Flexible multilayered skin health sensing platform for eyewear applications

Abstract

Skin diseases are among the most prevalent health issues worldwide, and the prevalence of these diseases is increasing, driven by factors such as aging populations and urbanization-related infrastructure imbalance. As skin diseases become more widespread, the need for their early detection and proper management is gaining prominence, underscoring the importance of developing advanced real-time skin health monitoring technologies. In this study, we propose a flexible, multi-layered skin health monitoring platform capable of the real-time measurement of key indicators such as humidity, sweat secretion, and pH levels. The platform collects sweat from direct skin contact, providing real-time, noninvasive data on humidity, sweat secretion, and pH levels, which are transmitted to a smartphone for continuous monitoring. Sensors for this platform were fabricated using inkjet printing, which enables low-cost and straightforward manufacturing, and were integrated into a vertically stacked configuration designed to fit wearable forms, such as eyewear. In addition, each sensor was constructed using a flexible substrate, making the platform adaptable to various applications beyond skin health monitoring. This platform holds potential for broader use across diverse areas of healthcare and medical science, laying the groundwork for technologies that enable continuous physiological monitoring to advance fundamental research and facilitate practical solutions.