Journal

I’ll be honest, sunscreens sometimes read like cryptic exam papers. You pick up a bottle and suddenly it’s SPF 50, PA++++, UVA/UVB, IR, HEVL… cue the alphabet soup moment. But before you toss the tube aside in confusion, let’s decode this sunscreen lingo together, because once you understand it, you’ll never look at a label the same way again.

TL;DR: Sunscreen labels aren’t cryptic exams once you crack the code.

• SPF = protection against burning (UVB).

• PA++++ = the highest shield against aging (UVA).

• Broad Spectrum = UVA + UVB defense.

• Full Spectrum = UVA, UVB + Infrared (IR) + Blue Light (HEVL).

• Antioxidants = pollution and free radical bodyguards.

• Reapply every 2–3 hours and use enough (hello, 2-finger rule).

• Dark or fair, beach or office, everyone needs sunscreen daily.

Think of sunscreen as your daily skin insurance. Decode the alphabet soup once, and you’ll glow wiser forever.

SPF: The “Math Problem” Everyone Pretends to Understand

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. And no, SPF 100 doesn’t mean you can stay out 100 hours in the sun without a burn. Think of it more like a multiplier. If your bare skin starts to turn pink in 10 minutes, SPF 50 (in theory) gives you 50 times that protection = about 500 minutes. But here’s the catch: sweat, swimming, and rubbing your face with your dupatta—all reduce that time. That’s why dermatologists keep chanting: Reapply every 2-3 hours.

Think of SPF as your personal time-extension pass under the sun. The number tells you how much longer you can lounge around before your skin starts to burn compared to wearing nothing at all. For instance, if you usually pink up in 10 minutes, an SPF 30 theoretically stretches that to about 300 minutes — now that’s a VIP upgrade.

The “right” one isn’t about flexing the biggest number but about matching it to your skin type, how long you’ll be basking, and just how fierce the sun feels that day. Here’s the chart to decode those categories:

UVA & UVB: The Yin and Yang of Rays

• UVB = Burning rays. They’re the ones that turn you into a lobster at the beach.
  

• UVA = Aging rays. They go deeper, messing with collagen, bringing wrinkles and pigmentation to the party.
  A good sunscreen needs to block both. That’s what’s meant by Broad Spectrum protection.
  
  

PA++++: The Asian Beauty Secret Everyone Wants

If SPF is about burns, PA is about beauty longevity. Originating from Japan, PA tells you how much protection you’re getting from UVA rays (the ones that sneak deep into the skin and fast-track wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation).

• PA+ = Some protection
• PA++ = Moderate
• PA+++ = Strong
• PA++++ = Supreme

So when you see Milky Mineral boasting PA++++, it’s basically your skin whispering, “I’ll age, but gracefully and on my own terms.”

IR & HEVL: The Rays You Didn’t Even Know Existed

Now, here’s where sunscreen science gets really chic. Beyond UVA and UVB, your skin also faces:

• IR (Infrared Rays): These are invisible but sneakily cause heat-induced pigmentation.
  

• HEVL (High Energy Visible Light, a.k.a. Blue Light): Yes, the glow from your laptop and phone can stress your skin too. Some sunscreens (like Milky Mineral) have ingredients that defend against this modern menace.
  
  

Antioxidants: The Wingmen in Your Sunscreen Formula

Think of antioxidants like the fashion stylists of your sunscreen—they handle the drama that filters can’t. Pollution, smoke, city chaos? Antioxidants swoop in to calm inflammation and stop free radicals from partying on your skin. Must have if you are living in a city in India.

Here’s a round-up of the most common sunscreen questions we get:

1. Do I really need sunscreen every day?

Yes. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. UVA rays and blue light (HEVL) reach you indoors, through windows, and from screens. Daily use = long-term protection.

2. What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

• UVB = Burning rays → cause sunburn.
  

• UVA = Aging rays → cause wrinkles, pigmentation, and deeper damage.
  A good sunscreen should be Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum.
  
  

3.  What’s the difference between Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum sunscreen?

• Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). This is the global standard you’ll see on most sunscreen labels.
  

• Full Spectrum: Goes a step further by also addressing Infrared (IR) rays and Visible light (HEVL/blue light), which can trigger heat damage and pigmentation.
  
  

4. What does SPF actually mean?

SPF = Sun Protection Factor.

• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
  

• SPF 50 blocks about 98–99%.
  It’s not about hours in the sun—it’s a multiplier. But remember: sweat, swimming, and rubbing reduce protection, which is why reapplication is key.
  
  

5. How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Every 2–3 hours, and always after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

6. How much sunscreen should I use?

• For face & neck → follow the 2 finger rule.
  
  

7. What does PA++++ mean on sunscreen labels?

It measures UVA protection (the aging rays).

• PA+ = some protection
  

• PA++++ = highest protection
  The more pluses, the better for your future skin.
  
  

8. Do darker skin tones need sunscreen?

Yes. While melanin provides some protection, it’s not enough to prevent UV damage, pigmentation, or premature aging.

9. Can sunscreen prevent tanning completely?

No. Sunscreen reduces tanning and damage but doesn’t block 100% of the sun’s rays.

10. Can I wear sunscreen with makeup or skincare?

Absolutely. Apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine and before makeup. Don’t mix sunscreen into other products, layer it. If you wear makeup, use setting sprays or powder sunscreens for touch-ups.

11. What about infrared (IR) and blue light (HEVL) protection?

Some modern sunscreens now protect against these, too:

• IR (Infrared rays): Cause heat-induced pigmentation.
  

• HEVL (Blue light): From laptops, phones, LED lights, can stress skin.
  Look for sunscreens that mention IR/HEVL defense or contain antioxidants.
  
  

Takeaway: Don’t get lost in the sunscreen alphabet soup. Once you know what SPF, PA, UVA, UVB, IR, and HEVL mean, choosing the right sunscreen becomes easy, and your skin will thank you for years to come.