PA++++ vs SPF 50: What’s the Difference and Which Sunscreen Rating is Better?

Ever looked at your sunscreen label and saw “PA+++” and “SPF?”  If you're left confused by these “cryptic” symbols, we’re here to help decode what these ratings mean for your sunscreen, their differences and which is a better rating to help you choose your sunscreen.

Many people confuse SPF vs PA++++rating, and often wonder which is better. 

 Here’s the truth: Both SPF and PA ratings are different. They protect your skin from different types of ultraviolet radiation.

Whether you’re hit with harsh summers or shrill winters, one thing remains the same, you’re  hit by the harsh ultraviolet radiation from the sun all-year-round. 

Understanding both these ratings will help you give your skin the best protection from the harsh-UV it so desperately needs. 

SPF VS PA++++, A Quick Comparison

 

Sun Protection Factor or SPF measures how long your sunscreen protects you against the UVB (burning rays). UVB causes sunburn and damage to the surface of your skin. 

PA rating on the other hand, measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin against the UVA rays.

What is “SPF 50” in sunscreen?

 

How SPF protects your skin against UV rays

Sun Protection Factor or SPF measures how much protection your sunscreen gives you against UVB rays. UVB rays is responsible for skin damage and sunburn.  

SPF 50 sunscreen means that your sunscreen can block out 98% of UV rays, as opposed to SPF 30 which blocks out 97% of UV rays, making it suitable for anyone who is exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time (Source: Northwestern Medicine).  

SPF filters in sunscreens either reflect or absorb the harsh UV rays from the sun, not allowing it to penetrate your skin and cause UV-induced skin damage. 

SPF filters such as  Zinc Oxide/ Titanium Oxide (mineral) absorb most of the UV rays and reflect some. New- gen filters such as Tinosorb S/M, Uvinul A Plus/T 150 (chemical,organic) absorb the harsh UV, converting it into heat and then releasing it.

Both filters in SPF form a protective layer on the skin so that the harsh UV rays cannot penetrate it, thus providing effective protection against sun exposure causing sunburn. (Source: National Library of Medicine). 

If you want to know how to choose the best SPF 50 sunscreen, here’s an expert guide for you. 

What “PA++++” means

PA rating on the other hand, measures how much your sunscreen protects you against UVA rays.  A PA rating is a Japanese-developed rating system for sunscreens that is standardised all across Asia. The higher the PA rating, which is signified by more of the “+” symbols, represents how much protection your sunscreen provides you from UVA rays. 

Here’s a quick table for your reference: 

Why PA++++ rating is important

UVA radiation of the sun penetrates deeper into the skin causing:

•  Premature ageing

•  Tanning 

• Wrinkles 

•  Increases the risk of skin cancer 

• Persistent Pigmentation Darkening (PPD) 

(Source: National Library of Medicine)

SPF 50 vs PA++++: Key Differences

If you’re wondering which rating is better, SPF or PA++++,  let’s be clear: they complement each other and both SPF and PA++++ rating measures how much protection  your skin’s getting against UVB and UVA rays respectively. 

UVB vs UVA protection: 

• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) → UVB protection
  

• PA rating → UVA protection
  
  

The higher the SPF, the more protection your skin is getting against UVB (burning rays) that causes immediate tanning,  sunburn and increases risk of skin cancer. A PA rating on the sunscreen signifies how much your sunscreen protects you against UVA rays, those that penetrate deeper into your skin causing long term damage like premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and increased risk of skin cancer. (Source: UT MD Anderson)

Sunburn vs Skin Ageing 

A key difference between both is the type of skin damage they prevent.  

• UVB(burning rays) → causes sunburn
  
  

• UVA → causes premature ageing, wrinkles & pigmentation
  
  

Both SPF and a PA++++ rating, both offer you a broad-spectrum protection for your skin against both UVA + UVB rays. 

Tanning Protection

• UVA rays are the main cause of  immediate tanning, which the PA rating signifies. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis, the skin’s deeper, middle layer and cause long-term damage to the skin (Source:  FDA).
  
  

• PA++++ , the highest PA rating, blocks the maximum harmful UVA rays from damaging your skin.
  
  

Which Is Better: PA++++ or SPF 50?

If you’re looking to compare SPF and PA++++ rating,  Let’s set things straight once and for all. In reality, these ratings don’t compete with each other. They're two different players on the same team! 

They both measure how much your skin is protected from different UV rays: 

• SPF – UVB rays 

• PA rating – UVA rays.

 The higher the “+,” the more protection your skin gets from UVA.Neither SPF nor a PA rating is better than the other and neither is better alone. 

Ideally, a sunscreen that offers both SPF 50 PA++++ is the best to ensure that your skin is getting optimal, broad-spectrum protection against both UVA+ UVB rays Source: National Library of Medicine)

Why Dermatologists Recommend SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen

An  SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen is popularly recommended by dermatologists as it is clinically tested for it’s 

• Broad-Spectrum Protection (Protection from both UVA+UVB rays

• Protection from sunburn, tanning and premature and long-term ageing (National Library of Medicine).

• Effective protection for those who spend prolonged time exposed to the sun, outdoors and intense sweating or activity. 

A broad-spectrum sunscreen is an FDA approved formulation designed and scientifically proven to protect your skin effectively against UVB rays that cause sunburn and tanning and UVA rays that penetrate the skin deeper causing long-term damage like increased risk of skin cancer, pigmentation and ageing. 

For people who live in hot and humid climates, especially in India where we are exposed to very high to extreme temperatures, a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 PA++++) is largely recommended by dermatologists to ensure maximum protection against the harsh UV rays 

If you want an expert guide in choosing your broad-spectrum sunscreen for the intense Indian climate, click no further. 

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen Rating

Choosing the right sunscreen is more than grabbing the highest SPF off the shelf. Here are some practical tips you can use in the real world to make sure your skin is getting all the protection it needs: 

• Choose SPF 30–50 minimum: SPF 30 blocks out approximately 97% of UVB, SPF 50 blocks out 98% of UVB. Although this difference may look small, SPF 50 sunscreens offer a greater shield of protection and are recommended by dermatologists, especially for those that spend prolonged time exposed to the sun.
  
  

• Look for PA+++ or PA++++:  PA+++ offers very high protection against UVA rays, whereas a PA++++ rating is scientifically tested to be the maximum protection against UVA rays in the market.
  
  

• Reapply every 2–3 hours: Dermatologists recommend reapplying your broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors, doing intense activity.  And immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying (Houston Methodist).
  
  

• Ensure you are using enough of the product for effective protection.  Follow the two finger rule for the face and neck. Here’s a thorough go-to-guide on how to apply your sunscreen properly.

Common Myths About SPF and PA Ratings

Myth: Higher SPF means all-day protection 

Fact:  Sunscreen wears off if you sweat, swim or towel-dry. Dermatologists recommend reapplication every two- three hours, especially if you are under direct sun exposure or doing intense activity. 

Myth: PA rating is not important

Fact: Most people focus only on a high SPF. A PA rating measures how much protection your skin is getting from UVA rays which is responsible for deeper skin damage, tanning and pigmentation as well as increased risk of skin cancer. Having a sunscreen that has both SPF + PA rating is most effective.

Myth: SPF protects you from tanning

Fact: SPF protects your skin from UVB rays that cause sunburn. PA ratings ensure your skin is protected from UVA rays which is responsible for deeper and long-term damage when it comes to tanning, increased skin cancer risk and pigmentation 

 

Common Myths About SPF and PA Ratings

Understanding the purpose of an SPF and a PA rating is crucial before you run to the store to buy a sunscreen. Now you know that it is never SPF vs PA rating. They work together to offer you different levels of protection against different UV rays of the sun. SPF 50,shields your skin against UVB rays that cause sunburn and immediate skin damage, whereas a PA++++ rating offers you the highest protection against UVA rays which cause long term damage as the rays penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis, resulting in tanning, premature ageing and skin cancer. A broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 along with a PA++++ rating is what is popularly recommended by dermatologists as it is what is most reliable and effective in providing you with long-term and consistent protection against both UVB+ UVA rays. 

FAQs

Is PA++++ better than SPF 50?

No, none is better than the other. SPF 50  protects against UVA rays. PA++++ offers protection against UVA rays. Choose a sunscreen that has both for complete UV protection.

Does SPF 50 protect against UVA rays?

No, SPF protects your skin against UVB rays that causes sunburn. If you want UVA protection, look for the highest PA rating: PA++++

What does SPF 50 PA++++ mean?

It means your skin is getting broad-spectrum protection ( protected from both UVB+UVA rays) 

Is PA++++ sunscreen good for tanning protection?

Yes, a PA++++ offers highest protection against UVA rays which cause deep tanning damage.