Most of us have learned to check SPF on a sunscreen bottle. But there’s another rating that’s just as important especially if tanning, pigmentation, and early ageing are your concerns.
That rating is PA.
First, what does PA actually mean?
PA stands for “Protection Grade of UVA.”
While SPF measures protection against UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn), PA tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVA rays.
UVA rays are sneaky:
- They don’t cause immediate burns
- They penetrate deeper into the skin
- They are the main cause of tanning, pigmentation, dark spots, and premature ageing
- They are present all year round, even on cloudy days and indoors near windows
So if you’re only looking at SPF, you’re missing half the picture.
What do the plus signs mean?
The PA system uses plus signs to indicate the level of UVA protection:
- PA+ – Low UVA protection
- PA++ – Moderate UVA protection
- PA+++ – High UVA protection
- PA++++ – Very high UVA protection
In simple terms: more pluses = stronger UVA protection.
Why PA+++ should be your minimum
If you live in a high-UV country like India, or spend time commuting, driving, walking, or sitting near windows, PA+++ should be the minimum level of protection you accept.
Here’s why:
- UVA rays are present from morning to evening
- They penetrate glass, so indoor exposure still counts
- They cause cumulative damage that shows up slowly as tanning, dullness, and uneven tone
A sunscreen with lower PA rating may prevent burns but still allow tanning and long-term skin damage.
If you’ve ever wondered why your skin still tans or darkens even when you “use sunscreen,” the PA rating is often the missing piece.
Who especially needs PA+++ or higher?
PA+++ (or PA++++) is especially important if you:
- Tan easily
- Are prone to pigmentation or melasma
- Use actives like vitamin C, acids, or retinoids
- Spend time outdoors or commuting daily
- Want to prevent early signs of ageing
In short, if you care about how your skin looks over time, UVA protection matters deeply.
SPF + PA = real protection
Think of sunscreen like this:
- SPF protects you from burning today
- PA protects you from tanning and ageing over time
You need both.
A sunscreen with high SPF but low PA is incomplete. True, everyday sun protection comes from choosing broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least PA+++.
PA+++ doesn’t mean heavy or greasy
There’s a common myth that higher PA ratings make sunscreen thick or uncomfortable. That used to be true years ago but not anymore.
With modern formulation, sunscreens can offer high UVA protection and still feel lightweight, wearable, and comfortable for daily use.
So there’s no real reason to compromise.
The takeaway
If SPF is non-negotiable, PA+++ should be too.
UVA damage doesn’t announce itself immediately—but it adds up quietly, day after day. Choosing a sunscreen with PA+++ or higher is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin’s future.
When you pick sunscreen, don’t just ask, “Will this stop me from burning?”
Also ask, “Will this protect my skin long-term?”
That’s where PA+++ makes all the difference.
