Are You Outdoors? Why Don't You Already Use Dermatone?
Written: Oct 16 '02 (Updated Jan 03 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works Great, Packable, Convenient and Useful
Cons: Can be a pit pricey for that convenience
The Bottom Line: This SPF 23 skin protector in a tin is one of the handiest little things that you can have along with you while you are in the outdoors.
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| jps246's Full Review: Dermatone Sun Protector Pomade |
Do you hike a lot? How about skiing, either cross-country or alpine? Have you used Dermatone yet? This SPF 23 skin protector in a tin is one of the handiest little things that you can have along with you while you are in the outdoors.
The skin protector comes in a 0.5-ounce tin, which is available in most outdoor orientated stores (I know that EMS at www.ems.com offers it). This is a twist open tin, which comes in quite handy. It’s small enough to pack into your pack, your jacket or to just put in your pocket. The tin stays tight enough that even in high heat (like the inside of your car) it will not leak.
If you do expose the tin to high heat (sitting in the sun for hours or leaving it in your car) I would let it cool down before you use it. As it heats up, it becomes much more runny and is almost a liquid in extreme heat. Just place it in the shade and let it cool down and it will quickly gel back up.
While the skin protector will liquefy while in the tin in your car, I have never experienced liquefying while you are wearing it. I imagine it’s just the extreme heat of being stuck in a tin container that melts it.
When you twist open the tin and look inside you’ll see a fairly opaque gel that is easily scooped up with your fingertip. I’m sure no one really knows how to use it – but after that, just rub it on the area that you want protected.
During the summer months, I find that a thin coating of the Dermatone works best, as all you are really trying to do is stop from getting sunburn. I usually focus on the top of my ears and my lips – since you never realize how much it hurts to burn your lips until after you have already burnt them. One application will last several hours and is waterproof.
In the winter, I take a different tact with the Dermatone. I use a thick layer on my lips and when it is very cold, a thick layer on any exposed flesh on my face. The gel provides protection from the wind and from the cold – preventing (or at least significantly delaying) frostbite and it’s associated problems.
The only thing that I would be careful with is around your eyes. If you get this in your eyes it will hurt like hell and you will be suffering until such time as you can wash it out. Be forewarned – be very careful when you are using it on your forehead – make sure your sweat is not going to run down and into your eye (wear a hat).
For the convenience of such a small container and with the quality of the Dermatone, you are going to pay a premium. On average I have been paying about $3.50 to $4.00 a tin at EMS. Generally, each tin lasts, with normal use, about one season (summer, winter, etc…). I believe that it’s well worth it and it’s prevented plenty of sunburn, windburn and frostbite in the time that I have used it.
So get out there in the great outdoors – and get some Dermatone and start saving your skin!
As an aside - with worries about skin cancer and UV rays increase in general, even if you aren't the hardcore outdoor enthusiast who would use Dermatone all of the time - it is a good idea for everyone to be wearing some sort of sunblock whenever they will be in the sun for any extended period of time.
Other Outdoor/Hiking/Camping Reviews
Magazines and Books
Backpacker Magazine / Outside Magazine / National Geographic Adventure / Hiker's Guide to the Mountains of Vermont / Hiking Guide to Mount Washington and Presidential Range / GPS Made Easy / AMC White Mountain Guide / Wilderness First Aid / Rescue from the Backcountry / Maine Mountain Guide / Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Destinations
White Mountain National Forest (NH) / Catskill Mountains (NY) / Acadia National Park (ME) / Bellayre Mountain (NY) / Hunter Mountain (NY) / Ski Windham (NY) / Burke Mountain (VT) / Catamount (MA) / Jiminy Peak (MA) / Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid (NY) / Tuckerman Ravine (NH)
Retailers and Products
REI.com - Outdoor Gear / Dermatone Lip Pomade / Carmex Lip Balm / Kestrel 100 Wind Meter / Magellan GPS 315 / MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove / CamelBak StoAway Hydration Bladder / Petzl Tikka Headlamp / Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight Tent
Recommended:
Yes
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