Time and time again we’re all reminded to hydrate, minimize UV exposure, and protect our skin from the sun's harsh rays. But apart from wearing sunscreen and hats, did you know your smartphone can actually help you detect and possibly prevent skin issues?
Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve become accustomed to telemedicine, and developers have created several apps focused on improving our health. From fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mental health apps, there are various options out there that cater to specific concerns and needs. Now, there are even apps targeted at our skin, which we can easily access thanks to a fiber-fast Internet connection.
SkinVision
Photo from Apple App Store
Merging AI with the expertise of skin health professionals and dermatologists, the SkinVision app claims it can aid in the early detection of skin cancer, including the most serious type, melanoma. It works by analyzing photos of your skin and processing them through a machine-learning algorithm. Then, a type of technology called the convolutional neural network filters the image layers based on simple, complex, and more abstract functions and patterns. In less than a minute, SkinVision can check small areas of your skin and give you a high- or low-risk assessment.
SkinVision is a paid medical service and a regulated medical device with European CE marking. You can buy a single risk assessment or purchase unlimited checks to monitor your moles for 3 to 12 months. Some features are free, including the app’s risk profile and skin type quizzes, plus storing images of your mole. Download SkinVision on the App Store.
iPhone Weather app
If you have an iPhone, you can easily monitor sun exposure by looking at the daily UV index on your Weather app. It’s based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s UV index, which measures ultraviolet radiation and ranges from levels 0 to 14. The WHO recommends using shade, sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing at Levels of 3 (Moderate) or higher.
UVLens
Photo from Google Play Store
If you’re using an Android phone, you can easily track hourly UV forecasts with this app. After confirming your location, you’ll see an easy-to-read dial that shows the current UV index. You can also continue scrolling to see the rating for various times throughout the day. Download UVLens on Google Play.
WaterLlama
Photo from Apple App Store
Besides monitoring UV exposure, another thing to look out for during the summer is your hydration levels. Higher temperatures make you more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both serious health conditions that can easily be avoided with proper care and hydration.
Try hydration apps like WaterLlama, which has a simple–and cute!–interface that makes you look forward to logging your liquid intake. Your daily goal is set up by sex assigned at birth (with options for pregnant and breastfeeding women), weight, daily activity, and weather based on location. You can then select a character, document the category of liquid you drink (from coffee, tea, juice, milkshakes, and more!) and watch the art slowly fill up as you reach your goal. The app also offers fun and healthy challenges, plus there are different characters you can unlock when you hit your hydration goals. Download WaterLlama on the App Store.
Plant Nanny
Another adorable app for your Android phone is Plant Nanny. Helping you keep track of your water intake is your very own cartoon plant. Each glass of water you drink helps your plant grow, and as you accomplish your daily goals, you can also expand your garden with lovely pots and containers, plus unlock different plants that you can take care of! Download Plant Nanny on Google Play.
Care for your overall well-being with PLDT Home
Caring for your skin and hydrating in the summer is important, but so is looking out for your health and well-being. Try a wellness app like mWell, which you can get as an add-on to your PLDT Home subscription. It offers different programs that are customized to your health needs, including fitness programs and easy-to-make healthy recipes!