Stay Sun-Safe This UV Safety Awareness Month (and Always!) ☀️

It’s July, which means it’s UV Safety Awareness Month—a perfect time to talk about protecting our skin, especially here in Arizona where the heat is no joke. That desert sun is relentless, and whether we’re hiking, driving to work, or just chilling by the pool, those UV rays are always on duty. So, let’s have a heart-to-heart about why sun protection is a must and how we’re reminding ourselves (yep, us too!) to stay diligent. Grab your iced coffee, and let’s dive in with some tips, product love, and a little nudge to keep our skin glowing and healthy.

Why Arizona Heat Makes Sun Protection Non-Negotiable

Living in Arizona, we know the sun doesn’t mess around. Temps regularly hit triple digits, and that intense heat can make us sweat off our sunscreen faster than we’d like. UV rays are sneaky, too—UVA rays can penetrate windows (hello, car rides!) and cause long-term damage like wrinkles and dark spots, while UVB rays are the ones behind that painful sunburn. Both can increase skin cancer risk, so we’re all about making sun protection a daily habit, not just a summer thing. Here’s how we’re keeping ourselves in check:

  • Reapply every 2 hours. Seriously, set a timer if you’re out in the heat or sweating. That SPF needs a refresh to keep working its magic.
  • Don’t skip the overlooked spots. Ears, neck, scalp (especially if you’ve got a part in your hair)—these areas get zapped by the sun and are easy to forget. Pro tip: Keep a sunscreen stick in your bag for quick touch-ups.
  • SPF isn’t just for outdoors. UVA rays crash through windows, so we slather on sunscreen even when we’re driving or working by a sunny window. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
  • Mineral sunscreens for the win. If you’ve got sensitive or acne-prone skin (like some of us do!), mineral-based SPFs like zinc oxide are gentle and less likely to clog pores.
  • Pick a sunscreen you love. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use every single day. Find a formula that feels good, and it’ll become your skin’s BFF.

Our Go-To Obagi Sunscreens for Arizona Days

At MintRx, we’re obsessed with Obagi’s Sun Shield line because they’re lightweight, effective, and play nice with our skincare routines (looking at you, tretinoin and vitamin C fans). Here’s the lowdown on our three faves, each with SPF 50 to keep us covered:

Obagi Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – Cool Tint

  • Why We Love It: This tinted sunscreen gives a sheer, natural glow that’s perfect for fair skin with pink or beige undertones. It’s like a lightweight foundation that protects and evens out your complexion.
  • The Benefits: Blocks UVA and UVB rays, plus infrared defense to shield against heat stress. Its non-greasy texture layers beautifully over serums like vitamin C for a radiant finish.
  • Pro Tip: Use it as your daily base to cut down on makeup time—ideal for those busy Arizona mornings!

Obagi Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – Warm Tint

  • Why We Love It: Got golden or olive undertones? This warm-tinted SPF enhances your natural glow while keeping you protected. It’s a summer must-have for that “no-makeup” makeup look.
  • The Benefits: Same UVA/UVB and infrared protection as the cool tint, with a sheer finish that doesn’t feel heavy in the heat. Pairs perfectly with tretinoin for a smooth, protected canvas.
  • Pro Tip: Apply it 15 minutes before heading out to let it set, then reapply every 2 hours if you’re poolside or hiking.

Obagi Sun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50

  • Why We Love It: This sheer, quick-absorbing mineral sunscreen is a dream for sensitive or post-procedure skin. No tint, just pure protection that doesn’t irritate.
  • The Benefits: Zinc oxide deflects UVA and UVB rays while guarding against blue light and infrared. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores—perfect for acne-prone folks.
  • Pro Tip: Massage it in after your morning skincare to lock in hydration and protection. It’s gentle enough for daily use, even after a derm treatment.

Let’s Make Sun Protection a Year-Round Vibe

UV Safety Awareness Month is our reminder to double down on sun protection, but let’s be real—we need this commitment every day, especially in Arizona’s scorching climate. Whether you’re team Cool Tint, Warm Tint, or Mineral SPF, the key is consistency. Slather it on, reapply like it’s your job, and don’t forget those sneaky spots like your neck and ears. We’re doing this right alongside you, and trust us, it’s worth it for healthy, happy skin.

Ready to level up your sun protection game? Shop the full Obagi Sun Shield line at MintRx and find your perfect SPF match. Let’s keep our skin glowing and protected, Arizona style—today, tomorrow, and all year long! 🌞

More Insights from MintRx