What is the PA Rating System for Sunscreen and What is a Good Score?

Sunscreen is an essential cosmetic for both men and women due to the harmfulness of the sun. However, on regular products, there will be a familiar PA symbol but many users still do not understand its meaning. So what does that text mean and how much is good? Let’s find out.

1. What is the PA index in sunscreen?

PA, also known as Protection Grade of UVA, is an index that reflects the ability to protect the skin from UVA rays published by the Japan Cosmetics Association. This is a type of index calculated based on the minimum amount of UVA causing melasma after exposure to sunlight for 2-4 hours.

Currently, the sunscreen products on the market usually have the ability to filter UVA rays on the skin for quite a long time, from about 4 hours to 16 hours.

The PA index in sunscreen

2. How many levels does the PA index have?

For the PA index, sunscreen products will be marked with a “+” sign to indicate their ability. And they will be divided into 4 levels, including:

• PA+: Effective for 2-4 hours
• PA++: Effective for 4-8 hours
• PA+++: Effective for 8-12 hours
• PA++++: Effective for over 16 hours

In addition, some other products from European countries such as the UK, France, and the US, they will note the words “Broad Spectrum” or “Full Spectrum” instead of the usual PA index.

Levels of the PA index

3. The meaning of the PA index

• PA+: Can prevent 40-50% of UVA rays
• PA++: Better and can prevent 60 to 70% with effectiveness from 4-6 hours.
• PA+++: Prevents up to 90% of UVA rays and lasts from 8-12 hours
• PA++++: The best type and has an effectiveness of up to 95%, lasting for over 16 hours.

The meaning of the PA index

4. How much PA index is good for sunscreen?

The PA index indicates the ability to protect against UVA rays in sunlight, so products with higher “+” signs will be better for your skin. Therefore, you should use products with PA++ or higher to ensure good for your skin and health.

How much PA index is good for sunscreen?

5. Criteria for choosing suitable sunscreen

To choose the right sunscreen for yourself and good, besides the PA index, the compatibility with the skin is also extremely important, for each type of skin there will be suitable products, including:

• Oily skin: You should choose products with safe chemical ingredients, deep penetration into the skin and do not use products that cause greasiness and oiliness.
• Dry skin: For dry skin due to lack of moisture, you should choose products with a broad spectrum, providing moisture to the skin and natural anti-aging.
• Sensitive skin: This is a difficult skin type to choose suitable sunscreen, you should prioritize using physical sunscreens containing and , helping improve and avoid irritation.

Criteria for choosing suitable sunscreen

6. Notes when using sunscreen

To fully utilize the sunscreen’s ability effectively, you should pay attention to the following:

• For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should read the ingredient instructions carefully and consult with a doctor.
• For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should read the ingredient instructions carefully and consult with a doctor.
• Choose the product that suits your skin.
• If experiencing irritation when using, you should consult a specialist doctor for examination.

Notes when using sunscreen

The above article is information about the PA index commonly seen in sunscreen. Hopefully, the article will be useful and don’t forget to follow us for more knowledge!