UVA vs UVB Sunscreen: How to Choose the Right One

Many people choose sunscreens only based on their SPF, assuming that they will offer high protection against sun damage. Here’s the truth, The sun consists mainly of two types of UV rays: Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays. SPF primarily protects against UVB, which causes sunburn and immediate tanning and ageing. UVA on the other hand, penetrates deeper into your skin and causes long term damage like tanning, premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Choosing the wrong sunscreen can leave your skin more vulnerable to sunburn, increased risk of skin cancer, cause fine lines and wrinkles and accelerate premature ageing. 

This is why choosing the right sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, both UVB+UVA is necessary to provide overall protection for your skin. 

In this expert guide, you can learn how SPF actually works, the difference between UVB and UVA protection and why protection from both types of rays matter. 

Understanding UV Radiation 

What Are UVA Rays?

UVA rays have the longest wavelength and penetrate deeper into the skin. 

They  cause 

• premature aging
  
  

• Wrinkles and fine lines
  
  

• hyperpigmentation
  
  

• Long-term skin damage 

UVA key facts: UVA rays are prevalent all year round, in all seasons. They can even penetrate through clouds and glass windows, meaning your skin can be exposed to UVA even on cloudy days or working indoors near any windows. Continuous UVA exposure leads to visible premature ageing over time.

What Are UVB Rays?

UVB rays are shorter wavelength rays that travel far enough to reach the skin’s outer or surface layer (the epidermis) (Source: UT MD Anderson)

UVB rays are the leading cause of

• • sunburn
    

  • redness
    

  • direct tanning and DNA damage

  • skin cancer risk
• • Direct damage to the DNA

 

Key facts about UVB rays: They are the highest intensity between 10AM --4PM (Source: UT MD Anderson)

UVA vs UVB: Key Differences

Here is a quick comparison table for your easy reference.

Most sunscreen labels emphasise SPF which mainly measures protection against UVB rays, not UVA. 

What Does SPF Really Mean? Tackling some Common Misconceptions: 

Sun Protection Factor or (SPF) measures the protection your skin is getting against primarily against UVB rays. 

SPF 30 blocks out approximately 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50 blocks out approximately 98% of UVB rays (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Many people assume that SPF 50 provides twice the protection of SPF 25 or SPF 30.  This concept is known as the diminishing returns of SPF numbers. When people think that the higher the SPF number gives you double the sun protection. This is not true. In reality, a higher SPF only offers marginally better protection (MD Anderson)

What Is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?

Before choosing the best sunscreen for you, It is important that you understand what certain labels mean and the protection they offer when it comes to protection against UV. The most commonly recommended sunscreen by dermatologists for daily use is one that offers broad spectrum protection. They provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

When looking for the best sunscreen for daily use, look for these on the label:

• Broad Spectrum: It provides protection against both UVA and UVB.
  
  

• PA rating (Asian sunscreens): A Japanese standard rating for sunscreens, that is now standard for asian sunscreens. It is denoted by a “+” symbol. It measures how much protection the sunscreen offers against UVA rays.
  
  

• UVA circle logo: If you see a UVA circle in a logo, this means your sunscreen will protect you from one third of the SPF level mentioned. This is a European Commission standard for EU sunscreens. 

PA RATING SYSTEM 

This Japanese standard for Asian sunscreens offers maximum protection against UVA rays. Here’s a quick table for which PA rating offers what amount of protection against UVA rays.  

The higher the “+” symbol, the higher the protection against UVA rays. Dermatologists usually recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with a PA rating of “+++” or higher. 

Dermatologist Tip:

SPF 30+ with a PA+++ or higher is dermatologically recommended when choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen for effective protection. 

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen: A Practical Guide

Here is a dermat- approved, quick practical guide on how to choose the right sunscreen for you for this upcoming summer.

For daily indoor use:

• SPF 30(minimum) is recommended for anyone who has short commutes to work exposed under UV rays and spend most of their time indoors.
  
  

Outdoor activities:

• SPF 50+ is most commonly recommended by dermatologists, especially for anyone who spends long durations in the sun or doing outdoor activities or sports
  
  

Beach, treks or hiking:

• For anyone doing intense activity in prolonged periods under UV exposure, a water resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen is highly recommended. This helps you maintain UV protection despite water or sweat. 

Check for Broad Spectrum Protection

When picking out the best sunscreen for you, always pick a sunscreen that’s labelled “broad-spectrum.” Without Broad spectrum, your skin may still be exposed to UVA rays even if the SPF level is high.

Choose Sunscreen by Skin Type

Oily / Acne-Prone Skin

Look for:

• gel sunscreens
  
  

• Oil-free formulas
  
  

• Non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) formulas
  
  

Dry Skin

Look for:

• Hydrating sunscreens
  
  

• Keep your eyes out for ingredients like:
  
  

• Hyaluronic acid 
  
  

• Glycerin
  
  

• Ceramides
  
  

These ingredients help provide moisture and help soothe the skin while providing effective UV protection. 

Sensitive Skin

Best option for sensitive and highly reactive skin are:

• Mineral sunscreens

Ingredients in mineral sunscreens:

• Zinc  oxide
  
  

• Titanium  dioxide
  
  

Why mineral sunscreens reduce irritation in your skin 

What others don’t tell you is why mineral sunscreen is better and less irritating on your skin. Here’s an evidence backed explanation: 

 When UV rays hit your skin, the UV filters in these sunscreens reflect and scatter the UV rays rather than absorbing them. Mineral sunscreens do not rely on chemical reactions in the skin so they are more suitable for irritation-prone and sensitive skin and they are less likely to cause any allergic reactions in the skin, according to a study done in Cleveland Clinic.

Ingredients:

• Zinc  oxide
  

• Titanium  dioxide

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens are also known as physical sunscreens. 

How they work:

It creates a physical barrier on the skin by reflecting and scattering UV rays on UV exposure.

Common Ingredients: 

• Zinc Oxide

• Titanium Oxide

These ingredients are approved by the FDA and is recognised as “GREASE,” meaning that they are Generally Recognized As Safe & Effective, and hence deemed suitable for sensitive and irritation-prone skin. 

PROS OF MINERAL/PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS

• Good for sensitive skin 

• Limited skin penetration 

• works immediately after application

• Broad spectrum protection 

(Source: National Library of Medicine)

CONS OF MINERAL SUNSCREENS

• May leave a white cast on the skin due to their heavier texture, as these minerals cause the visible effect (Cleveland Clinic).You can’t have the UV protection mineral sunscreens give you without a possible white cast! 

Chemical Sunscreens

How they work:

Chemical sunscreens rely on chemical reactions in the skin to protect it. They work by absorbing UV rays on exposure and turning it into heat which is released from your skin, to  prevent it from penetrating into your skin.  

They contain chemical ingredients like:

• avobenzone
  
  

• oxybenzone
  
  

• octinoxate
  
  

PROs OF CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS 

• They are lightweight formulations
  
  

• They are invisible and transparent on skin and leave no white cast 

• Absorb easier and make them suitable for daily comfortable use

• Suitable for layering under makeup.
  
  

CONs OF CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS

• Due to the chemical ingredients used in these sunscreens, they are likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to the skin (Cleveland Clinic). 

If you’re looking for a detailed, evidence-backed guide on physical vs mineral sunscreens, their differences and more about their ingredients used, look no further than this to help you choose the right formulation for your skin type.

Common Sunscreen Mistakes People Make

 Without going in blind, and instead carefully gathering common discussions on skincare forums on reddit and quora, here are some very common mistakes you don’t know you're even making when it comes to your sunscreens

Mistake 1: Using Sunscreen Only at the Beach

Sunscreens should not be applied only for vacations or at the beach. It’s a daily non-negotiable.  You’re exposed to the harsh UVB (sunburnburn, immediate tanning) and especially UVA (long-term skin damage, pigmentation, premature ageing and skin cancer) rays which is present all year round and even on cloudy days and indoors as it penetrates through glass windows. 

Mistake 2: Not Reapplying Sunscreen

Many people forget to reapply sunscreens and think one application will provide sufficient protection for the day. Dermatologists recommend that you reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you spend prolonged time under UV exposure, doing outdoor sports or activity and immediately after sweating or swimming (Source: FDA).

Mistake 3: Using Too Little Product

Sometimes applying too little product can also make your sunscreen less effective. To ensure you’re getting sufficient protection, ensure you follow the two-finger rule. Apply sunscreen from the tip to the base of your index and middle finger. This should be sufficient for your face. 

Mistake 4: Ignoring UVA Protection

Many people think SPF protection is enough. As SPF only measures protection against UVB(burning) rays, not UVA protection. Ensure you choose a broad-spectrum formula  (UVA+UVB protection) with SPF 50+ sunscreen with a PA+++ rating or higher for maximum protection against UV rays. 

The Key Takeaway

Choosing the right sunscreen is absolutely critical for protecting your skin from the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. Now you know choosing the best sunscreen for you was never about  UVA vs UVB sunscreen. Ultraviolet rays have both. That’s why, especially in the Indian climate it’s absolutely essential that you are protected from both. 

UVA - causes long term damage, premature ageing, tanning, wrinkles and pigmentation to the skin

UVB - causes immediate burning (sunburn), tanning and ageing. 

SPF or sun protection factor only measures protection against UVB rays, which isn’t sufficient, especially since UVA rays are present all year round and even penetrate through  clouds and indoors. That’s why dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for ingredient-led, lightweight formulations that you now know what to keep an eye out for, with SPF 30 or higher, a PA+++ rating or higher, offering you very high protection against UVA+ UVB rays. Click here for a deep dive into PA ratings and SPF levels. Your skin will thank you. 

 And trust us, it shows! 

FAQs

Is SPF 50 better than SPF 30? 

SPF 50 blocks slightly more UVB rays than SPF 30. But the margin is small. Proper application and reapplication matters more than higher SPF numbers.

Do I need sunscreen indoors?

Yes absolutely. UVA can penetrate through glass windows and even cloudy days. So don’t think of skipping sunscreen if you can’t see the sun or if you sit near the windows. 

Which sunscreen is best for daily use? 

Dermatologists recommend a SPF 30 (minimum)- SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen with a PA++++ rating for daily use. 

Can sunscreen prevent skin ageing? 

Yes.  UVA rays are primarily responsible for long term skin premature ageing. A UVA protected sunscreen is proven to reduce photoageing, wrinkles and pigmentation.