What are SPF and PA?

When it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, understanding the differences between SPF and PA in Japanese sunscreens is crucial. Both SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and PA (Protection Grade of UVA) are important indicators of how well a sunscreen will shield your skin from UV rays.

Displays such as "SPF50" and "PA++++" can be seen on the packaging of sunscreen products.

Have you ever wondered what SPF really means when it comes to sunscreen? Let's dive into the science behind it.

What does SPF stand for?

SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor". In Japanese, it means UV protection effect, and it is used as an indicator to prevent ultraviolet B rays (UVB), which causes sunburn (sunburn that causes redness on the skin).

How does SPF work?

The higher the SPF number, the more effective it is at blocking ultraviolet B rays (UVB). SPF values are displayed up to 50+ (SPF greater than 51).

What is PA?

PA, on the other hand, is a Japanese measurement system that indicates the level of protection a sunscreen offers against UVA rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. The more plus signs next to the PA rating (e.g., PA+, PA++, PA+++), the better the protection against UVA rays.

Since UVA rays has the property of easily passing through clouds and window glass, it is necessary to protect against ultraviolet A rays (UVA) even on cloudy days and in sunny homes.

Why is proper application important?

However, if you do not apply sunscreen properly, it will not be as effective as the displayed values. If you apply it too thinly or unevenly, you won't get the full effect, so please be careful.

Remember, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sun damage. Make sure to apply sunscreen generously and evenly to ensure maximum protection.

This is a very important keyword for UV protection.

Why are Both Important?

While SPF protects against UVB rays that cause sunburn, PA protects against UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause long-term damage. Using a sunscreen with both high SPF and PA ratings ensures comprehensive protection against both types of harmful UV rays.

When choosing a Japanese sunscreen, look for products that offer a high SPF rating for UVB protection and a high PA rating for UVA protection. This dual approach will help safeguard your skin from sun damage and maintain its health and youthfulness in the long run.