Your Complete Guide to Sunscreen Protection: SPF, UVA, PPD & More

When it comes to protecting your skin, SPF is just the beginning. Many patients think picking a sunscreen is as simple as grabbing the highest SPF — but there’s a lot more to it. Understanding how different sunscreen ratings work will help you prevent long-term damage, pigmentation, and premature ageing.

Here’s your easy guide to decoding sunscreen labels — and why the right protection is essential for healthy, glowing skin.

1. SPF – The UVB Protector

• What it means: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays — the ones that cause sunburn.

• How it works: It’s the ratio of the amount of UVB needed to burn protected skin vs. unprotected skin.

• Tip: Higher SPF = more UVB protection, but not necessarily more UVA protection.

  
  

2. Broad-Spectrum – The All-Rounder

• What it means: Covers both UVA and UVB rays.

• Critical wavelength rule: To be “broad-spectrum,” at least 10% of the sunscreen’s protection must extend beyond 370nm (UVA range).

• EU rule: Must also provide UVA protection of at least 1/3 of the SPF value.

  
  

  

  
  

3. UVA Protection – UVA-PF

• What it means: UVA Protection Factor measures how much UVA light passes through sunscreen.

• Higher number = better protection from long-term damage like premature ageing, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

• Quick guide to UVA seal:

  • SPF 15 → UVA-PF 5

  • SPF 30 → UVA-PF 10

  • SPF 50 → UVA-PF 16

    
    

4. PPD – Pigmentation Protection

• What it means: Persistent Pigment Darkening measures how much UVA light it takes to cause skin darkening.

• Why it matters: High PPD = better defence against sun-induced pigmentation and melasma.

• PA System:

  • PA+ = PPD 2–4

  • PA++ = PPD 4–8

  • PA+++ = PPD 8–16

  • PA++++ = PPD 16+

    
    

5. Boots Star Rating – UK Favourite

• What it means: Rates UVA protection compared to UVB protection.

• Rating system:

  • ★★★ = 60–80% UVA protection

  • ★★★★ = 80–90% UVA protection

  • ★★★★★ = 90%+ UVA protection

Why This Matters for Your Skin

Even if you never burn, UVA rays can silently cause:

• Pigmentation and uneven skin tone

• Collagen breakdown leading to wrinkles

• DNA damage that increases skin cancer risk

Most supermarket sunscreens only advertise SPF — leaving you exposed to the deeper skin damage that UVA causes.

The Best Defence: Personalised Skin Protection

Choosing the right sunscreen is not one-size-fits-all. Your skin type, lifestyle, and current skin health all affect what protection you need.

That’s why our Signature Glow Consultation goes beyond just product advice:

• We assess your skin’s current UV damage.

• We create a treatment plan that prevents further harm.

• We prepare your skin with targeted skincare and in-clinic treatments for real, lasting results.

  
  

Ready to Protect, Repair & Glow?

Book your Signature Consultation today and get:

• A personalised treatment plan

• A damage-prevention strategy

• A tailored skin care routine that actually works

Click below to book your Signature Consultation and start your journey to healthier, younger-looking skin.