-1 % 
• However, Some Consultants and pharmaceutical executives are of opinion that using a high spf over a long time (read: lifetime) may offer a protection against long term skin damage and exposure related cancer and lead to a healthy skin.

PHEW !!!!! now to the review....

What Lotus Safe Sun Collagen shield Sunblock SPF 90 PA+++ Claims-

Ingredients-

How does it act-

Price-

Direction of use,Advice,Preservative claims and Caution (as on the packaging)

What I Liked about Lotus Safe Sun Collagen Shield Sunblock Spf 90,PA+++

• It did not make me sweat and has a mattifying effect, no worries of the shine factor  
• The texture is very light (although its a sunblock) and gets absorbed onto skin super fast.Neither to creamy nor to runny,just perfect!
• It slightly tinted. So,evens out skin tone..but a very very light coverage (don't expect it to be a substitute of the previous SPF 40; I feel both are different)
• No stinging/breakouts but has a nice soothing effect on skin
• PA+++ (benefits explained above) 
• SPF 90 ( number game evaluated above)
• both UVA and UVB protection
• no parabens
• full ingredient list is mentioned
• goodness of soya protein and aloevera
• Comes in a travel friendly tube packaging with a flip flop cap
• Has a mild floral fragrance (nothing over the top!)
• Available widely 

What I didn't like about Lotus Safe Sun Collagen shield Sunblock SPF 90, PA+++

• 595 INR for 50gms only  :(
• If I have to dig up one more then its not a proper tinted variety if you are looking for (but again,it does not claim to be either!)

Swatches-

Few more points on using a Sunscreen/ Sunblock-

• One should apply the product liberally on all exposed parts of the body 
• Apply it 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun for the product to get absorbed well and build up a barrier
• Reapply every 3-4 hours, whatever the spf or PA values may be
• You should use a sunscreen even if you stay indoors most of the time and yes! do reapply.
• No sunscreen gives 100 % protection against sunrays. You should also use an umbrella, a hat, glares and all possible means to keep yourself protected. Light colored cotton garments are a big Yes in summers

My Rating- 4.9/5  

Final verdict- Honestly I am totally loving it and would recommend all of you.But just don't get carried off by the spf values,even an spf 30 if applied correctly (referring to the pointers above) is good enough ! But keeping in mind its paraben free,matte,non greasy and all other pros, you can give it a try !

Update- PR sent product for review.This however has not affected my sincere opinion at all.