Blog posts
How to Apply Sunscreen for Best Results
To get the best results from your sunscreen, wear the correct amount while considering the time needed for absorption and reapplication. The right amount is technically 2 mg per square...
What is the Protection Grade of UVA (PA) System?
PA stands for "Protection Grade of UVA Rays." The system consists of four grades: "+," "++," "+++," and "++++." More plus signs indicate greater effectiveness in protecting against UVA rays, which penetrate...
Basic Information About Sun Exposure & Protection
What Are UVB and UVA Rays?
The sun emits Ultraviolet (UV) radiation which consists of short-wavelength UVC rays, medium-wavelength UVB rays, and long-wavelength UVA rays. While UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer, UVA & UVB rays reach the Earth's surface and impact our skin health.
UVB Rays:
- Affects the top layer of skin (epidermis)
- Burns the skin
- Damages skin cells and causes DNA mutations that can eventually lead to melanoma and other types of skin cancer
- ~5% of UVB rays reach the Earth's surface
- Goes through clouds, but not windows
- Think of the "B" in UVB for burning
UVA Rays:
- Penetrates deep into the skin (dermis)
- Causes skin aging - wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation
- Contributes to the growth of skin cancer
- ~95% of UVA rays reach the Earth's surface
- Goes through clouds & windows
- Think of the "A" in UVA for Aging
- Lower energy, but longer wavelengths than UVB rays
- Produces immediate tanning, which is the primary radiation used in tanning beds
What is SPF and PA?
Measures protection levels against UV rays: SPF (UVB) + PA (UVA)
SPF
PA
What Does SPF50+ and PA++++ mean?
SPF50+ and PA++++ provide very high ratings for their respective categories, demonstrating a product's high efficacy at blocking out UVB and UVA radiation
