When you buy a BB cream or other UV protection cosmetic products, you probably can find a phrase that you want to know what they mean such as SPF or PA+. These SPF and PA are about UV protection level and time. Let's find out what they mean.

In UV, there are three different types of rays. Fiurst one is UVA which has a wide wave length and penetrates more deeply through skin so that it causes skin aging. The other one is UVB which has a shor wave length and causes a skin burning. The last one is UVC which is mostly obsorbed at a ozone layer so that it does not arrive at the surface of earth.

SPF(Sun Protection Factor) is to describe the protection level of ultraviolet ray B(UVB). This standard is came from Australia. To estimate understandable UV protection level, they standadized the protection level of UV protection product in number. Thye figured out that how much UV takes to make a skin trouble within 15 minutes. If UV makes a trouble within 15 minutes, they standadize the UV prection level as "1".

So, if a product has SPF1, it means that product can protect your skin from UV for 15 minutes. If SPF2, it means, that product can proect for 30 minutes. Base on this, we can make a equation: SPF[number] x 15 minutes = Time of UV Protection.

So, if SPF number is high, it means that the product can prevent UVB much longer. If that number is 35, we can get the following: SPF 35 X 15 minutes = 525 minutes(8 hours).

Therefore, in real life, it is needed to put UV protection product on the skin every 2-3 hours. So, when you buy UV protection product, it is much better to buy high numbered SPF.

While SPF means protection time, PA means protection strength. The "+" mark means 2 times. So, if there is two ++ sings with PA, it means that the product has 4 times stronger protection power. If there is three +++ sings, it means 8 times protection strength.

Too strong one may not be good for each individual person. so, it is important to find out which powder is good for yourself. Usually, in case of Asian people, SPF40~50 and PA+++ are recommended in summer time. SPF 20-35 and PA++ are recommended in spring, fall and winter.

Hope it helps. Thanks

In Malaysia, it is like SUMMER all the year. BB Cream SPF 50 will be the best option for the malaysian.

p/s : if you need help in finding Higher SPF BB Cream, pls PM (SHARING IS CARING)

Great informations. Sun protection is very important especially in Malaysia.

Thanks for your sharing!