Soleil Me Not, Ocean Potion®!

I once thought that my freckles were conspiring with each other to make a birthmark on my face from the increased prominence after some exposure in the sun but after learning the science of what the sun does to melanin-producing melanocytes, I concluded that my skin houses a highly reactive colour production factory bursting with experimental tinges of brown.

Not that I dislike my freckles but anything that regulate or prevent the concentration of melanin in spots, I would be too happy to try. I don’t equate being fair with being beautiful but what I do want is to maintain my skin tone to that of the tone of my make-up foundation lest I appear grey and mismatched when I return from a dive trip! I’ve used sunblock of varying SPFs (sun protection factor – the time it takes for your skin to get sunburnt without any protection) and have tried so many brands in the market including those from cosmetic giants but most, if not all, of these products cause my face to breakout or become taut and dry. How do I get adequate protection from the sun without making me glisten like I’ve had an oil bath or be shriveled taut like leather?

I was given an opportunity to review a new range of sun protection skin care in the market called Ocean Potion. Aside from its name depicting my place of work, I was pleased to note that the base of the range of these lotions does not contain mineral oil, a petroleum by-product that has no benefits but simply because it is low cost and widely available. Being free of a the irritant agent called PABA – para amino benzoic acid, Ocean Potion has an active ingredient called Parsol® 1789 (Avobenzone), I was given a bottle of Ocean Potion® H2O Water Sport SPF 30 Continuous Spray (RM36.80 for 177ml) for the ultimate water resistance in a quick dry mist to complement my profession in teaching swimming & scuba. Apart from being fragrance free, sweat proof and very highly water-resistant, its stabilised broad spectrum formula provides defense against UVA I, II and UVB rays, glide on dry and keeps me protected in wet conditions.

It’s a joy to spray my back &  the back of my legs without straining myself by attempting calisthenics to rub lotion the conventional way half an hour before I go diving. Spraying over twice gives me a clean application & even coverage & helps me remember to do it before every dive because I’d like to reapply after drying myself with a towel which may rub some of the protection off.

The other product that I got to experiment on is the Ocean Potion® (Broad Spectrum), Anti-Aging Lotion SPF 50 (RM15.80 for 44ml), specially formulated for fair skin that provides higher sun protection against UVA I, II and UVB sunrays. I didn’t hesitate to use it on my face, as it glides on easily for quick absorption. With no greasy after-feel, I took to it immediately. Containing Seaplant extracts and Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C, and E that aid in the reduction of cell-damaging free radicals, it helps to know that the product I continue to use, prevents as much sun damage as possible. One of the products actually contains Retinol, a cell rejuvenating substance that renews skin cells at a faster rate, thus promoting the elimination of dead skin cells! I might try that one after I’ve run out of these two products.

After the day’s diving is done, a good scrub in the shower with a scrunchie & shower creme ensures there is no residue left on the skin. Straight after while the skin is still damp, I smother my skin with Ocean Potion® (After Sun) Moisturising Aloe Lotion (RM24.80 for 250ml), a rich penetrating lotion formulated to replenish and repair skin cells after exposure to the sun and all other outdoor elements. Not only did it keep my skin soft and healthy, it prevents peeling and ultimately maintains your tan (if tanning was what you desired instead of blocking) weeks longer with regular use. It felt cool on my skin after application without any trace of grease at all.  This potion is naturally made with pure aloe vera gel, vitamins A, C, and E, tea tree oil, herbal extracts, seaweed extract and other natural skin emollients and conditioners.

The verdict:- Overall after a week’s usage & a weekend out in the island, I had a very pleasant experience with the ease of use, the fruity fragrance of the Anti Aging lotion that lingers & that I’m adequately protected in the sun. I also found confidence in the knowledge that Ocean Potion is a cruelty-free brand and does not conduct testings on animals nor does it use cheap emollients that’s akin to lubricants (mineral oil) in the market. And as I love being in the sun, I can keep saying, ‘Soleil me not,’ when I’m liberally covered with Ocean Potion! I am well-prepared to switch brands!

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