SPF Is Just One Part of the Puzzle: What PA++++ Really Means

Most people slap on sunscreen because it says “SPF 50” and call it a day. But here’s the catch: SPF only tells half the story. And if you’re serious about protecting your skin from ageing, dark spots, and inflammation—you’ll need to look beyond those three letters.

Let’s break it down.

 

WHAT SPF ACTUALLY MEANS

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it tells you how well your sunscreen protects against UVB rays—the ones responsible for sunburn. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. That’s a tiny 1% difference—but it matters if you're highly sun-sensitive, outdoors often, or dealing with skin concerns like hyperpigmentation.

So yes, higher SPF helps, but only up to a point. SPF30 is already excellent protection for most daily use cases, provided you’re applying enough and reapplying regularly if you sweat a lot or are constantly outdoors under the sun.

But here's the kicker—SPF only measures UVB. What about UVA, the rays that age your skin and mess with your barrier?

 

MEET UVA — THE SILENT SKIN AGER

UVA rays don’t burn you. They’re sneakier. They penetrate deeper into the skin, breaking down collagen and accelerating premature ageing, pigmentation, and even triggering sensitivity or flare-ups.

Unlike UVB, which is strongest midday, UVA is present all day, all year—rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, even through glass. So while your SPF is blocking burns, UVA can still silently damage your skin.

This is where PA ratings come in.

 

WHAT DOES PA++++ MEAN?

PA stands for “Protection Grade of UVA” and is a system that tells you how much UVA protection your sunscreen offers. It originated in Japan and uses plus signs to indicate strength:

 PA+ = Some UVA protection

PA++ = Moderate protection

PA+++ = High protection

PA++++ = Extremely high protection

When you see PA++++, you know you're getting top-tier UVA defence—crucial for keeping fine lines, sun spots, and skin reactivity at bay.

Our Tribiotics 360° Suncare delivers SPF50 PA++++, giving your skin solid protection against both burning and ageing rays.

 

MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS: WHAT ABOUT THE MICROBIOME?

UVA doesn’t just mess with collagen—it can disrupt your skin barrier and microbiome, leading to inflammation, dryness, and breakouts. That’s why Tribiotics 360° Suncare goes further than just filtering light.

It includes:

Buddleja flower extract and Ougon root to guard against oxidative and pollution stress.

E-Cology Plus+  complex with pre-, pro-, and postbiotics to keep your skin ecosystem healthy.

Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and essential oils for hydration and calm.

Because sun defence isn’t just protection—it’s prevention and restoration.

 

BOTTOM LINE

SPF tells you how well your sunscreen blocks UVB. But without PA++++, you’re missing critical UVA protection—the stuff that causes wrinkles, pigmentation, and long-term barrier damage.

So yes, SPF matters. But don’t stop there. Look for that PA++++ label. Choose smart formulations like Tribiotics 360° Suncare that support your skin in all directions.

SPF is just one part of the puzzle. Real protection is full spectrum.