The "+++'' symbol in sunscreen refers to the PA rating, which stands for Protection Grade of UVA rays. The PA rating system measures how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin from UVA rays, which are responsible for long-term skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Here's what the different PA ratings mean:
- PA+: Some UVA protection
- PA++: Moderate UVA protection
- PA+++: High UVA protection
- PA++++: Very high UVA protection
The more plus signs, the higher the level of UVA protection. A sunscreen with a PA++++ rating offers the highest level of UVA protection and is generally considered to be the best choice for most people.
It's important to note that the PA rating is separate from the SPF rating. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn.
For optimal sun protection, choose a sunscreen with both high SPF and PA ratings.
