When Science Meets Skincare: An Innovative Step in Sun Protection

Despite what we know about harmful effects of ultraviolet rays и the importance of wearing a broad spectrum SPF every dayskin cancer continues to occur at an alarming rate. In fact, according to Skin cancerMore people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past 30 years than all other cancers combined. This frightening fact, along with many others, inspired La Roche-Posay— and its parent company L'Oréal — to take a huge scientific step in the field of sun protection.

Unveiled at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), My UV Patch* is an innovative new wearable technology designed to empower its users by informing them about the amount of sun and UV exposure they are exposed to. These rays, especially in the form of UVA and UVB, are responsible not only for skin cancers such as melanoma, but also for premature signs of aginglike wrinkles and dark spots.

Stretchable, transparent and virtually weightless, the wearable is the first of its kind to track UV exposure throughout the day. The small patch - just one square inch and as thick as a strand of hair - uses light-sensitive dyes that change color when exposed to ultraviolet rays. The patch's sensor is linked to the My UV Patch mobile app, which monitors UV exposure.

Ideally, being able to physically see the amount of exposure to harmful UV rays your skin is exposed to on a daily basis will remind users to step up their sun protection. The La Roche-Posay line already includes a wide range of skin care products with broad spectrum SPF Designed to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. My UV patch this is a step forward in the right direction.

*My UV Patch is expected to go on sale later this year..

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