We kind of have a love-fear relationship with the sun. As much as we love soaking it all in come summer, we are also constantly worried about having enough SPF on us to keep our skin protected from photodamage. 

Sunscreen is an absolutely non-negotiable part of skincare – Why?  because the UV rays can cause some serious damage to the skin ie: burning, darkening, sagging and even worse outcomes such as cancer That’s the reason why derms  swear by the diligent use of sunscreen.

SPOTMYUV
Photo via Kayla Rocco @kaylaroccophoto

But just putting sunscreen on once every day isn’t going to help. You need to make sure you’re using the right SPF, enough sunscreen and that you are constantly reapplying. But sometimes we don’t know when to reapply, having an essential tool like a UV detection sticker can help. Fear not, a revolutionary new product is here to fix that equation. Enter: SPOTMYUV®, the first-ever clinically proven UV detection sticker!

So, what exactly is a UV detection sticker?

SPOTMYUV, is essentially a skin-mimicking UV responsive sticker developed at the University of Waterloo nanotechnology engineers, after a lot of research. It’s made of three layers— 1) The topmost Dermatrue® layer, which is the patented skin-mimicking layer that absorbs the sunscreen. 2) The middle photosensitive layer that will turn purple when the sunscreen stops working. 3) The bottom waterproof adhesive layer that keeps the sticker on throughout the day despite sweat and water.

SPOTMYUV
Photo via Kayla Rocco @kaylaroccophoto

Here’s how to use— Before applying anything to your skin (lotion, sunscreen, etc.) you stick one of these purple stickers on sun exposed skin, like your upper arm. Then apply sunscreen over the sticker, and all over your exposed skin. When the sticker absorbs enough sunscreen, and is exposed to the sun, it will lose its purple colour and become transparent. . As long as the sticker stays clear, your skin is being protected by your sunscreen.. Eventually, the sticker will turn purple again and that’s your cue to reapply the sunscreen.

If the sticker does not turn clear when you apply sunscreen, you either haven’t applied enough or aren’t using a high enough SPF. Revolutionary? We’ll say!

Wondering where you’ve seen these colour-changing spots? In your social media feed! Yes, these are the same purple spots that people in your feed have been raving about.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy and cost-effective to get your hands on a pack (or 6) of these mighty stickers. You can get them on Amazon or the SPOTMYUV website, of course.

Curiocity Staff

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