Company History
In 1989, on a bright, sunny day in Keystone, Colorado, David Erickson, a supplier to ski resorts and national parks since 1982, conceived Rocky Mountain Sunscreen. As he worked with his retailers high in the Rocky Mountains, he noticed skiers that were sun burning and demanding a sunscreen that would work in high altitude. Erickson identified what he felt was an un-addressed market and decided to launch Rocky Mountain Sunscreen. With an existing customer base, he interviewed three different chemists to help build his formula. Erickson partnered with the one that was most knowledgeable about UV exposure and was personally dealing with skin cancer. Following three years of research and development, the first bottle of Rocky Mountain Sunscreen was shipped in December 1992.
Product Formulation
The fruit of Erickson's labor is an elite, broad spectrum sun protection product that is greaseless, very water resistant (80 minutes), PABA and fragrance free. Fortified with aloe and antioxidants, the sunscreen is formulated as a daily moisturizer - safe for daily use on the face and under women's makeup. The unique bonding base formula works by interlocking with the top epidural layer of the skin unlike wax based and film based sunscreens. Bonding base sunscreens will not clog the pores and allow the body to breathe and sweat. All Rocky Mountain Sunscreen products meet or exceed every current FDA standard.
Social Responsibility
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen supports local education events and programs that focus on skin cancer prevention and awareness. David Erickson currently sits on the Skin Cancer Task Force for the Colorado Cancer Coalition (www.coloradocancercoalition.org). He meets monthly with researchers from the University of Colorado Health Science Center, dermatologists, educational resource executives, and health professionals with the single goal of reducing skin cancer within the State of Colorado and in the Rocky Mountain area. With funds granted from the CDC, this dynamic group created www.sunsafecolorado.org, a website for the citizens, outdoor workers, and children of Colorado. For additional information on the Skin Cancer Task Force effort, please call 1-888-356-8899 or click here for an informational handout.
Future Plans
The FDA is in the process of reviewing the current standards for measuring Ultra Violet radiation. There will be changes made over the next 10 years in the sunscreen industry. However, in today's information age of internet technology and blogs, any individual can freely comment on any topic to promote his or her private concerns and profit motive. Nadim A. Shaath, PhD. and President of Alpha Research and Development put it best by stating: "Blogging has given voice to an unheard consumer with such a force as to weigh the online discussion toward the participants with the most internet savvy rather than privileging those with the most accurate information. With the increased online banter, legitimate warnings must be issued regarding the validity of information on the web" (SPF: Sun Protection Facts or Fictions?). As a consumer, do you trust advice from credible, respected, and knowledgable sources, such as the FDA, or blogs and activist groups with questionable credibility and motives.
Summary
The future of Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is bright as small, niche companies are able to respond to emerging and changing markets. But it is important to note that RMS will always move with caution to insure the safety and well being of our customers. For almost 20 years, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen has been dedicated to providing the best in sun protection products. We will continue to do so, but at a measured pace as the FDA initiates and identifies the changes in measuring ultra violet radiation. Our customers are our most important asset and we will continue to serve their needs with only top quality, thoroughly tested sun protection products.
