If we want to remain optimistic (and God only knows how much it takes these days), with Spring there will be more time to sunbathe, and with Summer even more. Under with the sunscreen, and be careful to put it back every now and then, or the sun will do its well-known damage: an immediate sunburn and more I don't want to say, but I link.
As a remedy, a Canadian company offers a patented invention approved by dermatologists and doctors: it's called SPOTMYUV. It's a tiny skin sticker that will let you know when it's time to shield yourself from the sun and put your sunscreen back on. A Columbus egg!
What is SPOTMYUV?
SPOTMYUV stickers come in the form of three-layer stickers, which react to UV rays just like your or your baby's skin would.
The first layer, called “DermaTRUE”, not only detects UV rays, but also UV radiation regardless of the sun protection factor.
Small parenthesis: the sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how long it takes for UV rays to cause a sunburn by comparing the amount of time it takes UV light to reach the skin with and without sun protection. For example, an SPF 30 means you can have 30 times more exposure than someone who doesn't use sunscreen.
The second layer is a non-toxic photosensitive ink which turns purple when activated by sunlight. Once the sunscreen protection is restored, the ink will become transparent again.
Finally, the third layer is a hypoallergenic and waterproof adhesive that allows you to wear the patch all day, also for swimming.
A sentinel for sunscreen
Before applying the sunscreen, simply apply the patch to your upper arm, as you would a smoking cessation patch, or to any other part of your body that you intend to expose to the sun.
At that point, the sunscreen is applied evenly, even on the patch. End. The game is done. Enjoy the sun, and when the sticker turns purple go straight back to the shade and put your protection back on!
At the moment these SPOTMYUV “stickers” are not available in Europe: I found them online abroad, at a cost of around € 22 for 32 patches. For a safe month of sunshine (I don't know what I'd give!) The price is reasonable.
