woman applying 5 star UVA rating sunscreen

5 Star UVA Rating Sunscreen

Our guide on UVA star rating, why it’s important and the best 5 star UVA rating sunscreen.

5 Star UVA Rating Sunscreen

Understanding what sunscreen to use is very important when keeping yourself and your family safe in the sun. But it can become confusing when bottles are covered in ‘UVA’ ‘UVB’ and ‘SPF’ ratings. What does all this mean? And which one will keep you the safest? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide on UVA star rating, why it’s important and the best 5 star UVA rating sunscreen.

What is the UVA star rating?

The UVA star rating system measures how effectively sunscreen absorbs UVA rays compared to UVB rays. In simpler terms, it measures how well a sunscreen protects against the sun’s UVA rays. The scoring ranges from 1-5 stars, 5 stars being the most effective. This rating is easy to find and will often be on the front of the bottle. 

UVA and UVB rays are both emitted by the sun, but cause different kinds of damage. Different protection must be used to defend against both types of rays. 
 

UVA vs UVB

UVA and UVB rays are both forms of UltraViolet radiation emitted by the sun. If not protected against, they can cause long-term damage to your skin. But what's the difference between them?
UVA rating explained
family having sun with 5 star UVA rating sunscreen

UVA

UVA rays are the most common form of UltraViolet radiation and are present during the day. They are very powerful and can even penetrate through clouds, so be careful even if the sun isn't out! Because they’re so powerful, they cause more long-term damage than UVB rays. This includes damage to your skin, increasing the appearance of wrinkles and ageing.

The best way to protect against UVA rays is to apply sunscreen with a UVA star rating. Ideally, choose a 5 star UVA rating sunscreen to ensure the best possible protection. Try the NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ for 5 star protection from damaging UVA & UVB rays. 

UVB

UVB rays are far less common than UVA rays and only contribute to 5% of the sun's radiation. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t still damaging. UVB rays can cause sunburn and long-term effects such as skin damage and early ageing. 

The best way to protect against UVB damage is to use sunscreen with a high SPF factor. A sunscreen with SPF 30 will protect against 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 will protect against 99%. Try the NIVEA Pocket Size Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF30 to stay safe from UVB rays whilst on the go and also protect against UVA rays. 
To ensure you and your family are protected against both forms of UV rays, look for a 5 star UVA rating sunscreen with a high SPF factor. The NIVEA sun lotion range offers a wide variety of options to choose from. 

Why is it important to use a 5 star UVA rating sunscreen?

There’s no denying how much we all love the sun. Whether it be catching a tan or enjoying the heat, everything seems better when the sun is out. As great as it is, the sun can have damaging effects on our skin which is why it’s important to protect it. These include; 

Sunburn: Overexposure to the sun can cause the skin to burn. This appears red and is very sore to touch. It can also become itchy and irritated. Some people burn more easily than others, so it is important to understand how sensitive your skin is to the sun. 

Blisters: Severe sunburn can cause blistering. They may not appear straight away but can be extremely painful and irritating. It is always best to see a doctor if you are worried about blisters caused by sun damage.  

Dehydration: Dehydration can be caused by overexposure to the sun, especially without drinking enough water. Signs of dehydration can be severe and include symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. 

Skin Damage: Over time, the sun can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. Overexposure can weaken the elasticity of the skin and enhance the early signs of ageing. The sun's UV rays can also increase the risk of cancer if exposed for too long without protection. 

family with uva sunscreen
Don’t worry though, the damaging effects of the sun can be prevented. By using a 5 star UVA rating sunscreen and a high SPF, your skin can be protected and damage can be prevented. The NIVEA Protect & Moisture Travel Size Sun Lotion SPF50+ provides highly effective, on the go, protection from all damaging effects of the sun. Understanding how to relieve overexposure to the sun can also help to prevent sun damage. 

5 Star UVA Rating Sunscreen