News in Short

• TheGem is a smart jewelry wearable that tracks real-time UVA and UVB exposure.
• The device works with a companion app to provide personalized sun intelligence.
• The90 says the system goes beyond standard UV index data by measuring actual environmental exposure.
• The company has backing from beauty entrepreneur and podcast host Lauryn Bosstick.

TheGem has officially launched as a new wearable designed to help users understand how much sun exposure they receive throughout the day. Developed by health-tech startup The90, the device tracks real-time UVA and UVB exposure and converts that information into personalized guidance through a companion mobile app.

The launch puts TheGem at the center of a growing trend where wearable technology moves beyond fitness tracking and into preventive health. This time, the focus is on something many people experience daily but rarely measure: cumulative UV exposure.

What Is TheGem and How Does It Work?

TheGem is a wearable device designed as a pendant necklace. While it looks like jewelry, it contains sensors that monitor ultraviolet radiation in real time.

According to The90, the wearable captures both UVA and UVB exposure throughout the day. The companion app then combines that information with a user’s skin profile, sunscreen habits, and protective clothing choices.

The result is what the company calls “personal sun intelligence.” Instead of relying on general weather-based UV index estimates, users receive information based on the actual conditions around them.

That distinction is important because UV exposure can vary significantly depending on location, shade, reflective surfaces, and even whether someone is sitting near a window.

Why Is UV Exposure Becoming a Bigger Skincare Topic?

Dermatologists have long linked ultraviolet radiation to skin damage and visible aging. Research has shown that cumulative UV exposure can contribute to wrinkles, discoloration, and other signs of premature aging over time.

The90 built its product around a statistic often cited in skincare discussions: up to 90 percent of visible skin aging may be associated with long-term UV exposure.

However, many consumers still depend on broad UV forecasts or simply guess when they need sunscreen protection. The company argues that this creates a gap between awareness and action.

TheGem aims to close that gap by providing continuous monitoring and personalized recommendations throughout the day.

How Is TheGem Different From a Traditional UV Index?

One of the biggest claims behind TheGem is that it measures real-world exposure rather than relying solely on location-based estimates.

The standard UV index provides a general forecast for a geographic area. While useful, it cannot account for individual circumstances.

For example, a person working near a large window may receive significant UVA exposure even while indoors. Similarly, outdoor conditions can change throughout the day based on cloud cover and surroundings.

TheGem’s sensors continuously track UV conditions around the wearer. The app then translates those readings into recommendations such as sunscreen reapplication reminders and alerts when personal exposure thresholds are approaching.

This personalized approach reflects a broader shift in wearable technology toward individual health insights rather than generalized data.

Who Is Behind The90?

The90 was founded by Stacy Salvi, a health-tech executive with experience in the wearable technology industry. Salvi previously worked on business initiatives connected to Fitbit and later helped develop a smart ring designed for women.

The startup has also attracted several notable investors and advisors from the technology and consumer sectors.

Among them is Lauryn Bosstick, founder of The Skinny Confidential and host of a popular wellness-focused podcast. Bosstick has joined the company as both an investor and advisor.

Other investors include entrepreneurs associated with companies such as Blenders Eyewear, Life360, Hubble, Cuts Clothing, and SpaceStation Investments.

What Does This Mean for the Wearables Market?

The wearable technology market has expanded rapidly in recent years. Devices now track sleep, heart rate, recovery, blood oxygen levels, and physical activity.

TheGem represents another step in that evolution. Instead of focusing on exercise metrics, it targets preventive skincare and environmental health tracking.

The launch also highlights how consumer interest is shifting toward healthy aging and long-term wellness. Many users already invest in skincare products and treatments. Wearables like TheGem introduce a new layer of data that could influence daily habits.

Whether personal UV tracking becomes a mainstream category remains to be seen. However, the launch suggests companies increasingly see environmental exposure as a measurable health metric.

Conclusion

As wearable technology moves into new health categories, TheGem is positioning itself as a tool for understanding everyday UV exposure. By combining real-time UVA and UVB tracking with personalized recommendations, the device aims to give users data that traditional UV forecasts cannot provide. The success of TheGem could offer an early look at how future wearables blend environmental monitoring with preventive skincare and healthy aging strategies.