Why SPF & PA Must Be Your New BFF

Sunscreens have become an essential component of our morning skincare regimen. They serve as our primary barrier against harmful UV radiation emitted by the sun, which can lead to sunburns and skin damage. However, selecting the appropriate sunscreen formulation for your skin can be quite challenging.

This is because not all sunscreen formulations are created equal. There are numerous factors to take into account when purchasing sunscreen, such as your skin type, the choice between chemical and mineral UV filters, and most importantly, the level of UV protection it provides.

Sunlight consists of two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB rays.

UVA Radiation:

UVA rays are long-wavelength rays that can penetrate deeply into the skin, resulting in premature aging signs like wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines, and dark spots.

UVB Radiation:

UVB rays are short-wavelength rays that can harm the outermost layer of the skin, leading to sunburns.

The level of protection a sunscreen offers is quantified through SPF and PA ratings. Therefore, comprehending what these figures signify and how they are determined will assist you in selecting the most suitable sunscreen for your requirements by identifying the degree of UV protection it provides.

What Is SPF?

As per the FDA, the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating indicates how much UV radiation is necessary to cause sunburn after applying sunscreen compared to the amount of UV radiation needed to cause sunburn on unprotected skin. Since UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburns, the SPF rating reflects the quantity of UVB rays absorbed by the sunscreen.

To determine the SPF of a sunscreen, laboratory tests are conducted where the sunscreen is generously applied to the skin and then exposed to UV lamps. A straightforward formula is then utilized to calculate the SPF rating.

The duration it takes for a section of skin to show slight redness when covered in sunscreen is divided by the time it takes to show redness without sunscreen. For example, if it took 600 seconds for the skin to burn with sunscreen and 20 seconds without it, you would divide 600 by 20, resulting in an SPF rating of 30.

Is a Higher SPF Better?

Indeed, a sunscreen with a higher SPF value will provide you with greater sun protection, but this protection does not increase in a directly proportional manner and only rises marginally. For instance, a sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. Therefore, SPF 100 sunscreen will not offer double the protection compared to SPF 50.

There is a common misconception that the SPF rating of a sunscreen dictates how long you can remain in the sun. For example, some individuals believe that if they typically get sunburned in 20 minutes, using SPF 15 sunscreen means they can stay outside 15 times longer.

However, SPF actually measures the amount of UV radiation, not the duration. The intensity of UV radiation fluctuates throughout the day, and the amount of UV exposure between 9 and 10 a.m. is equivalent to just 15 minutes of afternoon sun.

Additionally, your skin color can influence how long it takes for your skin to develop a sunburn. The outer layer of the skin contains a brown pigment known as melanin, which serves as a natural defense against UV rays.

The more melanin present in your skin, the darker your skin tone will be—and the better natural protection you will have against sunburns. Consequently, individuals with lighter skin tones absorb more UV light and tend to burn more quickly.

What Is PA Rating?

In comparison to UVB rays, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and accelerate the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Therefore, your sunscreen should also shield your skin from UVA rays to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance over time.

The PA rating on a sunscreen label stands for "Protection Grade of UVA," and it is a system designed to assess the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVA rays, which are primarily responsible for skin aging.

When you encounter a sunscreen labeled with a PA rating, such as PA++ or PA+++, it indicates how effectively the product protects against UVA rays. The ratings range from PA+ to PA++++, with a higher number of ‘+’ symbols indicating superior protection against UVA rays. Thus, PA++++ offers the highest level of protection, while PA+ provides the least.

How Much SPF and PA Do You Really Need?

The ideal SPF level you require depends on various factors, including your level of sun exposure, skin tone, and the duration you will spend in direct sunlight. For Indian skin, dermatologists typically recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.

If you have fair or sensitive skin, you might opt for sunscreens with the highest SPF to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of skin damage. However, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, products with very high SPFs (like SPF 100) often create a false sense of security.

Users of such products tend to remain in the sun for extended periods and may even skip reapplication, leading to increased UV damage. Therefore, a sunscreen with SPF 30-50 is a wise choice for your daily routine.

Similarly, selecting the appropriate PA rating also depends on factors such as your skin type, the intensity of sun exposure, and outdoor activities. If you plan to be outdoors for several hours, especially around midday, choose a sunscreen with the highest PA rating (i.e., PA++++).

Try Juicy Chemistry Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen

Our Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen features titanium dioxide and phytonutrients to safeguard your skin from UV rays throughout the year. The broad-spectrum formula with an SPF 40 PA++++ rating has been clinically tested to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

With no white cast and a non-greasy formula, it absorbs easily without pilling on the skin due to its lightweight consistency. It also contains emollients like squalane and aloe vera juice to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized while you are outdoors.

Suitable for all skin types and ages (2+ years), including sensitive and acne-prone skin, our mineral sunscreen is an excellent choice to ensure your entire family is protected from harsh sun rays.

Shop our SPF 40 mineral sunscreen here.

FAQs

How long is SPF effective?

The protection provided by your sunscreen diminishes within a few hours due to sweating, rubbing your face, or being in contact with water while swimming or during rain. Therefore, you need to reapply it throughout the day.

How many times should SPF be reapplied?

You should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily, to ensure your skin remains protected throughout the day.

Are makeup products with SPF effective?

Makeup items are often not applied in sufficient quantities to achieve the SPF level indicated on the label. Therefore, it is advisable not to rely on them for sun protection. Always apply sunscreen beneath your makeup for adequate UV protection.