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A common problem among even the most ardent sun-protection advocates is that they might not know or forget to reapply their sunscreen.
“In order for a sunscreen to maintain its benefits and efficacy, it needs to be reapplied. This is especially important to remember even if you are using a sunscreen with a higher number SPF,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, previously told HuffPost.
Even though most dermatologists say that the general rule when it comes to sunscreen application is every two hours spent outdoors, every sunscreen performs differently (and that time is even shorter when swimming or sweating is involved). And if you’re distracted, it can be hard to know just when those two hours have elapsed.
Fortunately, like so many things in 2022, modern innovation combined with the viral tendencies of TikTok have presented us with a solution in the form of UV detection stickers that let you know exactly when it’s time to re-up on the SPF.
The Spot My UV stickers have amassed 30.1 million views under the #uvstickers hashtag on TikTok, attracted the attention of hundreds of internet skin care obsessives, and even gained the favor of one board-certified dermatologist in particular, who put the smaller-than-dime-sized stickers to the test in the video below.
These purple stickers should be applied directly to the skin and under the sunscreen of your choice with the help of hypoallergenic adhesive. After about 15 minutes in the sun, the stickers will turn clear, an indication that your sunscreen is working. After about two hours, the sticker will gradually start to turn purple again, a sign that your sunscreen is losing its protective abilities and that it’s time to reapply.
According to the company, the stickers work by using a patented technology to mimic the surface of the skin and the ways that it interacts with the sun’s rays. Each sticker lasts a total of 12 hours, and is resistant to water and sweat and won’t leave a tan line.
Although there are definitely a fair share of users that say the stickers seem excessive and can give mixed results, especially if the wearer goes back and forth between outdoors and indoors, one 2019 study conducted in Australia revealed that people who were provided with UV detection stickers at an event were more likely to reapply their sunscreen than participants who were not.
If you want to test the color-shifting magic for yourself and add an additional layer of security to your sunscreen routine, a 12-pack of these will only set you back $9.99 and are just a click away.
Before You Go
The Best Sunscreens With Anti-Aging Ingredients, According To A Dermatologist
