SPF, PA, UVA, UVB Explained: Choosing Sunscreen for Indian Sun

India’s sunlight is not just “bright”; it is biologically intense. Many cities routinely see a UV Index that dermatologists classify as “very high”, and the combination of heat, humidity, reflective concrete, and long outdoor commutes can make daily exposure add up faster than we realise.

That is why sunscreen labels can feel confusing. SPF looks familiar, PA looks mysterious, and then there are UVA, UVB, “broad-spectrum”, “water-resistant”, and more. Once you know what each term measures, choosing a sunscreen becomes far simpler, especially for Indian skin that is often more prone to tanning and pigmentation than to quick sunburn.

The two UV rays you need to care about: UVA vs UVB

Sunlight includes ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the two main types that matter for skin are UVA and UVB.

UVB is the one most people recognise because it causes sunburn. It directly damages DNA in the upper layers of the skin and contributes to skin cancer risk. A product’s SPF rating is primarily about UVB.

UVA penetrates deeper and is strongly linked with tanning, pigmentation, and visible signs of ageing. It can pass through window glass and it is present through the year, including cloudy and monsoon days.

Indian skin tones (often Fitzpatrick Type IV to V) may not burn quickly, but they can pigment easily. That is why UVA protection deserves as much attention as SPF.

SPF meaning in simple terms (and why SPF 30 is not “half as good” as SPF 60)

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how well a sunscreen reduces UVB-induced redness (erythema) under lab testing when applied at a standard thickness.

In everyday terms, higher SPF means more UVB is blocked, but it is not a straight-line jump. SPF 60 does not mean “30 minutes” of protection, and SPF 60 does not mean you can stay out twice as long without reapplying.

A helpful way to read SPF is by approximate UVB filtering:

• SPF 15 blocks roughly 93% of UVB
• SPF 30 blocks roughly 97% of UVB
• SPF 50 blocks roughly 98% of UVB

The difference looks small on paper, yet it can matter when UV is harsh, when you are outdoors for long hours, or when you under-apply (which is extremely common). In Indian conditions, SPF 30 is a sensible daily minimum for many people, while SPF 50 and above is often preferred for prolonged outdoor exposure.

One more detail that is easy to miss: SPF does not tell you how well the product protects against UVA. A very high SPF sunscreen can still be weak on UVA unless it is formulated and tested for broad UVA coverage.

PA rating sunscreen meaning: what the plus signs actually say

PA is a UVA protection grading system that originated in Japan and is now common across Asian sunscreens. PA is based on a test called Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD), which evaluates how well a sunscreen reduces UVA-induced tanning.

That makes PA extremely relevant for Indian users dealing with tanning, melasma, and post-acne marks.

PA is shown as plus signs:

• PA+ = low UVA protection
• PA++ = moderate UVA protection
• PA+++ = high UVA protection
• PA++++ = very high UVA protection

If your main concern is pigmentation, tanning, or uneven tone, prioritise PA+++ or PA++++ along with a suitable SPF. This is also why many modern Indian sunscreens clearly print both SPF and PA on the front label.

A quick label decoder: SPF, PA, broad-spectrum, water-resistant

Sunscreen packaging is full of claims, but only a few truly guide your choice. The table below is a practical cheat sheet for Indian sun exposure.

Choosing sunscreen for Indian skin: tone, climate, and routine matter

A sunscreen that looks perfect on paper can still fail if it feels greasy, leaves a white cast, or pills under makeup. The best sunscreen is the one you can apply generously and reapply without avoiding it.

For Indian users, these factors tend to matter most:

• Pigmentation tendency: Many Indian skin tones tan easily, and existing marks can deepen with UVA exposure.
• Heat and humidity: A heavy cream may feel uncomfortable, leading to under-application.
• Indoor plus outdoor days: UVA can pass through windows, so “mostly indoors” still counts.
• Acne and sensitivity: Irritation can make people stop using sunscreen altogether, so choosing a suitable base is key.

At Aroma Care, product development has long centred on Indian wearability: lightweight gels and lotions that feel comfortable in humid weather, paired with modern UV filters and herbal actives many consumers recognise, while keeping formulas vegetarian and cruelty-free.

What to pick: SPF and PA by everyday Indian scenarios

You do not need a single “perfect” sunscreen for every day. You need the right level for the day you are having.

A simple way to decide is to match your sunscreen to exposure:

• Office or college with short commute: SPF 30 to 50 with PA+++ can be enough if you apply correctly and reapply when needed.
• Long commute, driving, two-wheeler, outdoor sales, site visits: SPF 50 with PA+++ or PA++++ is a safer baseline.
• Beach, sports, trekking, high altitude: SPF 50+ with PA++++, plus water resistance, and strict reapplication.

If you are dealing with melasma or stubborn pigmentation, consider using a high PA rating daily, not only on “sunny” days. Pigmentation is often a slow build, not a single-day event.

Chemical vs mineral sunscreens: how to decide without fear

You will often hear “chemical” and “physical” (mineral) sunscreens discussed as if one is always better. In real use, both can work well when well-formulated.

Mineral filters (commonly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are known for broad coverage and are often preferred for sensitive skin. The trade-off can be a visible cast on deeper Indian tones unless the formula is tinted or finely milled.

Organic (chemical) filters are often lighter in feel and can blend invisibly. Some people with reactive skin may prefer to patch test first.

If you are unsure, choose based on comfort and tolerance, then focus on correct quantity and reapplication. Those two habits usually decide results more than the filter “type”.

Three common sunscreen myths that keep showing up

A lot of sunscreen disappointment is not about the product, but about expectations.

These beliefs are especially common:

• It’s cloudy, so sunscreen is optional
• Dark skin does not need sunscreen
• One morning application lasts all day

Clouds may reduce heat and brightness, yet UVA can still reach your skin. Darker skin has more natural UVB buffering, but UVA-triggered tanning and pigmentation are still common. And one application rarely survives sweat, friction, masks, and the simple act of touching your face.

How to apply so the label protection is closer to real protection

Most people apply far less than the amount used in testing. That gap is one of the biggest reasons someone can use SPF 50 daily and still tan.

A practical application approach works better than complicated rules. Use this checklist:

• Amount matters: Use roughly two finger lengths of sunscreen for face and neck (adjust slightly for face size).
• Timing: Apply 15 to 30 minutes before stepping out when possible.
• Reapplication: Every 2 to 3 hours when outdoors, and sooner after heavy sweating or towel drying.
• Do not skip zones: Ears, hairline, eyelids (if tolerated), neck, and the back of hands.

If you wear makeup, reapplication can still be done with a light layer of the same sunscreen, or with formats that suit your routine. The goal is coverage, not perfection.

A short shopping checklist (so you buy once, not five times)

After you decide your SPF and PA, the next step is picking a formula you will genuinely use.

Look for a label and texture match:

• Broad-spectrum on pack: Indicates UVA + UVB coverage, not only UVB.
• High UVA grade: PA+++ or PA++++ when tanning and pigmentation are concerns.
• Finish you can tolerate: Matte gel for oily skin; lotion for dry skin; soothing options for sensitive skin.
• Ethical comfort: Many Indian consumers also prefer vegetarian and cruelty-free options, which brands like Aroma Care follow as a stated value.

If you are acne-prone, an oil-free gel texture can feel easier in summer. If you are dry or sensitive, a hydrating sunscreen with calming ingredients can make daily use feel more comfortable.

Where Aroma Care fits into a practical sunscreen routine

A heritage brand earns trust when its products work in real Indian conditions, not just in air-conditioned rooms. Aroma Care’s sunscreen choices commonly sit in the SPF 40 to 60 range with PA+++ to PA++++ options, which suits the reality of Indian UV, long commutes, and pigmentation concerns.

If you prefer a lighter feel, gel and dry-touch formats are often easier for daily compliance in humid weather. If you want added comfort for sensitive or dry skin, a lotion format with hydrating and soothing ingredients can be the better pick.

Sunscreen works best when it becomes non-negotiable, like brushing your teeth. The label is your guide, but your habits decide the result.