Get to know the difference between SPF and PA in sunscreen
Sunscreen products usually include the words SPF and PA on the packaging label. However, what is the difference between SPF and PA in sunscreen?
Sunlight is actually useful in stimulating the body's natural vitamin D formation. Even so, excessive sun exposure is also not good for skin health.
Sun rays produce ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that can cause skin problems, such as skin aging and sunburn. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
To protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, use sunscreen products that contain SPF and PA. However, what is the difference between the two?
The difference between SPF and PA
Although both protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, SPF and PA in sunscreen are two different things. The difference between the two can be seen in terms of protection and measurement. The following is an explanation:
The difference in protection
SPF or sun protection factor is able to protect the skin from exposure to UVB rays which generally cause sunburn. While PA (protection grade of UVA), serves to protect the skin from UVA rays which often cause premature aging.
The difference in measurement
Writing SPF on sunscreen products is usually followed by a number that indicates how long the sunscreen is able to protect your body from sun exposure. The higher the number, the longer the protection is considered.
In addition to stating the length of the protection period, SPF also indicates how much UVB rays the sunscreen can block. The amount can vary and here is the full explanation:
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays.
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.
- SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays.
If SPF is measured by numbers, then PA is measured by the number of plus signs (+), ranging from PA+ to PA++++. The more plus signs (+), the greater the protection provided against UVA rays.
That's the difference between SPF and PA in sunscreen. SPF protects skin from UVB rays, while PA protects skin from UVA rays. In the end, SPF and PA are both needed because they can provide double protection for the skin.
Make sure to always use sunscreen when going out in the sun. The use of sunscreen needs to be repeated every 2 hours. Also, don't forget to check the expiration date listed on the sunscreen packaging.
If you still have questions about the difference between SPF and PA or are still confused about choosing the right sunscreen for your skin condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
Label : Healthy living
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