The “wear your sunscreen” agenda has reached near-religious levels—and rightfully so. The sun, after all, is less a celestial body and more a merciless beast, leaving behind dark spots, burns, and potentially cancerous effects on the skin. So we oblige, but how many of us are guilty of looking at the SPF number, getting the highest one on the shelf, then calling it a day? It’s time we know what the plus signs, acronyms, and claims actually mean. Here’s a quick cheat sheet.
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The SPF Label
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a product shields you from UVB rays—the ones responsible for visible burns.
The PA Label
Most sunscreens have two numbers: the ones that come after SPF and PA. While the former handles UVB, PA deals with UVA rays—the ones that age you. These are what bring wrinkles, sagging skin, and pigmentation.
The PA system (which originates in Japan) uses plus signs to show strength.
What Does ‘Broad Spectrum’ Mean?
It only means that your sunscreen has PA and SPF to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB. To be labeled ‘broad spectrum,’ it has to pass a critical test showing it can absorb a significant percentage of both rays.
Tip: No “broad spectrum,” no thanks. You wouldn’t wear a jacket that only covers one arm.
Mineral vs. Chemical? Choose Your Fighter
Mineral sunscreens are your classic protectors. Here, zinc oxide and titanium oxide form a barrier on your skin that deflects UV rays. The downside? They can leave a white cast, which can be a pain for those with darker skin tones. But, for sensitive skin types, mineral is usually the safer bet.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens are more covert. They’re for the person who likes the comfort of lightweight and non-greasy products. However, their smooth charm can come with a “but”: they can irritate delicate skin or trigger flare-ups, especially those prone to redness or acne.
Tip: Opt for a hybrid type of sunscreen to get the best of both worlds.
Don’t get seduced by the big SPF number. Labels matter, so choose wisely for the best protection possible. After all, you’re aiming for a hot girl summer, not a burnt one.
Featured Image and Photos: SUPERGOOP, BEAUTY OF JOSEON, BELO ESSENTIALS, NEUTROGENA, ANESSA, LA ROCHE-POSAY, and OXECURE (via website)
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