SPF, Decoded: PA+++, Broad Spectrum, and What to Ignore

July 21, 2026

SPF measures protection against UVB — the rays that burn. The PA rating, common on Korean and Japanese sunscreens, measures UVA protection: the rays that age skin and pass through window glass year round.

Reading the label

SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The jump is small.
PA+++ or higher is what you want for daily UVA protection.
"Broad spectrum" on a Western label is the rough equivalent of a PA rating.

Reapplication beats rating

An SPF 50 applied once at 8am is weaker by lunchtime than an SPF 30 reapplied at noon. A stick or cushion format in your bag removes the excuse — you do not have to redo your makeup to top up.

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SPF, Decoded: PA+++, Broad Spectrum, and What to Ignore

July 21, 2026

Reading the label

SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB; SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The jump is small.
PA+++ or higher is what you want for daily UVA protection.
"Broad spectrum" on a Western label is the rough equivalent of a PA rating.

Reapplication beats rating

An SPF 50 applied once at 8am is weaker by lunchtime than an SPF 30 reapplied at noon. A stick or cushion format in your bag removes the excuse — you do not have to redo your makeup to top up.