What do SPF, PA+++, UVA, and UVB mean on sunscreen?
How and When Should Sunscreen Be Used?
Sunscreen is an indispensable part of the daily skincare routine for healthy and youthful skin. Many people think they should only use sunscreen in the summer or on vacation. However, according to dermatologists, sunscreen should be used every day of the year, in all weather conditions. Because the skin is exposed to harmful UV rays not only on sunny days, but also on cloudy, snowy, or overcast days.
YOSÉN's sunscreen, developed with scientific formulas, aims to protect your skin not only from the sun, but also from external factors such as signs of aging, blemishes, and dryness, throughout all four seasons.
It is best to use sunscreen as the last step of your morning skincare routine. It should be applied to cleansed, moisturized skin and at least 15-20 minutes before going outside. This is especially important for sunscreens with chemical filters; because it takes time for these types of products to become active on the skin.
The amount used is also a critical detail for effective protection. The generally recommended amount for the face is the “two-finger rule”: measure by squeezing onto the index and middle fingers. It should be spread evenly over all sun-exposed areas, including the face, neck, behind the ears, and décolleté area.
The protection time of sunscreen is not unlimited. Its effectiveness decreases when the skin sweats, comes into contact with water, or as hours pass. Therefore, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours during the day. Especially in the summer months, this time may be even shorter when swimming in the sea or pool. For users who wear makeup, spray or cushion sunscreens make the reapplication process easier during the day.
Another point to remember is that sunscreen not only reduces skin blemishes and signs of aging, but also the risk of skin cancer. When applied regularly every day, it protects the skin both in the short term and in the long term.
In conclusion, using sunscreen is not just a summer habit; A sustainable skincare habit should be a part of your four-season routine. With the right product selection, regular use, and proper application techniques, you can safely enjoy the sun.
Sunscreen
What Do SPF, PA+++, UVA, and UVB Mean?
When choosing sunscreen, terms like SPF, PA+++, UVA, and UVB on the product packaging can be confusing. However, these terms contain very important information indicating the level of protection the product provides against the sun. In this article, we explain in detail what these frequently encountered expressions on sunscreens mean and why they are so important for your skin.
What is SPF?
SPF, or “Sun Protection Factor,” is a unit of measurement that shows how much the sunscreen protects the skin against UVB rays. UVB rays are harmful rays that cause sunburn and cell damage in the skin, and can lead to skin cancer in the long term. For example,
SPF 30 blocks approximately 96% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%.
Although the 2% difference may seem small, it is very important, especially for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
The YOUSÉN SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen series supports the skin with moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients along with high UVB protection. Thus, it not only protects but also helps strengthen the skin barrier.
What Does PA+++ Mean?
The PA designation indicates the product's level of protection against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the skin, causing effects such as premature aging, blemishes, and loss of elasticity.
PA ratings are indicated by "+" signs.
PA+ provides low protection, PA++ medium, PA+++ high, and PA++++ very high protection.
For daily use, products with at least PA+++ should be preferred.
What is the Difference Between UVA and UVB?
UVA and UVB represent two different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UVA rays penetrate deeper and are the main cause of skin aging. UVB rays affect the upper layer of the skin and cause sunburn. Both increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term. Therefore, products that provide both UVA and UVB protection should be used.
SPF 30 or SPF 50?
Although the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 seems like 2%, this difference is quite important for skin health in environments with intense sun exposure. For short outings and city use, SPF 30 may be sufficient. If you will be in the sun for a long time, SPF 50 should be preferred for fair-skinned or blemish-prone skin. It should be remembered that, regardless of which SPF value is used, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours, following the two-finger rule.
Why is this information important in sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be used every day of the year, not just in summer.
UVA rays passing through glass and UVB exposure on cloudy days can cause damage to the skin without being noticed.
SPF, PA, and “UVA+UVB” labels contain vital information indicating how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin.
Choosing a product knowing these terms means making a long-term investment in skin health.