Here comes a really sun smart idea!

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Here comes a really sun smart idea!

Suncare experts at L’Oréal’s La Roche-Posay division are introducing “My UV Patch”, the first ever stretchable electronic monitor that helps to protect consumers from the dangers of the sun by measuring UV exposure and linking to an app that offers advice.

The new technology arrives at a time when sun exposure has become a major health issue, with 90 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers being associated with the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays also contribute to skin pigmentation and photo-ageing. The extra good news for consumers is that My UV Patch will be completely free – no purchase required.

The heart-shaped patch is only half as thick as a human hair, so it feels comfortable on the skin and looks good too. Yet it contains sufficient technology to enable it to detect UV rays, change colour and link to a special MY UV Patch app.

For best results, La Roche-Posay recommends that the patch is worn on the back of the hand for between one and five days. The wearer should then scan or take a photo of their patch and upload it to the My UV Patch app, which will analyse it, show how much UV exposure they have received and offer lifestyle tips and advice.

L’Oréal’s US-based Technology Incubator division developed the patch alongside MC10 Inc, a leading stretchable electronics company.

“Connected technologies have the potential to completely disrupt how we monitor the skin’s exposure to various external factors, including UV,” says Guive Balooch, global vice president of L’Oréal’s Technology Incubator. “Previous technologies could only tell users the amount of potential sun exposure they were receiving per hour while wearing a rigid, non-stretchable device. The key was to design a sensor that was thin, comfortable and virtually weightless so people would actually want to wear it. We’re excited to be the first beauty company entering the stretchable electronics field and to explore the many potential applications for this technology within our industry and beyond.”

My UV Patch should be available in the UK from April onwards, with advice, free of charge, from top dermatologists and Boots skincare experts.

Anyone interested can register for more information at the La Roche Posay website.

Keep a check on moles

Last year, La Roche-Posay introduced “Skin Checker”, a global video awareness campaign about the early detection of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the only type of cancer that can be seen with the naked eye, so becoming a “skin checker” and checking the skin of friends and family members can play an important role in its early detection.

This year, the brand is continuing its campaign with a new call to action video aimed at teaching people how to perform thorough skin checks on themselves and loved ones.

Find out more here.

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