Dermatone Endurance Dry Gel Sunblock

With all those monster SUVs, cows and lawnmowers eating holes in our ozone layer, time in the sun is getting more and more dangerous. Does that mean we all need to don oversized sun hats and long sleeves or only go on night rides? Hell no! We can still enjoy long, mid-day rides; we just need a little protection.

Dermatone's SPF 45+ Endurance Dry Gel may be the ultimate defense against sunburns. It was tested all over the world, from balmy jungles to high-altitude mountain peaks and developed to hang on all day, even through water and sweat. What sets this sunblock apart and makes it "dry" is its main ingredient--alcohol. The clear, fragrance-free gel feels dry because it evaporates quickly, leaving the four proven sunscreen agents stuck to your skin. These four agents protect against long wavelength UVA rays and shorter UVB rays. Plus aloe vera and vitamins A and E add moisturizers to the otherwise super-dry formula.

The Endurance Gel difference is noticeable as soon as you apply it. Unlike most slippery, greasy sunblocks, it doesn't linger. So even if you're putting it on solo without a mirror, you won't be left with any big, embarrassing globs on your face. The alcohol base accounts for this smooth application and also gives it a refreshingly cool feeling.

As promised, the alcohol didn't sting my eyes, but get this stuff anywhere near an open wound or road rash and expect to howl in pain. That simple mistake reminds you why hydrogen peroxide is more popular than alcohol when it comes to cleansing abrasions. The quick-dry formula also makes it easy to apply unevenly. Since the gel is almost clear, you might not notice you missed a spot until after you get burned. I did experience a bad reaction with sweat while applying the gel mid-way through a race warmup. The clear gel turned gray and came off only with a wet cloth. But this entire, disgusting mess can be avoided by applying the gel before exercise.

Aside from those two small complaints, which can both be easily avoided, the Endurance Gel worked great. It kept my honky-white skin from getting charred even through long days filled with creek crossings at altitude. And I didn't have to wear long sleeves or an oversized sun hat.