Three proper nouns you must know before choosing a sunscreen!
Since it takes a long time to get whitened but tanned only instantly, sun protection is one of the most critical steps in a skincare routine. How can we avoid the harmful effects of the sun? You should understand these proper nouns!
Sunscreen protection from UVA & UVB rays
Generally, Ultraviolet is divided into three types according to their wavelength: long-wave ultraviolet (UVA, 315-400nm), medium-wave ultraviolet (UVB, 290-315nm), and short-wave ultraviolet (UVC, 200-290nm). Ultraviolet with longer wavelength is more able to penetrate the skin. UVA and UVB are primarily responsible for damage to the skin. UVA, which directly reaches the dermis layer, causes “tanning” and “aging” of the skin. UVB, which can only get the skin’s epidermis, causes “reddening” and “sunburn” and even contributes to skin cancer.
Source: UNICARE
SPF and PA are used to measure sunscreen protection
SPF (A measure of protection against mainly UVB)
SPF tells you how long the sun’s UVB radiation would take to redden and sunburn your skin when using sunscreen exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. As the number beside it increases, the protection is more significant.
| SPF | Multiple of the delaying time |
|---|---|
| SPF15 | 15 times |
| SPF20 | 20 times |
| SPF30 | 30 times |
| SPF50 | 50 times |
PA (A measure of protection against mainly UVA)
PA tells you how long the sun’s UVA radiation would take to make your skin tanned and age when using sunscreen exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. As the sign + after it is more, the protection is more significant.
| PA | Multiple of the delaying time |
|---|---|
| PA+ | 2-4 times |
| PA++ | 4-8 times |
| PA+++ | 8-16 times |
| PA++++ | More than 16 times |
Besides SPF and PA, Boots Star Rating is the key factor
In addition to the ability to protect against UVA and UVB, the uniformity of protective power is also significant. We called it” Boots Star Rating.”
Boots Star Rating (A measure of uniformity of protective ability)
Boots Star Rating=UVA protection ability/UVB protection ability
Boots Star Rating indicates the percentage of UVA radiation absorbed by that particular sun protection, compared to UVB. The higher the star rate, the better the protection against UVA rays and the more excellent uniformity of protective ability.
| Percentage | Quantity of stars |
|---|---|
| 20%~40% | ★ |
| 40%~60% | ★★ |
| 60%~80% | ★★★ |
| 80%~90% | ★★★★ |
| 90%~100% | ★★★★★ |
How to choose the right sunscreen?
Now, we can choose the suitable product according to our actual situation. SPF 20-30, Boots Star Rating★ or Boots Star Rating★★ sunscreen is enough for daily commuting. For outdoor activities, you should use SPF 40 or above products, Boots Star Rating ★★★, or above. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you will use. UNICARE has a variety of sunscreen products with different types and protection factors, which are suitable for different skin types and conditions, providing your customer with a comfortable and practical protection experience. Welcome to contact us for cooperation!
