There are special patented photo-chromic dyes imbedded in the band that change colors when exposed to the UV radiation of the sun. This is the same damaging UV radiation for which we use sunscreen to protect our skin when we go out into the sun.

By putting sunscreen on the band or sticker, it will mimic the protection (SPF) the sunscreen is giving your body. There is no more guessing on how effective the sunscreen is. The band or sticker will indicate that with color changes.

Put your first application of sunscreen on to the sticker or band at the same time as you apply to skin.

It depends on how much UV radiation you are getting, but it will generally turn light purple in 1-2 hours on a sunny day with minimal clouds. Sunny, summer days, between 10AM and 4PM are the maximum times for UV exposure. If you are in the shade, you will get less radiation and the band will not change color as quickly.

The sticker or wristband reminds you to reapply when the color begins to show (blue for stickers, red for wristbands) and of course, follow the directions on the bottle of sunscreen that you are using for re-applying. Re-applying will reset the color of the sticker or wristband back to original white color.

Our products work in pool water or salt water at the beach. What matters is the sunscreen! Sunscreen can wash off your body in the water. If that happens, it will also wash off the sticker or wristband. Stickers are designed with medical grade adhesives to allow you to swim as you usually would without it coming off. So certainly, wear the sticker or band in the water!

No. The band is designed to work for one full day. Do not use a partly used band the next day. The band does not measure time or temperature, it only measures UVA & UVB emitted by sun. Once the day is over, dispose or recycle (plastic code 5).

This is not recommended since the band is calibrated to work with all SPF sunscreens. It is not advised to go outside in intense sun for more than 15 minutes in the summer without sunscreen and proper protection. Without sunscreen, the band's color progression will move much more quickly, and could give a false reading.

The band is calibrated to work with any sunscreen. Any kind of sunscreen is fine to use, including lotions, creams, or sprays. What is important is that you properly cover your entire sun-exposed skin and the band with sunscreen for best protection.

JADS International recommends the following sites regarding sunscreen use and spending safe time in the sun:
The Skin Cancer Foundation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The American Melanoma Foundation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Association
Center for Disease Control and Prevention