UV levels decrease as you get closer to the polar regions during the winter, but does that mean you need to use less SPF?
John Bower/Alamy
This article is part of a special issue that explores important questions about skin care. Check out the entire series here.
Even if you live far from the equator, you're often told to apply sun protection factor (SPF) lotion year-round to prevent premature skin aging and wrinkles. But is this backed by solid science?
just 13.5 percent According to one study, one in every U.S. adult uses SPF cream as part of their daily routine. This is obviously a problem in the summer when the sun is at its brightest. Although we may not show any signs of burns, UV rays can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and cause damage. This not only causes wrinkles, but can also lead to skin cancer. People who wear sunscreen are at much lower risk.
Photoaging is a cumulative effect that accumulates over decades
However, the further north or south you are in latitude, the weaker these rays become in winter, so you need to balance the benefits of SPF with the cost. Brian DiffieProfessor Emeritus of Photobiology at Newcastle University in the UK points out. Using SPF in winter can cause vitamin D deficiencyfor example. SPF can also have an environmental cost, with some studies showing that SPF can end up in the ocean and its constituent chemicals can be absorbed by corals and other marine life, potentially harming them. Shown.
SSmart rings are gaining popularity, with Oura being spotted on the fingers of celebrities and elite athletes. It offers all the health-tracking features of a smartwatch in a smaller, less technical device focused on sleep, recovery, and resilience. Can the average person use it?
Now in its third generation, the Oura Gen 3 is the most popular smart ring on the market. It comes in various colors, metals, and sizes, resembling an attractive piece of jewelry, priced starting at £299 (€329/$299), plus a £6 monthly subscription. Following the trends of celebrities doesn’t come cheap.
The sleek titanium rings are available in different colors, finishes, and two shapes: flat top and fully circular. An inner layer of clear plastic reveals components, sensors, and contacts that read metrics like heart rate using three prongs touching the underside of your finger.
How does it feel to wear?
The smooth titanium finish shines in different light and is available in many other colors and finishes, including classic silver and gold. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Unlike other fitness trackers, Oura has no screen, sound, or visible alerts other than occasional lights from its sensors. All interactions happen through a smartphone app. Wearing it on the index finger is recommended for accurate data, but it can be cumbersome when using a smartphone.
The Oura ring, while twice as thick as a traditional wedding band, fits snugly but may be uncomfortable between fingers. It requires careful sizing and removal for regular cleaning and charging.
Oura has a consistent thickness all around, so it fits snugly against adjacent fingers better than other larger rings. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Sleep, sleep, and more sleep
The Oura app syncs data and settings via Bluetooth and displays the information in an easy-to-understand way. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Oura emphasizes thorough sleep analysis and daily recovery. It offers suggestions for improving health long-term. During the day, it tracks activity, compiles an Activity Score from steps, calories, heart rate, and stress levels. It also recognizes activities like walking and cycling.
At night, the ring tracks sleep efficiency, cycles, heart rate, variability, and blood oxygen to calculate a sleep score. It provides trend analysis and insights on readiness and resilience based on biometric data.
The app displays health data clearly with graphs and reports, offering suggestions for improvement. It also includes women’s health tracking, fertility insights, and partnered apps for extended functionality.
Sustainability
Oura will eventually become disposable, as the batteries in the ring will wear out, at which point they can’t be replaced. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Oura Gen 3 is not repairable, and the battery is not replaceable. Sustainability features are lacking, with no recycled materials, environmental impact reports, or recycling programs available.
Price
Prices for the Oura Gen 3 start from £299 (€329/$299), with a range of designs and finishes. A one-month free trial is offered, with a monthly subscription at £5.99 (€5.99 / $5.99). Membership registration is required.
Compared to other similar products, the Oura ring is competitively priced but comes with additional subscription costs.
Verdict
The Oura ring 3 is an excellent option for those wanting to track sleep and overall health without a screen on their wrist. It offers comprehensive data analysis and insightful recommendations for health improvement.
Although the ring has some drawbacks, including cost, subscription fees, and tracking limitations, it provides valuable insights into health trends and data analysis.
Overall, the Oura ring offers a unique approach to health tracking with detailed data and user-friendly features, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing sleep and recovery.
Strong Points: Jewelry-like design, comprehensive sleep & health tracking, smart trend analysis & helpful advice, easy to understand, 5-day battery life, 100m water resistance, an effective health alternative to a smartwatch.
Cons: Expensive, monthly subscription, thick for a ring, limited tracking capabilities.
The Oura ring is packed with sensors and technology. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
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