We’ve always chosen sunscreen based on SPF. The higher the number, the better the protection.

That’s what we were taught.

But sun protection is about something far more serious than a number on the front of the bottle.

What Actually Happens When You Step Outside

The sun hits your skin with two types of rays: UVA and UVB.

UVB causes tanning, sunburn, and skin cancer. It’s the visible, immediate damage

But here’s what most people don’t realise:

UVB is only about 5% of the UV radiation that reaches your skin.

And SPF?
It only measures protection against this 5%.

The 95% You’ve Been Ignoring

The remaining 95% is UVA.

UVA:

• Doesn’t burn you
• Doesn’t turn your skin red
• Passes through clouds, windows, and glass
• Reaches you indoors, in cars, every single day

This is where real damage builds up:

• Pigmentation
• Collagen breakdown
• Premature ageing

 

Visual Proof of UVA Exposure

A commonly cited case shows a truck driver with visible ageing on one side of his face — the side exposed to sunlight through the window. That’s UVA damage accumulating over time.

 

What the Research Says

According to research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology:

• Up to 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure
• A significant portion of this is attributed to UVA rays

Your SPF number says nothing about this.

So Yes, You’ve Been Buying Half a Sunscreen

SPF protects you from burning.

But ageing? Pigmentation? Collagen loss?

That’s a different conversation entirely.

How to Actually Check for UVA Protection

You have to read the label - but not the way you’ve been taught.

European sunscreen labels-

Look for a UVA inside a circle

• Means it meets a minimum UVA protection standard

American sunscreen labels-

Look for “Broad Spectrum”

• Also indicates baseline UVA + UVB protection

The Problem With Both Systems

They are pass/fail systems.

They tell you:

• Yes → it protects against UVA
• No → it doesn’t

But they don’t tell you:

How much protection are you actually getting?

Two sunscreens can:

• Both pass
• Both say “broad spectrum”
• But one could have 3x more UVA protection than the other

You would never know.

The System That Actually Makes Sense

This is where Japan’s PA system changed everything.

The PA Rating Scale:

• PA+ → Low UVA protection
• PA++ → Moderate
• PA+++ → High
• PA++++ → Very high (maximum category)

Each “+” represents a measurable increase in UVA protection.

Unlike other systems, this one tells you:

Not just if it works - but how well it works.

Why This Matters (Especially in India)

Daily exposure to:

• Harsh sun
• Pollution
• Heat

Means your skin is under constant oxidative stress.

The good news?

Most modern Indian sunscreens now include PA ratings.

You just need to look for it.

Your New Sunscreen Checklist

• ✔ Check SPF (30–50 is sufficient for UVB)
• ✔ Flip the tube
• ✔ Find the PA rating

What to choose:

• Minimum → PA+++
• Ideal → PA++++

If it’s missing or too low - skip it.

Stop choosing sunscreen based only on SPF.

That number protects you from burning - not ageing.

If you’re not checking UVA protection,
you’re leaving 95% of damage unaccounted for.

The information was always on the label.

You just didn’t know what to look for.

Night Repair Matters Too

The sun, pollution, and daily stressors damage your skin throughout the day.

What you do at night determines how well your skin recovers.

Our Overnight Repair is designed as an all-in-one night treatment that works while you sleep - helping support collagen, improve texture, and restore your skin barrier.

FAQ

Is SPF enough for sun protection? No. SPF only measures UVB protection. UVA protection requires checking PA rating or broad-spectrum labeling.

What is PA++++ in sunscreen? PA++++ is the highest rating for UVA protection, indicating very high defence against skin ageing rays.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB? UVB causes sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper and causes ageing, pigmentation, and collagen breakdown.

Does sunscreen prevent ageing? Yes, if it includes strong UVA protection. UVA rays are responsible for most visible skin ageing.

What SPF should I use daily? SPF 30–50 is sufficient for daily use, but it must be paired with high UVA protection (PA+++ or PA++++).

Do I need sunscreen indoors? Yes. UVA rays pass through windows and can damage skin even indoors.