PA+++ sunscreen indicates a high level of protection against UVA rays. The "PA" stands for "Protection Grade of UVA" and the plus signs represent increasing levels of UVA protection. PA+++ sunscreen offers up to 90% protection against UVA rays and has a filter time of about 8-12 hours. This means it will effectively protect your skin from UVA rays for a longer period, especially important for daily use or activities where you'll be exposed to the sun for extended periods.
While SPF measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, PA ratings assess a sunscreen's ability to block UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
Here's a breakdown of PA ratings:
- PA+: Some UVA protection.
- PA++: Moderate UVA protection.
- PA+++: High UVA protection.
- PA++++: Very high UVA protection (over 95%).
Sunscreens with higher PA ratings are generally considered better for overall skin health, particularly when it comes to preventing long-term damage from UVA rays.
Remember: Always choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a PA rating of PA+++ or PA++++ for optimal protection.
