Understanding European and Asian Sunscreen Ratings

SPF, UVA Seal, PPD, and PA++++ Explained

If you’re serious about sun protection, you’ve probably seen labels like PA++++, PPD, or the UVA Seal on sunscreen bottles — especially those from Europe or Asia. But what do these terms actually mean? While SPF is familiar to most of us, understanding UVA protection is just as important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

Let’s break down the European sunscreen rating system so you can make informed choices when protecting your skin.

SPF: The UVB Protector

EU / UK SunScreen Ratings Example

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays — the type of ultraviolet radiation responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. A sunscreen with SPF 30, for example, theoretically allows only 1/30th of UVB rays to reach the skin — blocking about 97% of UVB radiation when applied properly.

However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging, sun spots, and deep skin damage.

UVA Rays: The Silent Skin Agers

Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are present year-round, even on cloudy days and through glass. They contribute to skin aging, collagen breakdown, and certain skin cancers. That’s why balanced UVA and UVB protection is critical in any sunscreen routine.

The UVA Seal: A European Standard

In Europe, stricter regulations ensure sunscreens offer substantial UVA protection. If a product displays the UVA Seal (a circle with “UVA” inside), it meets the European Commission’s standard that:

• UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) must be at least 1/3 of the SPF.

For example, SPF 30 sunscreen must have a UVA-PF of at least 10 to qualify for the seal. This ensures balanced, reliable defense against both UVB and UVA rays.

PPD: Persistent Pigment Darkening  

The PPD method is used to measure UVA protection by assessing how sunscreen reduces UVA-induced skin darkening. Here’s the basic formula:

PPD = MPDp / MPDu

• MPDp = Minimal UVA dose to produce darkening with sunscreen
• MPDu = Minimal UVA dose without sunscreen

A higher PPD value means stronger UVA protection. For example, a PPD of 10 means you can stay in the sun 10 times longer before experiencing pigment darkening, compared to no protection.

PA Rating System: Quick UVA Guide

The PA system was developed in Japan and is based on PPD values. It’s a simple way to communicate UVA strength:

• PA+: Some UVA protection (PPD 2–4)
• PA++: Moderate protection (PPD 4–8)
• PA+++: High protection (PPD 8–16)
• PA++++: Extremely high protection (PPD 16+)

This system is common on Asian sunscreens and increasingly used by global brands.

IPD: A Less Reliable Cousin

IPD, or Immediate Pigment Darkening, measures how quickly skin begins to darken in the first minutes of UVA exposure. While it’s faster to test than PPD, it’s also less reliable, as it only reflects short-term pigmentation and can vary by skin type.

For consistent, long-term UVA protection, PPD is the preferred standard.

Differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens

What to Look for in a Sunscreen

When shopping for sunscreens — especially from Europe or Asia — look for these key indicators of effective UVA and UVB protection:

• SPF 30 or higher
• UVA Seal (UVA-PF is at least 1/3 of SPF)
• PA+++ or PA++++
• PPD 10+ (if listed)
• Broad-spectrum labeling

These features help ensure your sunscreen is doing more than just preventing sunburn — it’s protecting against long-term damage and aging too.

Final Thoughts

UVA rays are constant and dangerous — even when you can’t see the sun. Understanding sunscreen labels like SPF, PPD, and PA++++ gives you the power to choose smarter protection every day. So the next time you pick up a bottle, check beyond the SPF and look for that full-spectrum defense.

If you are looking for an all natural facial moisturizer that provides a high level of SPF protection while helping to combat acne, the VIVODERM ZINC  REPAIRING FACIAL CREAM is your answer. Our best-selling facial cream, Revitalizes & Protects: Provides Hydration, Oil Control, and Sun Defense Our Zinc Repairing Facial Cream maintains the skin’s moisture while diminishing the visible signs of aging and reducing acne breakouts. Twenty Five percent (25% – that equals up to 50 SPF! ) natural mineral zinc oxide is infused with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and the anti-inflammatory properties of Chamomile and Comfrey.

References

1. European Commission – Cosmetic Products Regulation
2. Diffey, B.L. (2009). “A Method for Broad Spectrum Classification of Sunscreens.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
3. FDA – Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
4. Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) – PA Rating System

Sun Protection and Photo Aging

“Photo-aging” is the term used to describe the damage that is done to the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation The amount of photo aging that develops depends on different factors such as a person’s skin color and their history of long-term or intense sun exposure. Studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin causing the skin to become loose, wrinkled, and leathery.

young lady applying sunscreen at the beach

Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the layers of the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage leading to wrinkles, lower immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer. However, they appear to damage cells in different ways.

UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns, and primarily affects the outer skin layers. UVB is most intense at midday when sunlight is brightest. Slightly over 70% of the yearly UVB dose is received during the summer. Only 28% is received during the remainder of the year.

UVA rays penetrate more deeply and efficiently. The intensity of UVA rays is less dependent on the time of day and season of the year than UVB rays. For example, you receive only about half of your yearly UVA dose during the summer months, with the balance spread over the rest of the year.

Almost all dermatologists and doctors agree, sun protection products should be worn year round. It is important to apply sunscreen diligently during the summer months as it is most intense at this time. But just because you’re a mountain dweller, don’t think you can avoid the sun’s rays there either. UV rays are almost twice as harsh at higher altitudes.  Combined with the reflective snow surface, high altitude sun can damage skin at a surprisingly fast rate and cause just as much damage as sun burns on the beach.

Sunscreen Product Facts

• Broad spectrum only should be used.
• SPF is only related to UVB protection and does not provide a reference to the UVA protection in the product.
• All sunscreens will have UVB protection, which is reflected in the SPF.
• If skin sunburns in 10 minutes, a properly applied sunscreen SPF 15 means they will burn in 150 minutes
• Physical screens reflect light whereas chemical screens absorb UV converting the energy into heat
• SPF15 blocks 87.5% of UVB and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB.

If you are looking for the best all around protection against UV rays, Zinc Oxide is your best choice. Zinc has a superior ability to protect your skin from UVA radiation. So, it is the natural, organic star of the skin care products available today. Zinc may leave a slight ‘white-cast’ on your skin, but considering the alternative chemical-laden, inflammatory or allergy-inducing options for sun protection today, zinc is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Scientists are currently working on a “micro-fine” version of zinc to eliminate this effect without changing the power of the sunscreen itself.

Anti-Acne, Sun protection SPF 15

Always look for a sunscreen product that is dual-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays produce tans and burns. Applying sunscreen to not only the face but body is important. Sunscreen should be applied daily and even multiple times during the day depending on your outdoor activities. Sun protections no lower than SPF 30 should be applied to the face and body.

Many may also be unaware they can EAT for sun protection! Natural anti-oxidants from fresh berries, green tea, spirulina and many other foods act as natural barriers to the harmful effects of the sun.

The Sunscreen Product Debate – Potentially Harmful Ingredients of Sunscreens

You may be wondering, “How effective are sunscreens in protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays from the sun? How harmful are their ingredients? Do sunscreens damage more than they protect?” Many have reported the very ingredients in sunscreens that offer sun protection, have also been found to have adverse side effects

While the debate between whether sunscreens are safe or not continues, chemical watchdog, the Environmental Working Group reported 84% of sunscreen products are harmful to consumers.

The bottom line is this. It is up to you as the informed consumer to research all skin care and sunscreen products you use, not only for efficacy but for safety as well. You only have one body, do your best to protect it and treat it well. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and take necessary precautions and measures to increase your natural sun protection factor and avoid future skin damage.

Playing in the sun is not fun if you have to deal with sunburn afterward.  On long, hot summer days, we are all tempted to spend the day relaxing poolside or at the beach, and most of us have suffered the consequences of too much sun exposure.  The desire for the perfect golden tan can sometimes lead to sunburns, which is very harmful for the skin.  If you suffer from acne, a sunburn can further damage your skin and cause permanent scarring.

Sunburn is a delayed inflammatory reaction when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.  Symptoms of mild sunburn, including redness, tenderness and pain, often occur a few hours after exposure, and can last for several days.  The pain, itching and peeling is the skin’s reaction to excessive UVA and UVB ray exposure.  Although the skin needs time to heal, there are some remedies and treatments available to help the skin repair itself.

Get out of the sun

It may sound simple enough, but we often do not realize we are sunburned until it is too late. Since it is a delayed reaction, the full extent and severity of the burn may not appear until up to 12 hours after exposure.   Stop your sun exposure by seeking shade from trees, umbrellas, hats, etc.  Drink lots  of water, since sunburn causes dehydration.  Get some immediate relief for the pain by adding baking soda to a cool bath, and wear loose clothing that does not stick to the body.

Reduce the pain

Anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil or Ibuprofen can help relieve the redness and pain associated with sunburn.  Aloe vera is a popular treatment for sunburn thanks to its ability to moisturize and repair the skin.  Apply a moisturizing cream containing Aloe vera, and if possible, apply the gel from the actual plant to the affected areas.  Once the burn heals, the skin will begin to peel and may become itchy.  Fight the temptation to pick and scratch, which can irritate the skin a slow the healing process.  Instead, keep the skin moisturized by applying a moisturizing lotion, which can reduce itching.

Prevent sunburn

The best way to deal with sunburn is to not get one.   Sunburn may only seem harmless and temporary, but can have lasting effects on the skin and overall health.  Serious sunburn can cause blisters, shock, lead to cancer and even death if left untreated.  Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.  Wear loose, protective clothing and avoid staying outside for too long during peak hours (10am to 4pm), when sunrays are harsh.  Choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, and use sun-protection products that contain zinc oxide, an inorganic ingredient that can deflect UVA rays.  Try Vivoderm’s zinc cream, a natural product that can be used as a nontoxic sunscreen with 15% Zinc Oxide.

(2009 re-post) Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

Protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun has always been a major issue. Most of the aging process of our skin, pigmentation, wrinkles, etc., starts with being our over exposure to the sun. Both the UVA and UVB rays are harmful for the human skin. To counter this detrimental effect the majority of us use sun screens at a random basis.

But, have you ever considered the SPF or sun protecting factor of your sun screen lotion? Do you actually know whether or not it suits your skin type?

It is always advisable to wear a sun screen lotion that counters both the UVA and UVB rays. These lotions are largely known as dual spectrum sun screen lotions. They constitute ingredients like oxybenzone and zinc oxide. While oxibenzone is used for absorbing the sun rays, zinc oxide is used to block the same but without resorting to potentially harmful chemicals.