All about the PA rating++++

Sun protection is a key element in maintaining healthy skin throughout the year. In summer, it is particularly important to protect against UV rays, which can cause skin damage and lead to long-term problems such as premature aging and skin cancer. That's why it's essential to choose a sunscreen with a high protection factor and strong UVA protection.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin against UVB rays. The higher the index, the more important the protection. However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which are also harmful to the skin. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and are associated with signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots.

Let's take a closer look at the different types of UV.

UVA rays: This type of radiation penetrates deeply into the skin and can cause premature aging and cancer.

UVB rays: This type of radiation is responsible for the change in color of your skin after spending time outside - your tan or sunburn is the direct result of UVB rays.

UVC rays: This type of radiation is completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach your skin to cause damage. Fortunately, this is a type of UV radiation that you don't have to worry about.

The ultimate goal of sun protection is therefore to counteract UVA and UVB rays.

What about the PA rating?

This is where the comes in. The PA rating measures protection against UVA rays and is primarily used in Japan and South Korea. The levels of protection are classified into four categories: PA+, PA++, PA+++, and PA++++, with the last being the highest.

Sun protection products that carry the PA++++ rating offer the strongest protection against UVA rays. Tests have shown that these products offer protection equivalent to an SPF of 50+ and filter out about 98% of UVA rays. These products are recommended for people who have very sensitive skin to the sun, have prolonged exposure to the sun, or have a family history of skin cancer. These products are often formulated with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical barriers against UV rays. These ingredients are often preferable to chemical filters, which can be irritating to the skin and cause allergic reactions.

It is important to note that even sun protection products with a PA++++ rating must be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or excessive sweating. They are not absolute shields against UV rays, but rather tools that help reduce exposure and prevent long-term damage.

In conclusion, sun protection products with a PA++++ rating offer the strongest protection against UVA rays, which are harmful to the skin. It is important to choose a sunscreen product with a high rating, but also to regularly reapply it and avoid excessive exposure to the sun.