What Is PA in Sunscreen? Why It Matters for Aging Skin

The UVA Rating That Helps Protect Against Wrinkles and Sagging

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

If you’re serious about preventing fine lines, sagging, and sun damage, don’t just check the SPF—look for the PA rating too.

What I use

My daily go-to: Colorescience mineral sunscreen with PA++++ protection. It shields against deep UVA damage that causes sagging and wrinkles—and it actually feels good on your skin.

My daily go-to is Colorescience mineral sunscreen with PA++++ protection.

It’s non-greasy, protects even on humid summer days, and wears beautifully under makeup.

SPF vs. PA: What’s the Difference?

Most of us know SPF protects against UVB rays—the kind that cause sunburn. But here’s the problem:

SPF doesn’t block UVA rays.
UVA = Aging. Collagen breakdown. Wrinkles. Sagging.

That’s where PA comes in.

Note: According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, UVA exposure can affect the skin’s underlying structures including collagen and elastin, which provide support to the skin and fat tissue.

PA stands for “Protection Grade of UVA”

You’ll often see it written as:

• PA+ = Some UVA protection
• PA++ = Moderate
• PA+++ = Strong
• PA++++ = Maximum

Why you should care about UVA protection

UVA rays:

• Penetrate deeper into your skin than UVB
• Damage collagen and elastin
• May thin the fat pads that keep your face firm and youthful

🧠 Did you know?
UVA rays can even reach through clouds and windows. Long-term exposure = sagging, wrinkles, and even higher risk of skin cancer.

I used to skip sunscreen all the time—until I learned UVA could thin my facial fat pads. Now I never skip.

👉 Curious about fat pads and how I firmed my face naturally? Here’s how I use facial exercises to keep everything lifted.

Glow-Up Tip

Choose a sunscreen with:

• SPF 30+ for UVB
• PA+++ or PA++++ for UVA
• Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for mineral-based protection

What if your sunscreen doesn’t have a PA rating?

Here is what you should look for.

UVA-blocking ingredients:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide
• Avobenzone
• Mexoryl SX
• SPF 30 or higher
• Dermatologist-recommended brands
• Water-resistant formulas (important if you’re sweating or swimming)

Real Talk: I used to hate sunscreen

I’ll be honest—I used to skip it all the time. It felt greasy, heavy, or messed up my makeup.

But once I understood that UVA rays could shrink my facial fat pads (yes, really 😱), I got serious.

Now I use a powder brush-on mineral sunscreen during the day (especially in hot weather) and love how easy it is to reapply.

✨ Sunscreen isn’t just protection—it’s prevention AND repair.

Don’t forget to reapply

Even the best sunscreen wears off. Reapply every 2 hours—especially after sweating or swimming.

I prefer mineral sunscreens for this because:

• They don’t melt into your makeup
• You can pat or brush them on
• They protect immediately (no 15-minute wait)

Want to go mineral and skin-friendly?

For a natural, chemical-free option, mineral sunscreens are a great pick—especially if you’re worried about irritation or long-term skin health.

Want help choosing one?
👉 See my favorite chemical-free sunscreens for mature skin.

Can sunscreen really reverse damage?

Yes—some studies suggest that using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can help reduce visible signs of aging and improve skin tone and texture over time.

I think of it as my second chance to protect my skin—even if I skipped sunscreen in the past.

Does the U.S. use PA ratings on sunscreen?

Unfortunately, not all countries utilize the PA rating system, although it’s common in Asian countries such as Japan.

In the United States, many companies just label their products as “broad spectrum“, which means they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

While the term “broad spectrum” is reassuring because it indicates protection against both UVA and UVB rays, it doesn’t provide a clear indication of the extent of protection against UVA rays.

This lack of specificity can be a concern because UVA rays contribute to skin aging and can also cause skin cancer.

What does a PA rating look like?

Here’s exactly what to look for on your sunscreen bottle:

See the “PA++++” right on the label? That’s what tells you this sunscreen offers the highest level of UVA protection. If your sunscreen has this, your skin is covered from the rays that cause sagging and collagen loss.

When you’re shopping, look for PA+++ or PA++++ next to the SPF number for full-spectrum protection.

I use Colorscience. It’s a little pricey compared to drugstore brands, but it protects well, feels good on my skin and wears beautifully.

Final thoughts from someone who hated sunscreen

I used to avoid sunscreen like the plague—sticky, greasy, and always messing up my makeup.

But once I realized UVA rays could shrink facial fat pads and cause sagging (yes, really 😱), I changed my routine for good.

Now, I only use sunscreens that:

• Feel comfortable on my skin
• Layer well with my other products
• And—most importantly—offer broad UVA protection with a high PA rating

Even if you haven’t been consistent in the past, you get a second chance. Daily sunscreen use can help repair existing sun damage and prevent more from happening.

👉 Not sure how to fit sunscreen into your routine? Here’s my easy layering guide.

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