We should all be mindful of our sun exposure, and now there’s a wearable to help take the guesswork out of sunbathing, outdoor activity, and sunscreen application.
It’s called the Gem, and it comes from The90, a company that gets its name from the percentage of visible skin aging caused by the sun.
What is the Gem?
Just like tracking sleep or activity with a wearable like the Oura Ring, the Gem uses a special sensor to measure your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
It measures how long your skin is exposed to both UVA and UVB rays, with UVA being associated with long-term aging effects on skin, and UVB rays which will eventually burn you.
The Gem is a circular sensor inside a titanium case which attaches to a pendant, and it comes in either a silver or gold finish. At this stage, the Gem is designed for women, but the company has plans to make versions for men and children in the future, as well as other methods to wear the sensor.
It has a battery inside which should last for around a week on a single charge, the sensor and case are splash proof, and it connects to an app on your phone which is available for Android and iOS.
Why track UV exposure?
There’s a good chance you already know too much UV exposure will cause premature skin aging, or lead to sunburn. The Gem allows you to take control of the situation, rather than relying on a UV Index in a weather report, or guesswork to gauge your exposure.
The app leads you through a questionnaire about your skin type, and takes into account the type of sunscreen you use, to provide real-time information on how long your skin has spent in UV light, when you should reapply sunscreen, advice on when to cover up, or even if that shady spot you’ve chosen is really providing any protection.
You’ll also find data on vitamin D targets, recommended clothing to wear for the UV conditions, and what action to take after you’ve been out in the sun.
This is the benefit of wearing a special sensor. Unlike a general, localized UV Index, it tracks UV rays reaching your body at all times, whether they’re coming through windows, in your car, in the shade, or at the beach. If you’re serious about protecting your skin, it will be the most comprehensive and personal way of staying informed.
Fitbit background, and how much it costs
The90 was founded by Stacy Salvi, who has extensive experience in wearable tech, having worked in a variety of roles at Fitbit, and then at health technology company Movano, responsible for the Evie smart ring, which was also made for women.
Speaking about the Gem, Salvi said:
True innovation happens when deep technology is wrapped in a high-end, modular aesthetic that women actually want to wear. We are on the cusp of a skincare revolution. The90 transforms sunscreen from a one-time morning ritual into an adaptive, responsive system built around your actual UV load. We want to empower women to stop guessing and finally own their light, strategically harnessing the sun for optimal health.
The Gem is available to order now. It costs $299, but if you get in early, it’ll cost $199.
There’s no subscription required, and The90 states everything you get and use now will always be free. However, if it introduces more features in the future, a subscription is possible for those who want to use them.
