Sun Protection from the Stars: What Do the Stars on Sunscreen Mean? Posted on February 14, 2025 by DERMA DECIPHER In our last post, we discussed SPF.But many of you asked: What do the stars on our sunscreen label mean? Let’s first talk about PA, a more familiar system in Asia.It measures protection against UVA,the rays that cause tanning and aging.PA ratings are expressed using "+" signs:◆ PA+: Delays tanning by 2–4 times◆ PA++: 4–8 times◆ PA+++: 8–16 times◆ PA++++: More than 16 times But at DERMA DECIPHER,we follow European standards, using the Boots Star Rating.It also measures UVA protection, but in relation to UVB:⭐: UVA protection is 20–40% of UVB⭐⭐: 40–60%⭐⭐⭐: 60–80%⭐⭐⭐⭐: 80–90% ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 90–100%For everyday use, such as commuting or short outdoor exposure, 3-star protection is usually sufficient.For extended outdoor activities, 4 stars or above is recommended. All four DERMA DECIPHER sunscreens are SPF50★★★★with full-spectrum UVA + UVB protection to effectively delay sunburn, tanning, and photoaging! UV Protect Aqua Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF50+★★★★ - Japanese triple-emulsion technologyUV Gel – Unique gel texturePhysical UV Protector SPF50★★★★ – Ocean-safe with lightweight foundation-like finish Say goodbye to heavy, sticky formulas!All are non-greasy, lightweight, and suitable even for sensitive skin. In our last post, we discussed SPF.But many of you asked: What do the stars on our sunscreen label mean? Let’s first talk about PA, a more familiar system in Asia. PA大家應該比較熟悉,因為日系產品就是採用PA表示法, 以UVA會造成曬黑的程度為基準,換算而來的一種防曬指標, the rays that cause tanning and aging. PA是以+號的多寡來表示,簡單說,PA的+號越多,就有越強的 UVA 防護效果,防止曬黑、曬老的能力就越強。 ◆ PA+: Delays tanning by 2–4 times ◆ PA++: 4–8 times ◆ PA+++: 8–16 times ◆ PA++++: More than 16 times But at DERMA DECIPHER, we follow European standards, using the Boots Star Rating. It also measures UVA protection, but in relation to UVB: 若UVA防護力達到UVB的20%~40%即獲得一顆星,依此類推, 若UVA的防護力相當於UVB的40~60%,則獲得兩顆星; 若為60%~80%,則為三顆星;80%~90%為四顆星; 90%~100%為五顆星。 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 90–100% For everyday use, such as commuting or short outdoor exposure, 3-star protection is usually sufficient. For extended outdoor activities, 4 stars or above is recommended. All four DERMA DECIPHER sunscreens are SPF50★★★★ with full-spectrum UVA + UVB protection to effectively delay sunburn, tanning, and photoaging! UV Protect Aqua Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF50+★★★★ - Japanese triple-emulsion technology UV Gel – Unique gel texture Physical UV Protector SPF50★★★★ – Ocean-safe with lightweight foundation-like finish Say goodbye to heavy, sticky formulas! All are non-greasy, lightweight, and suitable even for sensitive skin.