New wearable technology promises to keep you young by rationing UV exposure
The kit, from French company Netatmo, comprises a bracelet with a tiny monitor disguised as a piece of jewellery. Inside the metal clasp, a highly-sensitive ultra violet (UV) monitor measures the UV rays in daylight and transmits the measurements to an i-phone app. Programming the app with a typical skin photo-type (e.g. fair, burns easily) enables the wearer to get personalised alerts and readings showing when a level of exposure has been reached that will start to damage the skin. UV rays form part of the spectrum of sunlight that is not visible, so even on a cloudy day it is possible to be over-exposed.
Skin cancer
Netatmo makes no promises about preventing skin cancer but aims to market the kit – called June – at women who wish to protect themselves against the signs of premature ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and liver spots. Marketing Director Raphaelle Raymonde, speaking on the PassWord with Peter Warren radio show on Resonance 104.4FM www.resonancefm.com, said that the June had alerted her to the risks of harmful rays whilst shopping in Paris, out jogging and even having lunch outdoors on the terrace.
Designed by Paris-based jeweller Camille Toupet, the monitor can be worn on a black leather strap like a wristwatch, or a silicone bracelet for sports. Alternatively the monitor can be worn as a brooch, available in three different metallic colours.
Geo-location
Linking the June app to a mobile device’s GPS system can also provide advance warnings, since it will get the weather forecast for the region and offer advice about the level of SPF that is required. (SPF stands for Skin Protection Factor, a measure of the strength of sunscreen). The June is the latest product from Netatmo, which also makes thermostats and home weather stations. The company states that all users’ data is held securely on its own server and will not be shared with healthcare or insurance companies.
