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Are you trying to monitor your skin temperature? If you are interested in keeping an eye on your health and are the owner of a Fitbit, you may be using the Fitbit Skin temperature feature to monitor your skin’s temperature.
First of all, let’s clear up a few misconceptions about skin and body temperature. Are they the same thing? The truth is that skin, and the internal body temperature may vary. For instance, if you are running in a hot area, your skin temperature is often warmer than your body’s internal temperature.
There are several reasons for that. The main reason is that you are sweating. The second reason is that the sun, and even the wind, is heating the top layer of your skin.
When does Fitbit measure your skin temperature? Fitbit Sense measures your skin temperature when you sleep at night. Does that mean it is accurate? It is likely to be more accurate at night, but at the same time, there can be variations.
Is Fitbit Skin Temperature Reliable?
It all depends on what you are trying to measure. For example, it is probably relatively accurate if you are trying to measure your skin temperature at a specific time.
However, there are influencing factors when it comes to skin temperature. For instance, if you open the window or sleep with your arm outside the covers, your arm is cooler than the rest of your body.
One thing that Fitbit fails to do is to make it clear that there is a difference in skin temperature and body temperature. Another issue that you may have is that the device only measures skin temperature on one part of the body. So, for example, the skin on your head can be warmer than the rest of the body.
What Influences Skin Temperature?
Many factors influence skin temperature.
If you have recently been ill, you may find your skin temperature is warmer. That is because the body is trying to remove inflammation from the cells. Every cell has an inner core called the mitochondria. This is the powerhouse of the cell.
When you are ill, the mitochondria go to work and try to rid the cell of infection or inflammation. The end result is that you start to shiver and shake. An indication is also an elevated body temperature. As the body tries to reduce its temperature, your body starts to sweat in an attempt to cool down. This is when your skin temperature can be warmer than the inside of your body.
Another good example would be vaccination such as Covid or the seasonal flu vaccine. In response to any vaccine, the body may start to raise its temperature. The result is an elevated skin temperature.
If you use an electric blanket, you may also find that your skin temperature is higher during the night.
What Are The Benefits of Knowing Your Skin Temperature?
Although there are reasons for knowing your skin temperature, it is probably more important for athletes to understand why skin temperature matters.
One of the most critical factors that can be “assessed” by using skin temperature as a point of measure is your hydration level. When your skin temperature is high at night, it is a sign that you are likely to be dehydrated.
If you hydrate well during the day, your body temperature will be cooler at night. This is very important when you live and work in a hot climate. Of course, it is even more critical when you will exercise in a hot climate or warm weather that you monitor your skin temperature.
When you have recorded a hotter than average skin temperature at night, you need to hydrate well first thing in the morning. In particular, this is important to hydrate well if you have an event or competition coming up.
Companies that develop fitness or athletic clothing also like to monitor skin temperature. The information that they can gain from skin temperature readings is essential. For example, it allows them to assess if the skin cools down fast or slow after an athlete has removed their clothing.
It could be that some fabric combinations elevate skin temperature for a more extended period of time. For example, if you have exercised late at night and your skin temperatures remain elevated throughout the night, it could mean the clothing you wore may not have been the right one for you.
As an athlete or sports person, Fitbit Skin temperature can guide you in the right direction when it comes to both clothing and hydration.
Does Apple Watch Have A Skin Temperature Sensor?
At the moment, Apple Watch does not have a skin sensor. There are industry rumors that the company is developing one. However likely, it will not happen. The skin temperature will probably be an on-demand feature if it does happen.
If you are interested in your skin temperature and are thinking about investing in a device, it is best to buy a Fitbit Sense.
In Conclusion
Although the skin temperature feature on Fitbit is a helpful tool, you need to recognize what information it does give you.
It is essential to recognize that the temperature reading on your skin may not be the same as your body’s internal temperature. So yes, it will indicate that you may have an elevated or lower skin temperature than expected.
What matters is what you do with the information. For example, if you think that you are not feeling well and your skin temperature is elevated at night, the first step is to check your body temperature last thing at night and in the morning. When it is elevated, it can signify that you are experiencing an infection or inflammation. This is a critical monitoring function, especially after surgery.
It is also essential to monitor your skin temperature if you go to an event or competition. As mentioned, a hot night temperature may indicate that you are not well hydrated.
When you stop and think about it, Fitbit Skin temperature is a helpful tool to monitor your health.
