What does the + sign in sunscreen mean?

This is an automatically translated article.

The UV rays present in the sun are the cause of your skin damage. This situation will get worse if you do not choose an effective sun protection method for yourself. The following article will help you better understand sunscreen and the meaning of the + sign in sunscreen.

1. Harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin


Tia cực tím ( tia tử ngoại, hay tia UV)
Tia cực tím ( tia tử ngoại, hay tia UV)

Ultraviolet rays, also known as ultraviolet rays, UV rays present in sunlight are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light.
Ultraviolet rays include UVA, UVB, UVC rays, but UVC rays are not affected because they are blocked by the ozone layer.
In addition to the benefits that ultraviolet rays bring, such as helping the skin metabolize vitamin D necessary for the absorption of calcium, with moderate intensity, ultraviolet rays also stimulate the body's activities. There are the following harmful effects:
When exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time, there is a risk of cataracts, retinal burns, aging of the cornea leading to blindness. Ultraviolet rays cause skin diseases such as skin cancer... UVB rays cause skin aging, tanning, pigmentation and freckles. UVA rays cause collagen breakdown, causing the skin to become wrinkled and saggy. Exposure to the sun for a long time, the body absorbs a lot of ultraviolet rays, making you easily fall into a state of inhibition, fatigue, depression...

2. Effective sun protection methods


Ăn nhiều hoa quả nhằm cản trở tác động của bức xạ HEV
Ăn nhiều hoa quả nhằm cản trở tác động của bức xạ HEV

Any woman wishes to have young, healthy skin, no pigmentation, no freckles, no sagging. Therefore, there are many methods that have been chosen by women to protect their skin from the aging process.
Reasonable sun exposure time: You should be exposed to the sun before 9am and after 4pm. During this time, the sun will bring many benefits to the body. When the sun is too strong, do not expose it to the sun. It is necessary to choose different measures to protect the skin such as using UV-blocking glasses... Should eat a lot of fresh fruit: recent studies have shown that, when the body has a high concentration of vitamin C, they can block the effects of HEV radiation. Dark clothing is recommended: HEV radiation is almost completely absorbed by dark objects, so dark clothing can effectively block HEV rays. Sunscreen: The purpose of using sunscreen is to protect the skin from sunburn, freckles, melasma.... With each type of sunscreen with a different SPF index, there will be protective effects. different skin in certain time period. Currently, sunscreen acts as a companion for women.

3. What is sunscreen?


Sunscreen is actually a skin cream. It can be in the form of a spray, gel, or other topical product to help the skin reflect or absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays.
The use of sunscreen helps you reduce the aging process of your skin, prevent the development of melasma, freckles, wrinkles...

4. What does the + sign in sunscreen mean?


Chỉ số PA+ trong kem chống nắng
Chỉ số PA+ trong kem chống nắng
Sunscreen limits the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin when exposed or in other words protects the skin from the effects of UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are represented by the PA number and the plus signs are indicated on the sunscreen box.
The sign (+) after the PA represents the time when the sunscreen has the best effect. The more (+) signs in sunscreen appear, the stronger the sun protection time and sun protection ability of that sunscreen. A plus sign in sunscreen means that the sun protection time of your chosen cream is 4 hours.
For example, if your sunscreen says PA++, it means that the sun protection time of this cream is 8 hours, PA+++ is 12 hours.
Currently, the PA index has 4 levels as follows:
PA+: sunscreen with 50%-70% UVA protection PA++: sunscreen with 75%-87.5% UVA protection PA++: cream sunscreen with 87.5%-93.75% UVA protection PA++++: sunscreen with more than 93.75% UVA protection When sitting at the office, you should choose a sunscreen with PA++ index
When you have to be exposed to sunlight In the sun a lot, great intensity, should choose a sunscreen with index PA +++/++++.
The UV rays in the sun are the agents that make your skin age faster. To protect your skin effectively, you need to learn and choose a sunscreen with the right PA and SPF to protect your skin from UV radiation, harmful substances, and pollution. Sun exposure should be limited. Experts recommend that, if you have to work continuously outdoors, you should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, in addition to maximum effectiveness, you also need to learn how to apply sunscreen correctly. the right way and in the right dose.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Share
Patients Stories