The SPF rating found on all sunscreen labels is a
measurement of the protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays,
the rays that cause sunburn. However, the SPF rating does not indicate
how much protection the sunscreen offers against UVA rays. The label
may state that the sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection against
both UVA and UVB rays, but the SPF rating measures ONLY the level
of protection against UVB rays. Based on the SPF number alone you
don't know how much protection you are getting against the deeper
penetrating, more damaging UVA rays.
UVA rays are the long rays that
penetrate the skin more deeply and cause skin wrinkling, leathering,
and other signs of sun damage or "photo-aging." Until recently, there
was no rating system for the level of protection a sunscreen offers
against UVA rays. But now some newer sunscreens list a PA rating,
which refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers specifically
against UVA rays. PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++. The
more plus symbols the label has, the more protection the sunscreen
provides against UVA rays. For maximum protection, choose a broad-spectrum
sunscreen that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays and look
for the PA rating on the label. Apply sunscreen liberally 30 minutes
before going outdoors and reapply
every two hours.
Our Favorite Sunscreens with PA rating:
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