11 Sun Protection & SPF Facts About India You Should Know

3. UVA vs UVB: get broad-spectrum protection that covers both

Sunscreen labels that say “broad spectrum” signal protection against both UVB and UVA radiation. UVB is the chief cause of sunburn, while UVA goes deeper and contributes heavily to skin aging and some types of skin cancer (BBC Future; expert commentary). Both types are present whenever the sun is up, and UVA penetrates glass and clouds more easily, so indoor sunlight and cloudy days still matter. Some regions and brands also list PA ratings (PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++), which indicate UVA protection strength—useful where available. For practical shopping in India, choose products that explicitly say “broad spectrum” and, if you can, check for PA+++ or PA++++ for extra UVA defense. This is especially important for darker skin tones where tanning is common; UVA contributes to pigmentation changes that are a frequent cosmetic concern. Broad-spectrum sunscreen paired with physical barriers like hats and umbrellas gives the most reliable day-to-day coverage.