Are Smart Watches Affecting Your Skin?

We all prefer to stay ahead of the latest trends, no matter, if it is our clothes, technology, accessories, or anything.

Among them the most popular accessories are gaining an immense popularity in terms of both fashion and health – the smartwatch or the fitness band.

Undoubtedly, these devices can add a touch of style and help in monitoring the fitness levels, but certain issues can arise. 

One recent concern is the occurrence of skin rashes linked with these bands. The bands can actually leave a potential impact on our skin. 

The continues wear and its causes

We wear our smartwatches continuously, so the primary culprit could be the metal contact. 

Especially, when individuals wear the band the whole day or remove them after returning home. Continuous wear mixed with sweating can cause mild infections. 

Mostly, these bands are made of rubber with latex, and the individuals can develop allergies to latex that can lead to the leucoderma.

It is generally safe to use these bands as long as you don’t suffer from any symptoms. Taking proper care of these bands is important. So, wear them but give your skin a break, and then put them back on when heading out.

If you have metal allergies, don’t wear them. If there is an infection or allergy, you need to identify it earlier, as they may need different treatment plans.

Case Study

There are various cases of rashes that are caused by a fitness band or a smartwatch. It is due to the material used in the band. 

If we talk about the green light that these devices emit, it is a small light. Undoubtedly, there are some concerns, but it is not sure how they will lead to the health conditions or skin side effects. 

However, there are strap options available in the market and in different sizes. If you are allergic to the artificial metals, you can use the cloth-like straps, available with a smoother texture. 

You can avoid the use of leather and metal straps, and go with the smaller size if needed. 

Although the skin allergies from these materials is not high, individuals with allergies or experiencing continuous sweating can be at risk. 

How to Eliminate the Possibility of an allergic reaction?

Allergies can appear anytime – within minutes, hours, or even days after exposure. So, here is what you can do – 

Make sure your device fits you properly

Pay close attention to how your fitness tracker fits. Avoid wearing it if it is too tight. Again, you also don’t want to wear it if it is too loose. 

Loose bands will move around your skin and cause rubbing that can be irritating to the skin.

Regularly switch band materials

Try wearing more breathable fabric bands. Silicone will trap more moisture. Go with the bands made of cotton and silk that allow sweat to go away naturally from the skin. 

Fabric bands with holes can provide more breathability. Don’t choose the bands made of leather, aluminum, and stainless steels, if you give more preferences to your devices to track workouts. 

Give your tracker some rest

When you start noticing redness, it’s a sign that you should switch your bands to another wrist. Wear back the tracker only when there is no redness. 

Take your bands off when showering so that the soap or the shower gel doesn’t get trapped under the watch or in the band. 

Clean the affected skin

When you are in the shower, wash and clean your skin gently to protect it from irritation. 

Clean your device with a soft cotton wipe once a week. Make sure before putting your band back, both your skin and band are dry.

Consider outside factors

Be aware when you are wearing your bands. Different outer particles can get trapped under the water. 

The use of detergent and soaps can cause irritation to the skin so clean it wisely. If it is cold, you can use the moisturizer to keep your skin smooth. 

What else can you do to avoid allergies?

In such cases – 

• you can take breaks, 
• keep the area dry, 
• avoid wearing bands too tightly
• Apply moisturizer or coconut oil before wearing.

Overall, you can wear these devices for tracking your heart rate and sleep, but it is advisable to take proper precautions.