Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

PRODUCT REVIEW

I was contacted by the folks at SCAPE to review a few products from their sunblock line.  I can no longer easily find the sunblock brand I was using and have been trying several different brands for the past two years. I was happy to give SCAPE a fair try.  I'm particular about the sunblock I use because:

1. I'm fair.
2. I burn easily.
3. Skin cancer is a concern.
4. I want something that I can use equally for running and every day.
5. I want something that doesn't run into my eyes and stings when I sweat.
6. I want something that stays on, no matter what I'm doing outside.
7. It's gotta smell good. 

I was surprised when I received the package of sunscreen products because they sent me the distinctive yellow, black and white full sized containers to try:

SCAPE products: SPF 30+ cream athlete sunblock, SPF 50+ athlete lip balm, SPF 50+ athlete sunblock face stick.

A little info from the company:

"SCAPE  – www.scapelabs.com – is skincare/suncare for athletes  developed by the PhD behind Neutrogena’s biggest product launch in history, who is also responsible for Helioplex and Ultra Sheer.   The polymer technology and science in the product is innovative and has a specific focus on Skin Cancer Awareness Protection Education.   In fact, the key athlete that helped develop the product, Ironman World Champ, Craig Alexander, had a melanoma removed a few years back.  He found SCAPE while it was in development phased and has not used anything since.

SCAPE is:

• 5X more waterproof than any other product on the market – achieved through a new polymer technology similar to an ultra-thin Gore-Tex layer to hold the sunscreen in place
• Will not rub off and will not run into your eyes
• Breathable – allows the skin to breathe and keep body temperature down and doesn’t clog pores
• Has the highest UVA protection on the market – a result of making the Avobenzone molecule photo-stable
• Loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants to protect and nourish the skin"

I did the gutsy thing and used SCAPE for the first time at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on June 6, 2010. The forecast indicated heat, humidity and sun. I know we should never try anything for the first time *ever* when running in a race such as a half marathon, but I figured this product was created for athletes, and it was the perfect scenario to test the product. Sure, it was risky because I didn't know if it would live up to everything the company claimed.  Would I be allergic to it?  Would it run into my eyes and make my eyes sting as some other sunscreens have done?  Would it last long enough while I waited for my husband to finish his marathon? 

In the morning before heading out to the half marathon/marathon start area, I slathered on the creamy SPF 30+ sunblock, and my husband helped me to reach the backs of my arms and back where I couldn't reach.  (I prefer spray or aerosol sunblocks, just so I can reach by back areas by myself and for thorough coverage.) The creamy sunblock went on smoothly, had a pleasant, clean scent, and it was easy to apply.  It never felt sticky or greasy.  I applied the SPF 50+ face stick to my face and worked it onto my ears.  I'm loving this face stick because it comes in a solid form, in a compact (roll up) container that I could carry with me in the small pocket of my  hydration belt, I can apply it even if my face is sweaty, it's non greasy, and has a pleasant, clean scent.   With both products I never felt like I had any heavy, sticky creams or goop on my face or body.  The SPF 50+ lip balm is silky going on and not waxy like some other brands, and has a nice citrus flavor. 

I ran my half marathon and I was sweaty early on.  I never once felt the sunscreen drip into my eyes and cause stinging.  Even after I crossed the finish line and received an ice cold washcloth to cool my face with, the sunscreen stayed put!  I finished my half marathon in 2:30:55, and I still had to wait for Hubs to finish the marathon.  He finished in 6:06, and during those extra 3 1/2  + hours, I never thought to reapply sunblock.  I did stay in the shade a few times, but I walked out to our track club's water station at about mile 25, where there was no shade.  One of my friends received a second degree sunburn from being out in the sun with me for the same amount of time, and we're equally fair skinned.  I did not burn where the SCAPE sunblock was applied.  The only part of me that did burn were my feet, after I had changed out of my running shoes into my flip flops.   I didn't think to apply SCAPE to my feet.  Lesson learned!

SCAPE lived up to it's claims.  I'm not allergic to the non-comedogenic formula, it lasted me the entire time I was outside, which was from about 5:30 AM until about 2:00 PM that same afternoon, when I went home, and it probably would have lasted longer if I needed it to.  As much as I sweat, it never stung or hurt my eyes, and it never wore off. Hubs also slathered on SCAPE before his marathon, and it lasted him through his time in the hot sun with no sunburn.

I am a convert, and I'm picky about what I put on my skin. I'm also all about skin cancer prevention since I am a prime candidate for skin cancer.  SCAPE works! SCAPE sunblock products will be a part of my skin care arsenal.

Thursday's Song:
100 Years - Five For Fighting, Blues Traveler - Step Away From The Cake, Heffer Blog

PEACE



SCAPE is also available in an aerosol spray and clean foam formulas.