As the weather gets warmer, protecting our skin from the sun becomes a daily priority. We all want healthy, radiant skin, but harmful UV rays can cause issues like dark spots, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and sagging.

To maintain good skin, we must take sun protection seriously. And the easiest and most effective way? Using sunscreen regularly!

But what exactly do UV rays do to our skin? What do SPF and PA mean on sunscreen labels? Let's break it all down in our quick and simple UV protection guide!

How UV Rays Harm Our Skin

We all know that after spending time in the sun, our skin can get darker or even sunburned. This happens because the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that go through our skin and cause damage.

Sunlight consists of different types of light, including visible light, infrared rays, and ultraviolet rays. UV rays are further divided into three types based on their wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

• UVC: Has the shortest wavelength and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, so it doesn't reach the earth's surface.

• UVB: Reaches the earth and is responsible for sunburn.

• UVA: Has the longest wavelength, go through deeper into the skin, and accelerates aging.

When we talk about sun damage, we're mainly referring to the effects of UVA and UVB on our skin.

UVB: The Cause of Sunburn

Have you ever spent too much time in the sun and ended up with red, painful skin? That's UVB at work.

UVB rays have short wavelengths but high energy, which means they mainly affect the outermost layer of the skin. When exposed for too long, they cause inflammation, leading to redness, pain, and peeling. In the long run, UVB exposure can also contribute to dark spots and more serious skin conditions.

The good news is that UVB rays are partially blocked by the ozone layer and clouds. In fact, only about 10% of total UV radiation consists of UVB rays. To protect ourselves, we can wear sunscreen, use umbrellas, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.

UVA: The Silent Skin Ager

Unlike UVB, which causes immediate sunburn, UVA damage happens quietly over time.

UVA rays go through deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis, where they break down collagen and elastin. This leads to premature aging, causing fine lines, sagging, and loss of skin firmness.

Even worse, UVA rays can pass through clouds and windows, meaning we're exposed to them even when we're indoors or on cloudy days. Since UVA rays are 20 times more abundant than UVB rays, daily protection is essential—no matter the weather!

SPF: Your Shield Against UVB

When choosing a sunscreen, the first thing we notice is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. But what does it really mean?

SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection against sunburn. In Japan, the highest SPF value allowed on labels is SPF 50+.

Some people mistakenly think that a higher SPF means they don't need to reapply sunscreen. However, sweat, water, and friction from clothing can reduce its effectiveness. Even if you're using a high SPF sunscreen, it's still important to reapply every 2–3 hours for continuous protection.

The best SPF level depends on your activity:

• Outdoor activities (beach, hiking): Choose SPF 50+ for stronger protection.

• Indoor or short outings: SPF 30 or lower is usually enough.

PA: Your Defense Against UVA

SPF only tells us about UVB protection, but what about UVA? That's where PA (Protection Grade of UVA) comes in.

The PA system, used mainly in Japan, rates UVA protection with plus signs (+). The more plus signs, the better the UVA defense:

• PA+ → Some UVA protection

• PA++ → Moderate UVA protection

• PA+++ → High UVA protection

• PA++++ → Extremely high UVA protection

Since UVA causes deep skin aging, we shouldn't ignore PA ratings when choosing a sunscreen. Both SPF and PA matter for complete sun protection!

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Sunscreen

Whether you're trying to prevent sunburn, reduce acne marks, or maintain youthful skin, sunscreen is your best friend. By choosing a product that suits your skin type and provides both SPF and PA protection, you can keep your skin looking its best for years to come.

So, Lykkers, have you applied your sunscreen today? Let's make sun protection a daily habit!