Is Your Sunscreen Protecting or Pretending? Here's What You Need to Know

While we all know we should wear sunscreen daily (yes, even on cloudy days!), the truth is not all are created equal. Some sunscreens may talk the talk but not walk the walk when it comes to real protection. But how do you know if your SPF is doing its job or just putting on a show? Let’s break it down!

UVA vs. UVB: The Real Deal With UV Rays

Before we dive into best sunscreen formulas, let’s get one thing straight—what exactly are we protecting ourselves from? There are two main types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that affect our skin: 

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and lead to tanning, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and signs of premature ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discoloration.
• UVB Rays: These are the rays that burn—literally. UVB rays are the ones behind sunburn, blistering, and peeling. They target the outermost layers of your skin, causing that all-too-familiar redness after a day in the sun.

Did you know? Indian skin has some natural protection against UVB rays due to its higher melanin content, but it’s still vulnerable to UVA rays. Which means that Indian skin needs more protection from UVA than UVB rays. So, while extra UVA protection is key, you still need a broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

So, if your sunscreen isn’t protecting against both UVA and UVB rays, it’s only pretending to do its job.

How to Read Sunscreen Labels

We all know that sunscreen is a must-have in our daily skincare routine, but let's be real—reading those sunscreen labels can sometimes feel like deciphering a foreign language. SPF? Broad-spectrum? Non-comedogenic? What does it all mean? Here’s everything you need to know.

1. SPF

SPF provides protection only against UVB rays of the sun.  However, it does not shield you from UVA rays, which are equally harmful and contribute to skin ageing and long-term damage. An SPF number essentially indicates how much longer you can safely stay in the sun before your skin starts to burn, compared to if you weren’t using any sunscreen at all.

For instance, if your skin typically burns after 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF 30 sunscreen would extend that time by 30 times, allowing you up to 300 minutes of protection. It’s like giving your skin a longer "snooze button" before the damage sets in.

(Note: Factors such as the amount of sunscreen applied, sweating, and swimming also affect this.)

That said, don’t let those big SPF numbers fool you! The jump from SPF 30 to SPF 50 isn’t as drastic as you might think:

• SPF 30: Blocks ~97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50: Blocks ~98% of UVB rays

Remember, SPF only deals with UVB protection, so UVA rays can still slip through. For complete protection from both UVA and UVB rays, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

2. PA

While SPF protects your skin against UVB rays, it leaves UVA protection to another player—PA or Protection Grade of UVA. Think of it like SPF’s counterpart, stepping in to handle the UVA rays. As the name suggests, PA ratings represent the extent of protection a sunscreen offers against UVA rays.

Here’s what those PA ratings mean:

• PA+ offers some UVA protection 
• PA++ offers moderate UVA protection 
• PA+++ offers high UVA protection
• PA++++ offers extremely High UVA protection

The higher the rating, the stronger your protection.

3. Broad-Spectrum

This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays—crucial for shielding your skin from both sunburn and ageing.

4. Non-Comedogenic

A must for acne-prone skin! This term means the sunscreen won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.

5. Clinically Tested

‘Clinically tested’ simply means the product has gone through some sort of clinical evaluation. But here's the catch: it only tells you it was tested—not whether it passed. In other words, just because a product has been tested doesn’t mean it’s been clinically proven to actually work. It’s like, taking the CAT is one thing; passing it is a whole different story.

6. Clinically Proven

‘Clinically proven’ has a better credibility because it means the effectiveness of the product has been validated through clinical trials. It's not just a fancy label—it’s a stamp of approval showing that the claims have been tested and proven to hold up.

7. Water-Resistant

No sunscreen is truly waterproof. Water-resistant formulas protect for 40-80 minutes—always reapply after swimming!

8. Expiration Date

Expired sunscreen? Toss it! Old SPF loses its effectiveness, leaving you exposed.

Novology Sunscreens: No Fakes Here!

Novology has the best sunscreen lineup that doesn’t just look good—it works. Here's why you can trust them:

1. SPF 50 PA++++ Tinted Sunscreen

This sunscreen is a cult-favourite—and for good reason. It’s not just clinically proven to shield your skin from sun damage, but it also works double duty by fading dark spots and addressing pigmentation issues. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture blends seamlessly into your skin tone, delivering a natural finish. This high-performance formula is enhanced with:

• Photostable UV filters to protect against blue light, visible light, and both UVA and UVB rays
• High levels of UVAPF to prevent tanning
• Premium-quality Niacinamide to help stop melanin transfer, reducing pigmentation over time.

It’s not your basic sunscreen.

2. SPF 50 PA++++ Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen

The SPF 50 PA++++ Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen is clinically proven to protect against sun damage while keeping your skin moisturized for up to 100 hours*. This dermatologist recommended sunscreen, is hydrating, leaves no white cast formula and ensures your skin feels nourished throughout the day. Powered by active molecules, it features photostable UV filters to shield against harmful UVA and UVB rays, high-grade UVA protection to prevent tanning, glycerin for moisturization, and pure niacinamide to help reduce melanin. 

3. SPF 30 PA+++ Ultralight Gel Sunscreen

This is part of Novology's first-ever Protect + Correct range, co-developed with dermatologists. The SPF 30 PA+++ Ultralight Gel Sunscreen doesn’t just shield your skin from the sun—it’s also designed to prevent breakouts by keeping your pores clear. Lightweight and non-sticky, it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin looking bright and fresh. It contains niacinamide to control excess oil.

It's non-comedogenic, ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, but also great for dry, combination, and sensitive types

How to Tell If Your Sunscreen Isn't Working

• Lacks Broad-Spectrum Protection: If it doesn’t say ‘broad-spectrum,’ it’s leaving you exposed to UVA rays.
• Leaves a White Cast or Greasy Feel: These are signs that the formula isn’t designed for easy reapplication or comfortable wear.
• Heavy Texture or Unpleasant Scent: If your sunscreen feels heavy or has a strong chemical smell, it might not be formulated for everyday wear. Choose a lightweight option that you’ll enjoy applying regularly.

Final Verdict: Real Protection Or Just Pretending?

Your sunscreen for face should be a hardworking, trustworthy protector—not just a pretty bottle. Next time you're buying sunscreen, don’t let the big SPF numbers mislead you. Make an informed decision by looking for PA+++ or higher. Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that works for your skin and remember to reapply it often. Our sun protection range will have you covered—literally—regardless of your skin type.

*Clinical study, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions