Redefining Sunscreen Use with The90 Gem
I’ve always taken a fairly laid-back stance on sunscreen: as long as I’m not sunburned yet, I think I’m safe.
But, as someone who writes about skin health, I really ought to know better. I understand the rules surrounding sunscreen use, I’m aware of the associated risks, and I realize that thinking “I’ll just reapply later” isn’t exactly a clever plan for skin protection.
Still, it seems like every summer I find myself in the same predicament. I linger a bit too long under the sun, forget to reapply, and by nightfall, I’m soaking my skin in aloe vera.
This year, though, something’s shifted my perspective — something that’s keeping me in check before I can get burnt. It’s called The90 Gem, a smart necklace that monitors real-time exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and provides tailored sun-care recommendations based on the changing conditions throughout the day.
Launched at a price of $299, the device is available in both gold and silver and, I must say, it blends seamlessly into my jewelry collection.
“I love how wearable technology can enhance your connection with your body,” said Stacy Salvi, co-founder and CEO of The90. “But I wanted to create something that looks like jewelry so that no one would realize it’s a tracking device.”
Understanding the Risks Beyond Sunburn
The Gem is designed to be lightweight, with advanced sensors housed within a black charm. It tracks both UVA rays, which can cause skin aging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and UVB rays, the primary culprits behind sunburn, both of which are linked to skin cancer.
Consistent exposure to these UV rays heightens the risk for melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
“Your skin can be affected even without visible reactions like sunburns or tanning. The impact of UVB and UVA rays can reach skin at a cellular and molecular level, even if it isn’t immediately apparent,” explained Dr. Helen He, co-director at Mount Sinai-Clinique Healthy Skin Dermatology Center, who is not associated with The90.
She noted that these changes accumulate over time and can significantly increase both skin cancer risk and premature skin aging.
In theory, the Gem could help me monitor that elusive exposure more effectively.
Tracking Sun Exposure
Starting to use the device was a breeze. Using the accompanying app, I filled out information about my skin type, eye and hair color, family history, and any health conditions that might elevate my sensitivity to UV rays.
The app also quizzed me about my sunscreen routine — how frequently I use it, the types I prefer, and whether I’m more of a “sun seeker” or “sun avoider.”
From there, my profile was combined with the Gem’s UV measurements to provide real-time assessments of my burn risk and potential skin aging.
One morning, while working outside, my phone alerted me that the UV index for that moment was 2, which is deemed low. “Perfect day to be outdoors,” the app remarked. “Just a heads up—the UV index is expected to surge to 8 between noon and 3 PM, so you might burn within 37 minutes without proper protection.”
As the sunlight became more intense, I checked the app again, and a countdown timer indicated how much longer I had before starting to burn.
Only two minutes left.
Before I knew it, my phone buzzed with a gentle nudge to reapply my sunscreen — which I actually did, even though I saw no signs of a burn.
The app prompted, “Enjoy the sun, but remember to take care of your skin. Maybe apply some protection or find some shade if you plan to stay out longer.”
Had that advice come from a friend, I might have brushed it off as too much worrying. But somehow, with the nudge coming from my phone, I actually listened.
On another scorching afternoon, the app encouraged me to cover up. I ended up retreating to my apartment and nestled into my favorite reading spot by the window.
Later on, I noticed that the app indicated my “Skin Aging Zone” was still experiencing UV stress. It turned out that escaping indoors didn’t mean I escaped the sun’s effects. While my UVB exposure had decreased, UVA rays can still penetrate glass and continue to affect my skin.
Another time, the app surprised me on a cloudy day, informing me of an increased risk for skin aging. It turns out, clouds don’t block all UVA radiation, which meant I could still be vulnerable even if it seemed gloomy outside.
“Your weather app isn’t telling you the complete story,” Salvi explained. “While preventing sunburn is crucial, the measurement of UVA is often missing, and the traditional UV index doesn’t quite capture that.”
Balancing Risks and Benefits
But the Gem isn’t solely focused on the dangers of UV exposure. It also monitors how much vitamin D I’m absorbing from the sun and calculates how much more time I should spend outdoors to achieve the recommended daily intake.
This is significant because vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, muscle maintenance, and communication between the brain and body.
Surprisingly, many people fall short in their vitamin D intake. Approximately 42% of American adults are deficient, with the numbers even higher among those with darker skin tones.
Salvi emphasized that the aim isn’t to discourage people from sun exposure altogether; it’s about finding a balanced approach between skin protection and enjoying the outdoor benefits.
Adapting to the Future of Wearables
The90 designed the Gem with women in mind, yet they plan to develop versions that cater to men and children as well.
For me, the necklace has been a welcome addition. My wrist already holds a smartwatch, while I have an Oura ring on another finger. Plus, unlike other wearables I’ve owned, no one suspected this necklace was a tracker.
However, I sometimes wished it had more capabilities. The insights were genuinely helpful, and the alerts did change my behavior. Still, I found myself adding another device to my already growing collection of body trackers — one more piece to wear, charge, and monitor throughout the day.
If there were a device that could seamlessly track UV exposure alongside other important metrics in a single app, I’d be on board in a flash.
At least The90 doesn’t require me to pay for another subscription. I can’t say the same for many of my other smart devices.
And if the Gem helps me avoid sun damage — or, more importantly, prompts me to take neglected precautions that could reduce my skin cancer risk — I’d say it’s certainly worth its spot around my neck.
