Written by: Ansley Phan
Looking at the sunscreen bottle in your hand, you read a bunch of, what seems to be, silly words. “Broad-spectrum…SPF 50 PA++++UVA/UVB ray protection...avobenzone...” You wonder, What does this all mean? None of it matters, right? Wrong.
The language on sunscreen bottles can easily be viewed as a bunch of random phrases with no meaning, but there is a method to the madness. And the madness, in this case, is sun protection. Understanding what is on your sunscreen bottle aids in your purchasing decisions and health literacy, ultimately leading to your wellness.
Let’s look at an example bottle of sunscreen to really understand what everything means.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen does stand for how much radiation it takes to burn. Rather, the SPF rating stands for how long with the sunscreen it will take x times as long for the skin to redden (undergo a state of erythema) and how well it protects against sunburn-inducing UVB rays. In the case of our example, the SPF of 50 means that it will take 50 times as long for the skin to reach erythema if sunscreen is applied adequately.
An SPF of 30+ is recommended by dermatologists because it blocks up to 97% of UVB rays. As for other common ratings, an SPF of 50 blocks up to 98% of UVB radiation, and an SPF of 100 blocks up to 99% of UVB radiation. While not in this example, the broad-spectrum label on many sunscreens means that this sunscreen blocks against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation is responsible for photoaging, and UVB is responsible for sunburns. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer development, so it is important to look for the broad-spectrum label.
Water-Resistant
The water resistance stands for how long the sunscreen is effective underwater. This sunscreen is effective for an hour and twenty minutes underwater.
The Protection Grade of UVA (PA)
The Protection Grade of UVA (PA) rating may be on a sunscreen bottle, as it is here, but it isn’t on every bottle. Developed in Japan, the PA system is a measurement of how effective a sunscreen is at blocking UVA rays. Think of it like the sister to the SPF rating. There are four PA ratings:
PA+
PA++
PA+++
PA++++
The PA+ rating means that the sunscreen has some UVA protection, PA++ means that it has moderate UVA protection, PA+++ means that the sunscreen has high UVA protection, and PA++++ means that the sunscreen has extremely high UVA protection.
The PA system is based on PPD (persistent pigment darkening), the measurement of how long it takes for the skin to tan. PPD offers limitations because not everyone’s skin browns when exposed to the sun’s rays. Another limitation of this system is that it is not based on an increment of time, making it more confusing and less applicable to everyone.
However, the PA system can be beneficial in letting you know exactly how much UVA protection you’re getting with your sunscreen. According to dermatologist Dr. Jailman for Well + Good, "It's a good thing because otherwise you really don't know how much UVA protection you have."
"Chemical" and "Physical" Filters
There are different filters that sunscreens use, which are divided into two groups: physical and chemical. This terminology can cause some confusion, so the more correct terms are inorganic (physical) and chemical (organic). Physical sunscreens contain inorganic molecules, meaning that they are not carbon-containing. Common inorganic filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens contain organic molecules (carbon-containing); basically, everything except for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Common organic sunscreen filters are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
It is a common myth that organic sunscreens and inorganic sunscreens function entirely differently; many believe that organic sunscreens absorb UV radiation, and inorganic sunscreens reflect UV radiation. However, both types of sunscreens work the same: by converting UV radiation into heat. Physical sunscreens reflect about 5-10% of UV rays, but some chemical filters do the same; however, these filters are not available yet in the United States.
What Sunscreen You Should Be Using
The answer is simple: the one you will use. Find a sunscreen, inorganic or organic, SPF 30+ or SPF 100+, that you like that works for you. That is the best sunscreen for you.
We hope that this guide aids in understanding sunscreen labels and inspires you to find a sunscreen you love. Below we have listed some of our favorites. For more recommendations, visit our Best Sunscreens for Teenagers 2022 article.
Biore UV Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++ (organic sunscreen) $14.00
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (inorganic sunscreen) $32.50
Banana Boat Light As Air Faces Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ (organic sunscreen) $7.90
Innisfree Daily UV SPF 36 Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum (organic sunscreen) $15.00
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ (organic sunscreen) $25.95
References:
Brown, Kara Jillian. “How To Read a Sunscreen Bottle, According to Derms.” Well+Good, 24 June 2022, https://www.wellandgood.com/how-to-read-sunscreen-bottle/. Accessed 25 July 2022.
Paula's Choice Skincare. “What Does the PA+ Sunscreen Symbol Mean?” Paula's Choice, https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/sunscreen/what-does-pa-sunscreen-symbol-mean.html. Accessed 25 July 2022.
Wong, Michelle. “Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens: The Science (with video).” Lab Muffin Beauty Science, 31 March 2018, https://labmuffin.com/chemical-vs-physical-sunscreens-the-science-with-video/. Accessed 25 July 2022.
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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