HARDWARE
The Gist: SPF Early Warning System
$4.99 For 5 Wristbands Or 10 Patches
Every spring I join the pilgrimage to the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California, for the Coachella outdoor music fest where dozens of DJs and bands play throughout the day. The fun is in running from stage to stage across the vast lawn, trying to take it all in - an impossible task, considering the oceans of ale, the scent of stronger stuff, and 34,999 other barefoot and shirtless hipsters. The downside is waking up with a wicked hangover and a second-degree sunburn.
This year, I decided to do something about the burn. Israel-based Skyrad has developed an idiot-proof anti-sunburn technology. It's not a lotion - it's a wristband and penny-sized patch worn on the skin that changes colors to remind you when to reapply your block and when to get out of the sun entirely. Both come in different flavors for different skin types, and can be used in any conditions - even while swimming.
In the parking lot before the show, I pulled the tan-colored disposable patch and wristband from their protective baggie. Instantly, they both turned blue. This, I realized after reading the directions, was normal. I slapped the patch on my shoulder and the band around my wrist, slathered up with SPF 8 right over both and was on my way. Many hours and countless brews later, I glanced down at my warning bracelet (nestled next to my over-21 band): It had turned a deep brown, matching a reference dot on the wristband. Checking my shoulder, I saw that the same was true for the patch: time to reapply the sunscreen! Just before sundown, the bracelet had changed to a bright orange - I'd hit my maximum daily allowance.
The next day, I woke up without my usual souvenir sunburn. Now if only someone would make a patch that wards off that last beer.
Distributed by All About Technologies: info@allabouttechnologies.com.
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