If we want to remain optimistic (and God knows how much it is needed these days), with Spring there will be more time to sunbathe, and with Summer even more. Wear sunscreen underneath, and be careful to put it back on every now and then, or the sun will do its well-known damage: an immediate burn and other things that I don't want to say, but I link.
To remedy this, a Canadian company offers an invention patented and approved by dermatologists and doctors: it's called SPOTMY UV. 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 “DermaTRUETM”, not only detects UV rays, but also UV radiation regardless of the sun protection factor.
Quick aside: Sun protection factor (SPF) tells you how long it takes for UV rays to cause a sunburn by comparing the amount of time it takes for UV light to reach your skin with and without sunscreen. 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 you restore protection with sunscreen, 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, you put the sunscreen on evenly, even on the patch. End. The game is done. Enjoy the sun, and when the dot turns purple, immediately return to the shade and put your protection back on!
At the moment these SPOTMYUV "stamps" are not available in Europe: I found them online abroad, at a cost of around €22 for 32 patches. For a month of safe sun (I don't know what I would give!) the price is reasonable.
