L’Oreal is continuing its foray into the world of wearables with a sensor that tracks UV exposure and even more environmental data.
After showing off its tiny UV Sense prototype that could be worn on a fingernail earlier this year, that device has now evolved into the La Roche-Posay My Skin Track UV sensor. Now it's available for anyone to buy and try.
Essential reading: Shade wearable taps into the deep science of UV rays
The clip-on sensor that can be worn on your clothes works through an LED that is used as a detector to capture UV light. The data is transferred from the sensor to your phone via NFC (Near Field Communication) to the companion app. From there it’ll warn you when you have been exposed to dangerous levels of UVA radiation. It can also calculate UVB exposure too and is able to store three months worth of data.
In addition to measuring UV exposure, the app will also provide further insights into humidity, pollen and pollution levels. Apple HealthKit compatibility means that data can be viewed and stored alongside other health data that you may be tracking through Apple's Health app.
The My Skin Track UV measures in at 12mm wide and 6mm high and is waterproof. It was designed in collaboration with Yves Behar who’s previously flexed his designer muscles with wearables including Jawbone's UP fitness trackers. The sensor was developed by its Tech Incubator research and development lab that the beauty giant set up seven years ago and now has a 35-member strong team. It was also brought to life through L’Oreal's skincare brand La Roche-Posay and with the help of Professor John Rogers from Northwestern University. Rogers was part of two wearable companies that worked on developing flexible, stretchable electronics.
The My Skin Track UV sensor follows the launch of two iterations of L’Oreal’s My UV Patch, a heart-shaped stretchable sensor that could be worn anywhere on the body and was also able to detect UV rays. Interestingly, this time the new wearable device will be available to buy exclusively through Apple’s online and retail stores. It’s priced at $59.95 and is available now. So it’s not a huge price to pay if you care about keeping better tabs on the time you spend out in the sunshine.
How we test
By Michael Sawh
Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.
He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.
Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech.
Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.