When Science Meets Skin Care: An Innovative Step in Sun Protection

Despite what we know about the harmful effects of UV rays and the importance of wearing broad-spectrum SPF each day, skin cancer is still occurring at an alarming rate. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over the last 30 years more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. This scary fact, along with many others, inspired La Roche-Posay—and its parent company L’Oréal—to take a huge, scientific step in sun protection.

Unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), My UV Patch* is an innovative new wearable technology aimed to empower its user by making her aware of the amount of sun exposure and UV rays she’s being subjected to. These rays—especially in the form of UVA and UVB—are responsible for not only skin cancers like melanoma, but also premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots.

The stretchable, transparent, and virtually weightless wearable—the first of its kind—monitors UV exposure that occurs throughout the day. The small peel-and-stick patch—just one square inch and as thin as a strand of hair—uses photosensitive dyes that change color when in contact with UV rays. The patch’s sensor is linked to the My UV Patch mobile app, where the UV exposure is tracked.

Ideally, being able to physically see the amount of exposure to damaging UV rays skin is subjected to on a daily basis will remind users to up their sun protection game. La Roche-Posay’s line already features a wide array of skin care products infused with broad spectrum SPF aimed to help protect our skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. My UV Patch is a step forward in the right direction.

*My UV Patch is expected to be available to consumers later this year.

Photo Courtesy of L'Oreal USA/La Roche-Posay