An approach to design a wristwatch for the protection of the human skin damage induced by ultraviolet and infrared radiations

Abstract

BackgroundUltraviolet radiations (UV) absorbed by the skin can drive photochemical reactions which range from sunburn to skin cancer. The repeated exposure to Infrared radiations (IR) induces the heat into the skin, which causes dehydration and erythema as an immediate effect. This heat activates the metalloproteinase enzyme that reduces the number of procollagen and collagen fibers in the dermal skin, which results premature skin aging. This work aims to design a protective measure in order to avoid these damages.MethodThe proposed protective measure is a wristwatch with an alert alarm which can sense UV and IR radiations. Whenever UV/IR radiation levels exceed beyond the defined limits, alarm will be activated that warns the user to apply protective measures. These radiations are detected by SI1145 digital UV Index/IR/visible light sensor and assigned, using Arduino, to an appropriate UV index and IR radiation levels.ResultsThe IR and UV readings were recorded several times and at four different hours through the day. The readings showed its highest value at 10 am and 2 pm, which are considered the highest sun intensity. The other readings were at 6 am and 5 pm and considered the least dangerous hours.ConclusionThe data collected from the sensor are used to program the alarm. To combine all components, a PCB and a prototype were designed and printed. The UV/IR wristwatch is applicable to alert the user from the continuous and accumulated harmful effects of the radiations and enable them to seek protective measures.

In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopic imaging of the human skin extracellular matrix degradation due to accumulated intrinsic and extrinsic aging

“…Since both of these population groups have demonstrated the AGE markers in their skin dermis, and as proven in our study, when UV radiation interacts with the AGEs, the skin aging process is accelerated resulting in the dermal collagen damage. One of our previous study recommended a solution to get in alert of the deleterious impact of solar radiation is the wearable UV/IR wristwatch within alarm system that will be activated when the continuous and accumulated UV and IR radiation exceed the beyond the defined limits recommended by WHO 79 …”

Chronic infrared‐A irradiation‐induced photoaging of human dermal fibroblasts from different donors at physiological temperature

“…Infrared radiation is closely associated with skin diseases, such as photodermatosis and wrinkle formation, and erythema 1,2 . Infrared‐A (IRA, 700–1400 nm) radiation constitutes approximately 30% of solar infrared radiation, which can penetrate down to the hypodermis and affect various types of cells in the skin 3,4 .…”

Designing a Band for Vehicles’ Drivers Induced by Ultraviolet and Infrared Radiations

“…The algorithm calculates the safe exposure time, and an alarm is activated when exposure time exceeds the defined limits. [ 18 ] However, visual anticipation of skin type can carry fault classification and inaccurate safe time calculation, which may confront the user to an exceeded exposure without their knowledge. An alternative solution is to automate the process.…”