Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the Sun and some artificial sources, such as Tanning beds, Mercury vapour lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms), some halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lights and some types of lasers. While UV rays of the Sun have some benefits for people, though they help create Vitamin D, they can cause a health risks.

The SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which measures how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar power needed to make sunburn on unprotected skin.

What is the PA+++ rating in Sunscreen?

Sunscreen has a PA+++ rating; we have a rough idea of its UVA-PF. UVA-PF stands for UVA protection factor and measures how much a sunscreen offers UVA protection. The PA system sunscreens into groups based on their UVA-PF/ PPD value.  The more +’s, the higher the PPD/UVA-PF. PPD and UVA-PF are highly correlated, and values are roughly the same.

• PA+ = UVAPF between 2 & 4
• PA++ = UVAPF between 4 & 8
• PA+++ = UVAPF more than 8
• PA++++ (added in 2013) = UVAPF more than 16

UVA-PF is at least 1/3 of the stated SPF value.

• SPF15 = UVA-PF 5
• SPF30 = UVA-PF 10
• SPF50 = UVA-PF 16  (How is Sunscreen Tested? SPF vs UVA-PF: Scientific Sunscreen Guide Part II, 2023)

UVB radiation is responsible for more than 90% of vitamin D production in the skin. It is said that A few minutes of exposure to summer sunlight two to three times a week is sufficient for Vitamin D synthesis. There is evidence that though sunscreens can significantly reduce vitamin D production under strictly controlled conditions, their normal usage does not generally result in vitamin D insufficiency. (Sowmya Kaimal, 2011)    

Sun protection is most important during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but School pupils should also wear sunscreen daily as they will be outside for prayers, recess, play and waiting for the school bus etc. (Goldschneider, 2018) Children, especially in elementary school, can have significant sun exposure during the school day. As we know, long-time daily exposure to harmful sun rays leads to the darkness of the skin(suntan), sunburn & redness and can cause cancer later; the summer heat also increases the chances of acne in adolescents. (Health, 2022) The education of children and their parents regarding photoprotection is a must. It should be noted that photodamage can occur in children of all skin types. So, parents must often ensure their children use sunscreen during the summer months though they are inside.

Ideal sunscreen products for children should have broad-spectrum UVR coverage and good photostability, dispersibility, and aesthetics.  (Health, 2022).

Sunscreen ingredients fall into two distinct categories: Mineral and Chemical. Mineral sunscreens contain physical UV filters, such as Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that offer broad-spectrum UV coverage by reflecting or refracting UV radiation from the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain UV filters that absorb UV radiation and when used in combination, can provide equal benefits. (Adewole S. Adamson, 2020)

Applying sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. According to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), all kinds should wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher regardless of skin tone. (Should kids wear sunscreen? A dermatologist answers, 2022)

According to an Indian Journal of Dermatology, venerology and leprology, an ideal Sunscreen would be: (Sowmya Kaimal, 2011)

• A combination of physical and chemical agent
• Broad Spectrum
• Cosmetically elegant
• Substantive
• Non-irritant
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic
• Economical

Men, Women and children over six months should use sunscreen daily. This includes people who Tan quickly and those who do not.