Sunscreen- PA System

By Shelby Vermillion 

 Protection Grade of UVA rays:

Asian brands of sunscreen, especially Japanese sunscreen brands use the Protection Grade of UVA (PA) system to measure the sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen. This Japanese measurement ranking which is now widely used, is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) reaction reading at 2-4 hours of sun exposure. Protective grade of sunscreen is often leveled as PA+, PA++, PA+++ with the more plus sign the more protection from UVA rays.

 According to the Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association UVA protection factor for each grading of PA are listed below:

•       PA+ means the sunscreen can provide UVA protection with factor of Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) between two to four. It can provide the protection of medium UV radiation.

•       Sunscreen labeled with PA++ can provide moderate protection against UVA rays with a factor of PPD between four and eight. It is ideal for normal skin individual exposed to medium UV radiation.

•       PA+++ is designed for normal skin that expose to very strong UV radiation. It provides good UVA protection with a factor of PPD of more than 8. It is the highest grade of UVA protection currently available.

Some European and American companies are starting to adapt the PA system, but if they don't you at least must get BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreen which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If it doesn't say broad spectrum it is only protecting against burning rays, not the aging rays which cause wrinkles and sagging. 

Companies and cities are really starting to embrace sunscreen. Places like Boston and Miami have free sunscreen dispensers at the beach. You can can get a "spray" SPF session where it goes on just like a spray tan. People are going more tech, downloading apps to remind them to reapply at the beach or wearing electronic bracelets to remind them.   Drinkable sunscreen may even be on the horizon!

Don't forget: 

•Pale is in, more women are seeing no tan as beautiful.

•Sunscreen use is particularly low among men. Remind the men in your life how important it is to wear sunscreen!  Also remember to apply to the neck and chest, not just the face!

•Each year in the United States nearly 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer.  Don't be a statistic!