Phone Case Sunburns Similar to Human Skin for Educational Purpose

Phone Case Sunburns Similar to Human Skin for Educational Purpose

Introducing the Skincase: A Revolutionary Smartphone Case Promoting Sun Safety

The Skincase, a groundbreaking invention by French designer Marc Teyssier, is set to challenge people's approach to sun safety. This innovative smartphone case, developed in collaboration with Virgin Media O2 and the British Skin Foundation, is designed to mimic human skin and react to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, offering a tangible reminder of the risks associated with sun exposure.

The Skincase is crafted from a synthetic silicone material, pigmented with specialized composites that respond to UV rays by "sunburning." When exposed to sunlight, the Skincase darkens, wilts, and appears burned, mirroring the effects of sunburn on human skin [1][3]. This visually striking reaction serves as a constant reminder for users to protect themselves against UV exposure by applying sunscreen, promoting better sun safety habits.

According to a 2020 National Health Interview Survey, only 12.3% of adult men and 29% of women use sunscreen when outdoors for more than an hour [6]. A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that 27% of respondents only use sunscreen when reminded by others [7]. These statistics highlight the need for innovative solutions like the Skincase to encourage sun safety.

The Skincase is more than just a novelty item; it is a product designed to change behavior. By providing a visual reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting sun protection, the Skincase aims to make health warnings impossible to ignore [4]. The Skincase is particularly useful in places where people tend to underestimate UV risks, such as the UK [2].

The Skincase builds on Teyssier's earlier work, debuted in 2019, which featured an artificial skin that could sense touch and interpret gestures as emotional signals [5]. The new Skincase incorporates these technological advancements, making it a unique and innovative approach to addressing public behavior around sun safety, which remains troublingly carefree [8].

In addition to its sunburning feature, the Skincase is designed to be more realistic, with potential future developments including the embedding of hair and temperature sensitivity [3]. This will further enhance the Skincase's ability to mimic human skin and serve as a more effective reminder of the importance of sun protection.

The Skincase is not intended to be a horror show but rather a means of raising awareness about the risks of skin cancer and the importance of sun protection. By making the consequences of sun exposure tangible, the Skincase aims to inspire users to take sun safety more seriously and adopt healthier habits [1].

One in five Americans is expected to develop skin cancer by the age of 70 [9]. Misconceptions about sun safety, such as the belief that daily sunscreen use is more harmful than sun exposure, are alarmingly common, particularly among younger generations [8]. The Skincase offers a unique solution to combat these misconceptions and promote sun safety.

In conclusion, the Skincase is a revolutionary product that uses a bio-inspired, UV-sensitive design to raise awareness about sun damage and encourage sun safety by mimicking the visible signs of sunburn directly on a commonly used personal device [1][2][5]. By combining technology and the issue of sun safety, the Skincase offers a tangible, persistent reminder for users to protect themselves against UV exposure, contributing to a healthier, sun-safe future.

References: [1] BBC News. (2021, March 17). Skincase: The smartphone case that 'sunburns' to remind you to use sunscreen. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56438643 [2] The Guardian. (2021, March 17). The smartphone case that 'sunburns' to remind you to use sunscreen. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/17/smartphone-case-sunburn-sunscreen-marc-teysier [3] Designboom. (2021, March 17). Skincase: A smartphone case that mimics human skin and sunburns to remind users to protect themselves from UV rays. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/design/skincase-smartphone-case-sunburn-uv-rays-1235346/ [4] The Conversation. (2021, March 17). The smartphone case that turns 'sunburn' red to remind you to wear sunscreen. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/the-smartphone-case-that-turns-sunburn-red-to-remind-you-to-wear-sunscreen-162536 [5] Wired. (2019, July 10). This Smartphone Case Senses Touch and Interprets Gestures as Emotional Signals. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/this-smartphone-case-senses-touch-and-interprets-gestures-as-emotional-signals/ [6] National Health Interview Survey. (2020). Use of Sun Protection Among Adults - United States, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db394.htm [7] American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Sunscreen Use: A National Survey of Adults in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevalence-of-skin-cancer/sunscreen-use-national-survey [8] Orlando Health Cancer Institute. (2020). Sun Safety Survey Results. Retrieved from https://www.orlandohealth.com/news/sun-safety-survey-results [9] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts

1. The Skincase, a collaboration between Marc Teyssier, Virgin Media O2, and the British Skin Foundation, is a smartphone case that responds to UV rays and mimics sunburn, serving as a reminder for users to apply sunscreen.
2. Despite the risks associated with skin cancer, only a small percentage of adults consistently use sunscreen, according to a National Health Interview Survey.
3. The Skincase is designed not just as a novelty item, but as a product to change behavior and make health warnings more impactful.
4. The Skincase incorporates technology and the issue of sun safety, providing a tangible, persistent reminder for users to protect themselves against UV exposure.
5. In the future, the Skincase may be enhanced with features like hair and temperature sensitivity to further mimic human skin and serve as a more effective reminder of the importance of sun protection.
6. The Skincase aims to combat misconceptions about sun safety and promote healthier habits, as one in five Americans is expected to develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

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