They’re cute, colorful stickers that claim to reduce the risk of sunburn, but sun sensors aren’t offering your child any kind of protection, according to dermatologists.
The sensors monitor UVB exposure. The longer your child stays in the sun, the design disappears and changes from a light yellow to dark orange.
They can be applied to skin or fabric, and claim to be water-resistant.
“It’s pretty much a gimmick,” says Dr. Greg Storwick, a Calgary dermatologist.
He cautions the sensors only monitor UVB, and not UVA, which researchers believe plays a bigger role in causing melanoma.
Even though they’re supposed to be used in conjunction with sunscreen, he worries some parents may get the wrong message.
“Don’t go thinking you’re putting this sticker on and really protecting your kids…it’s not the case,” says Storwick.
Storwick says parents should be trying to limit their child’s exposure to the sun, not monitor it. He recommends seeking shade in the mid-day sun and covering up exposed skin where possible.
We asked some Calgary parents to try them out. At first they thought it was a great idea, but after only 15-30 minutes, the stickers started coming off. They didn’t seem to hold up to oily sunscreen and water.
“I was open to it, but I wouldn’t purchase it. I put it on his shirt and it came off, and my friend put it on her skin, and it left behind a sticky glue, which really hurt,” says Gieta Steingart.
The stickers that did last, changed color in 45 minutes. The sensors cost $7 for a pack of 24. Dr. Storwick says that money would be better spent on a broad spectrum sunscreen which protect against UVA and UVB rays.
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