Skin sensor monitors UV radiation in real time

La Roche-Posay announced the launch of a stretchable skin sensor that is designed to monitor UV radiation in real time to measure sun exposure.

The “My UV Patch” factors in skin tone to monitor exposure to the sun, according to a press release. Users can download the My UV Patch mobile app to track UV exposure.

The transparent, adhesive patch measures one square inch and 50 micrometers thick and stretches and adheres directly to the skin, according to the release. It is water and sweat-resistant and can be used up to three days during outdoor activities, including swimming.

Photosensitive dyes factor in a user’s skin tone, and once exposed to the UV rays, the patch changes color to indicate levels of sun exposure, according to the release.

The mobile app can provide a personalized report once the consumer uploads an image of his or her patch, according to the release. The app analyses the shades of photosensitive dye to determine the amount of exposure a person has received since the moment the patch was placed on the skin, and also considers skin type, whether sunscreen was applied and the UV index in the person’s location, according to the release.

“La-Roche Posay recently commissioned a global study, which surveyed 19,000 women and men and found a huge gap in consumer behavior even though 92% were aware that unprotected sun exposure can cause health problems, only 28% of American protect themselves all year round, whatever the season,” Alysa Herman, MD, of the department of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, stated in the release. “For the first time, we are leveraging technology to help individuals manage their sun exposure through real-time knowledge.”

More information on the patch is located La Roche Posay’s website or through physicians who will be listed on the website, according to the release.

Reference: www.laroche-posay.us