Understanding how the sun affects your skin is the first step to protecting it properly. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun reaches the earth in two main forms,UVA and UVB rays. Both can damage the skin and increase the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer, which is why using abroad-spectrum sunscreen with high UVA and UVB protection is essential.

UVA vs UVB vs SPF — explained in 30 seconds

If you're choosing sunscreen, it's important to understand the difference between UVA rays, UVB rays and SPF.

What are UVA rays?

UVA rays are long-wave ultraviolet rays that penetrate deeply into the skin.

They break down collagen and elastin fibres, which can lead to:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Uneven pigmentation
• Premature skin ageing (photoageing)

Unlike UVB rays, UVA radiation is present all year round and can pass through clouds and glass. This means your skin can be exposed to UVA while driving, sitting near windows or spending time outdoors even on cloudy days.
Because UVA exposure accumulates over time, daily protection is essential.

What are UVB rays?

UVB rays are shorter ultraviolet rays that primarily affect the surface of the skin.

They are responsible for:
• Sunburn
• Direct DNA damage to skin cells
• Increasing the risk of skin cancer

UVB intensity varies depending on the season, time of day and geographic location, and is strongest during the summer months and midday sun.
Although UVB rays don't penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, they still play a significant role in skin damage and long-term skin health risks.

What does SPF mean?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how effectively a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, the rays responsible for sunburn.

  • SPF 30 allows your skin to tolerate UVB exposure roughly 30 times longer than unprotected skin before burning (when applied correctly).
  • SPF 50 provides even higher protection against UVB radiation.

However, SPF only measures UVB protection.To fully protect your skin, you should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Why UVA protection is just as important as SPF

Many people focus on SPF alone, but UVA protection plays a crucial role in protecting skin health and preventing premature ageing.

In the EU, sunscreen regulations require that UVA protection must be at least one third of the labelled SPF.

This means the minimum level of UVA absorbance required is approximately 33%.

At Ultrasun, we go significantly further.

UVA protection comparison

EU regulatory minimum

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~33% UVA absorbance

Ultrasun formulations

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85%+ UVA absorbance

Ultrasun formulations are developed to deliver 85% UVA absorbance or higher, far exceeding the EU regulatory minimum.

This provides stronger defence against photoageing, pigmentation and cumulative skin damage, helping protect both the health and appearance of your skin over time.

The added benefits of Ultrasun SPF

Advanced sun protection meets skincare

At Ultrasun, protection goes beyond traditional sunscreen — it’s also advanced skincare.

Our formulas don't just shield skin from harmful UV radiation. They are designed to support and care for the skin while protecting it.

Alongside high-performance UVA and UVB filters, we incorporate clinically proven skincare actives that help strengthen the skin barrier, defend against environmental stressors and support skin repair.

These ingredients work in synergy with our patented Lamellar Technology, helping deliver both UV filters and skincare actives evenly and effectively where the skin needs them most.

Learn More About Our Skincare Actives

Did You Know?

Frequently asked questions about UVA, UVB and SPF

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are mainly responsible forpremature ageing, while UVB rays affect the skin’s surface and causesunburn. Both types of UV radiation contribute toskin cancer risk, which is why broad-spectrum sunscreen is important.

Does SPF protect against UVA rays?

SPF primarily measures protection againstUVB rays. To protect against UVA rays, you should choose abroad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB.

Do you need sunscreen indoors?

Yes.UVA rays can pass through glass, meaning your skin may still be exposed while sitting near windows or driving. Daily SPF helps protect against this ongoing exposure.

Is higher UVA protection better?

Higher UVA protection helps defend againstphotoageing, pigmentation and cumulative skin damage. Ultrasun formulations are developed with80% UVA absorbance, significantly exceeding EU requirements.

Explore Ultrasun Protection

Ultrasun offers a range of broad-spectrum sunscreens with very high UVA protection, designed for different skin types, lifestyles and environments. From daily facial SPF to high-performance sports and family protection, every Ultrasun formula is developed to protect and support your skin.

Face

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Body

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Family

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Tanning

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Sport

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After Sun

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The Ultrasun story and key milestones in suncare

Discover the origins of Ultrasun's premium suncare. Formulated and made in Switzerland by expert skincare scientists, our purpose remains unchanged, to remove the compromise between protection, performance and skin comfort, so every skin type, tone, age and lifestyle can enjoy the sun safely.

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Is early sun damage reversible?

Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing, often appearing
long before natural ageing becomes visible. Fine lines, uneven pigmentation and loss of elasticity can all be linked to repeated UV exposure without adequate
protection all year round.

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Why choose Ultrasun?

Ultrasun is more than sunscreen. Our formulas combine advanced broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with innovative skincare technology to deliver long-lasting, lightweight sun protection that actively supports healthy skin.

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