Obagi Sunscreen vs Drugstore Sunscreen

By: Tiffany M. Darnold, MMS, PA-C, Couture Med Spa Oviedo

Are you still getting sun burnt after applying sunscreen? Are your sunspots appearing darker? Do you find yourself breaking out and oily after a long day of reapplying? It could be due to the product being used.  

Understanding the differences in the chemical components and ingredients used in these products will help you make the right choice. Although drugstore sunscreens may be labeled high in SPF and are advertised to prevent sunburns, they do not always provide the skin with the full benefits a sun protectant product should.

Sunscreens use a variety of chemicals that work to absorb harmful UV rays before they penetrate your skin, still allowing some UV rays in. The active ingredients commonly found in sunscreens include oxybenzone and avobenzone but can also include fragrances, oils, and insect repellants. On the other hand, the two most common ingredients in sunblock are titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which reflect the sun’s UV rays, blocking them from penetrating the skin. These two ingredients cause the formula to be thicker, which makes it harder to spread on the face and body and may leave your skin with a pasty white appearance. 

The Obagi Sunshield has several advantages over drugstore products. The Obagi Sunshield is broad-spectrum SPF 50 and is ideal for most skin types. It contains the active ingredients titanium and zinc oxide repelling and blocking the sun. With Obagi’s advanced formulated technology the Sunshield glides on smoothly and dries with a sheer matte finish. If that wasn’t enough, the mattifying ingredients prevent oiliness and shine throughout the day, even when reapplying.

Remember to apply 30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply generously to exposed areas and reapply every two hours or after water exposure for maximum efficiency.  

Give us a call or come out to one of our Couture Med Spa locations to purchase your Obagi Skincare today.