SunSense Pro is a Bluetooth-enabled UV sensor designed to monitor personal sun exposure in real time. The device clips onto clothing and connects to a free smartphone app, which provides personalised sun protection recommendations based on the user’s skin type and applied sunscreen factor. While the provided source material does not detail a free sample or trial programme for the SunSense Pro device itself, it outlines a clear process for users to begin utilising the technology. This article explains the product’s functionality, setup procedure, and the steps required to start using the sensor, drawing exclusively from the official information provided.
Understanding the SunSense Pro UV Sensor
The SunSense Pro is a compact, wearable device that measures both UVA and UVB radiation. Weighing only 7 grams, it is designed to be clipped onto any item of clothing, such as a collar, cap, or bikini strap. The sensor communicates via Bluetooth with the free SunSense app, which displays the user’s received UV dose in real time. The app corrects this data for the user’s personal skin profile and automatically issues warnings at different exposure levels. A status LED on the device itself (green, yellow, red) offers a quick visual check of exposure status without needing to consult a smartphone.
The primary purpose of the device is to help prevent sunburn, which is cited as a cause of 90% of skin cancer cases and a trigger for premature skin ageing and wrinkling. It is particularly highlighted as useful for individuals with sun-related skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Lupus, Sun Eczema, and Atopic Eczema. The sensor is developed and manufactured in Norway and is reportedly used in stringent testing of new medical drugs and healthcare products in Europe, the USA, and Australia.
Key Features and Benefits
The SunSense Pro offers several features aimed at promoting safer sun exposure:
- Real-time monitoring: The sensor tracks UV exposure (UVA and UVB) continuously, with data displayed in the app.
- Personalised recommendations: After completing a skin type test within the app, users receive tailored sun exposure suggestions.
- Sunscreen integration: Users can enter the SPF of their applied sunscreen in the app, which then extends their calculated "carefree" time in the sun accordingly.
- Proactive alerts: The system provides reminders to re-apply sunscreen every two hours. It also sends alert notifications when the user is approaching their daily UV dose maximum—the threshold of accumulated UV radiation their skin can tolerate before burning.
- Standalone indicator: The device’s LED provides an immediate colour-coded status (green, yellow, red) for a quick safety check.
Dermatologist Dr. Kåre S. Tveit from Haukeland University Hospital has endorsed SunSense as a useful tool for preventing accelerated ageing, wrinkling, and skin cancer.
The Setup and Usage Process
The provided source material details a five-step process for starting to use the SunSense Pro. This process is essential for obtaining the personalised functionality of the device and is the closest equivalent to a "trial" or initial engagement offered by the brand.
Step 1: Download the Free SunSense App The SunSense app is required for the SunSense Pro to function. It is available for free download. The app is also recommended for use with the SunSense One device, though the Pro is the focus here. The app contains a wealth of information, including a skin type test which is the foundational step for personalisation.
Step 2: Determine Your Skin Type Within the SunSense App, users are guided through a skin type test. This test determines the user's skin type (e.g., based on factors like natural skin colour, tendency to burn, and eye colour) to generate a personalised sun exposure recommendation. A table is also available in the manual for the SunSense One device, but the app is the primary method for Pro users. This step is critical for the app to calculate the user's maximum UV dose.
Step 3: Connect the Sensor via Bluetooth Once the app is installed and the skin type is determined, the next step is to pair the SunSense Pro sensor with the user's smartphone via Bluetooth. This connection enables real-time data transmission from the sensor to the app.
Step 4: Input Sunscreen Factor In the app, users must select and enter the sunscreen factor (SPF) of the product they are using. This information allows the app to adjust the calculation of the user's safe sun exposure time, extending it according to the protection level provided by the sunscreen.
Step 5: Begin Monitoring and Receive Alerts After completing the setup, the user clips the SunSense Pro onto the most sun-exposed part of their body (e.g., collar, cap). The device then begins monitoring UV exposure. The app provides real-time updates on the user's sun exposure status. The system will notify the user every two hours to re-apply sunscreen and will send alert notifications when the user is close to reaching their calculated daily UV dose maximum.
Eligibility and Access Considerations
Based solely on the provided source material, there is no explicit information about free samples, promotional offers, no-cost trials, or mail-in sample programmes for the SunSense Pro device. The sources describe the product's features, benefits, and the setup process for users who purchase the device.
Therefore, any consumer seeking to obtain a SunSense Pro without purchase would need to look for external promotions not detailed in this source material. The official process described requires the physical device to be owned by the user to begin the monitoring and alert functions.
Important Limitations and Data
The source material does not specify: * The retail price of the SunSense Pro. * Where the device can be purchased in the UK (e.g., specific retailers or online stores). * Any ongoing promotional discounts or bundle offers. * The geographic availability of the device (though its use in European testing is mentioned, UK availability is not explicitly confirmed). * The battery life details, though one source mentions a "replaceable battery" that "will last for years."
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on purchase options, pricing, and any potential promotional offers, consumers should consult the official SunSense website or contact the company directly.
Conclusion
The SunSense Pro is a dedicated UV monitoring device that offers real-time, personalised sun protection guidance through a companion app. Its setup involves a clear, multi-step process focused on personalisation via a skin type test and sunscreen factor input. However, based exclusively on the provided source material, there is no indication of a free sample or trial programme for the device itself. Consumers interested in the SunSense Pro must follow the outlined setup process after obtaining the physical sensor. The technology is positioned as a preventative tool for general sun safety and for individuals managing specific sun-sensitive skin conditions.