SCAPE Sunblock Review
Today’s review starts with a confession: I almost never wear sunblock.
I know that violates a cardinal sin of outdoor athletes – not to mention dermatologists – but it’s always seemed like more hassle than it’s worth. I also benefit from having a relatively dark complexion (my Italian mother is beaming with pride right now) that makes me slightly less susceptible to sunburn during long days outdoors. I know that my genetic good fortune doesn’t protect me from risk of skin cancer, but that’s one of those medical dice rolls I feel comfortable making, at least for the time being.
On the other hand, in a classic example of “Do as I say and not as I do” parenting, I make my kids wear sunblock whenever they’re at the pool, beach, or long outdoor activities. So when I received an offer to test some new sunblock products, I knew exactly who my guinea pigs would be.
SCAPE – it stands for Skin Cancer Awareness Protection & Education – was developed by Dr. Nic Martens, a biochemistry PhD and accomplished endurance athlete who also happens to be one of the inventors of Neutrogena’s well-respected skin care products. This particular product line is a collaboration between Martens and Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, and has been field tested by professional triathletes, surfers, runners, cyclists, and winter sports athletes at various stages of development prior to its launch in April 2010.
I’m not much of a biochemistry expert, but SCAPE claims to have an innovative polymer technology in their products that makes them unique in comparison to your everyday drug store sunblock. More specifically, SCAPE is reportedly five times more waterproof than any other product on the market, but still allows the skin to breathe for temperature regulation. It has an SPF of 50 with the highest UVA protection available, and is enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants to protect and nourish your skin. Best of all, it won’t clog your pores or rub off into your eyes.
Sounds pretty impressive, huh? You can see why I was so eager to try it – on my kids, that is.
I received three different products for testing: sunblock lotion, lip balm, and face stick. The sunblock has almost no aroma to it, and feels a bit less greasy to the touch than our usual Coppertone or Banana Boat stuff. Its water resistance seems pretty strong, but my kids did get a little bit pink after a long pool party recently, so I’d still recommend reapplying after a few hours of use.
SCAPE lip balm also has SPF 50, and has a pretty neutral scent and taste – not the overwhelming menthols or fruit tastes that most other brands force upon you. The only problem is that at the rate my girls go through lip balm, this could become a pretty expensive habit for them to pick up. But if you’re a grown up and can use it judiciously, it’s a very solid option.
I was probably most impressed by the face stick, primarily for it’s convenience of use. Normally when I apply sunscreen to the kids, I tell them to close and scrunch their eyes while I rub lotion from my palm onto all the little curves and bumps of their faces. The sun stick has a deodorant-style container, and glides smoothly (it reminds me a lot of BodyGlide, in fact) on the skin, giving the same UVA protection and SPF as the other products in this line.
Based on my lab sample of three kids, I’d say that each of these products is a strong option for outdoor athletes, with the lone caveat that the advertised water resistance doesn’t prevent you from having to reapply from time to time. They're a little more expensive than your average sunblock, but if you're smarter enough than me to take skin care seriously, they're definitely worth a try.
Aside from that, the hardest thing about using SCAPE might be finding it to purchase, as availability is still somewhat limited. The products are sold in a handful of specialty running and cycling shops, and the best online outlet is TriSports.com, where the 4-oz sunblock retails for $14.99, the lip balm for $3.50, and the face stick for $11.99.
*product provided by SCAPElabs
**See other product reviews on sidebar at right. If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@runningandrambling.com.
