What Do SPF and PA Mean in Cosmetics?

What Do SPF and PA Mean in Cosmetics?

BB-cream.cz 09. 06. 2023 Blog

Sun protection is very important—not only in the summer at the beach, but also, for example, when visiting a tanning salon. We’ll tell you what the abbreviations on sunscreen packaging mean, what to watch out for when choosing sunscreen, and how to use it correctly.

What is SPF?

SPF (sun protection factor) is a protection factor against UVB radiation. This abbreviation is always followed by a number that tells you what percentage of ultraviolet (UVB) radiation the sunscreen can filter out. The higher the number, the more ultraviolet radiation is blocked.

Simply put, SPF is basically the amount of time you can stay in the sun before your skin burns. Let’s say that without sunscreen you burn in 10 minutes; using a product with SPF 15 extends that time 15x. So you can stay in the sun for 150 minutes without getting burned.

When choosing an SPF value, it’s important to consider your skin phototype, which indicates how easily your skin burns and tans. There are six skin phototypes:

  1. Phototype I: Very fair skin, red or blond hair, blue eyes. Burns easily and hardly tans at all. Recommended SPF: 30 to 50+.
  2. Phototype II: Fair skin, blond or light brown hair, blue or green eyes. Burns easily and tans minimally. Recommended SPF: 30 to 50.
  3. Phototype III: Medium-light skin, darker blond or brown hair, various eye colors. Burns sometimes and tans gradually. Recommended SPF: 20 to 30.
  4. Phototype IV: Medium-dark skin, brown hair and eyes. Rarely burns and tans easily. Recommended SPF: 15-20.
  5. Phototype V: Darker skin with brown pigmentation. Very rarely burns and tans quickly to dark brown. Recommended SPF: 15.
  6. Phototype VI: Dark skin with black pigmentation (for example, African Americans). Extremely rarely burns and tans very quickly to dark brown or black. Recommended SPF: 10-15.

These values are only guidelines, and it’s important to tailor sun protection to individual needs, the intensity of sunlight, and the length of time spent in the sun. It’s always better to use a higher SPF if you’re unsure what your phototype is or if you plan to be in the sun for a longer time.

What is PA?

PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is a label used on sunscreens and other sun-protection products that refers to the level of protection against UVA radiation. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and can cause premature aging, pigmentation, and sometimes skin cancer. PA is rated using plus (+) symbols that indicate different levels of protection:

- PA+ : Low level of protection against UVA radiation
- PA++: Medium level of protection against UVA radiation
- PA+++: High level of protection against UVA radiation
- PA++++: Highest level of protection against UVA radiation

The PA system is often seen together with SPF (Sun Protection Factor). It’s important to use sunscreen with sufficient protection against both types of UV radiation—both UVA and UVB—for the best overall skin protection.

Tip for you: If you’re choosing a sunscreen, pick one that protects against both types of radiation. 

Do the values of sun-protective cosmetics add up?

No, SPF values do not add up. If you use a cream with SPF 20 and a sunscreen with SPF 30, the overall sun protection will correspond to the higher value, i.e., 30. It’s important to realize that combining different sun-protection products does not increase the overall protection factor. Instead, it’s important to apply sunscreen correctly and often enough with an adequate SPF based on your phototype and the intensity of sunlight.

Proper use of sunscreens

  • Use sunscreen daily, not only when you’re heading to the water.
  • You can also use a face cream, BB cream, or other cosmetics with sun protection.
  • Apply sunscreen thoroughly to all parts of the body.
  • If you’re swimming, make sure the products you use are water-resistant. However, after prolonged swimming, it’s a good idea to reapply.
  • Apply sunscreens with a chemical SPF filter at least 20 minutes before you go outside into the sun. You don’t need to apply mineral-filter sunscreens in advance. They work immediately by creating a protective barrier on the skin.
  • Ideally, reapply every 2–3 hours.

A few final tips

In the end, it’s also good to follow additional sun-protection measures, such as wearing wide-brim hats, protective glasses, and clothing with UV filtration, avoiding the sun during the most intense radiation (usually between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), and seeking shade when possible. Combined with sunscreen with an adequate SPF, you can keep your skin healthy and protected from the harmful effects of sunlight.