Researcher Marc Teyssier (pictured below) of the Institute for Future Technologies in France has partnered with Virgin Media O2 to create a flesh-like phone case that’s a creative reminder to protect yourself from the sun. The “Skincase” looks, feels, and even burns like human skin. Teyssier was inspired to create the case after research revealed the staggering gaps between the number of times people check their phone during the hours with a high UV index and the number of sunscreen applications at the same frequency. Thus, as the phone case begins to burn in real time, it serves as a reminder to slap on some sunscreen. Teyssier says the Skincase is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to promote health awareness and encourage positive behavioral change. As creepy and as lifelike as it appears, Skincase is actually synthetic. Teyssier combined silicone with UV-reactive elements to replicate the all-too-familiar feeling. He also used 3D printing and hand-sculpting techniques to individually carve wrinkles into the engineered epidermis. The Skincase was created in three different skin tones, and each reacts to UV rays by changing colors, just like the real thing. As eager as you may be to get your hands on the latest bizarre creation, as of now, the Skincase is still a prototype and isn’t for sale just yet.
