Have you ever wondered why you are told to stay out of the sun after getting a tattoo? We already know the importance of sunscreen and protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Not only does the sun cause dark spots and premature aging, but it can also cause skin cancer. If that weren’t reason enough, maybe the effects it can have on your freshly done tattoos will make you think twice.

How the sun affects tattoos

So, you just got a new tattoo and are eager to show it off. It looks so fresh, crisp, and vibrant! However, if you stay out in the sun too long, it can cause your new tattoo to fade, the colors to spread out, and in some cases, it can lead to scarring.

While in some cases, it may take some time for the sun’s damaging rays to take effect, tattoos are especially susceptible to sun damage in their first few months. When you expose your ink to the sun, those UV rays are absorbed and will essentially break up the pigment in your design.

Why can sunlight affect your tattoo?

Tattoos themselves consist of zink placed under two layers of skin, with the top layer acting as a barrier between the pigment and the sun. However, the more sun exposure, the more colors will fade regardless of how dark they were initially.

A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound with no protection. If the raw wound is exposed to the sun, it will burn much faster than healed skin, leading to your tattoo fading, cracking, blistering, or peeling.

Some ways to help protect your tattoo from the sun

Now that you’re aware of the dangers of exposing your ink to the sun’s damaging rays, how can you safeguard your new tattoo when you need to go out?

SUNSCREEN

Healed Tattoos:

Sunscreen is crucial. Most artists will recommend using an unscented sunscreen with SPF 30-50. The key consideration when selecting a sunscreen is to ensure it is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours to maintain a continuous and effective layer of protection. Layering sunscreen is particularly important if you anticipate spending extended periods in the sun or water.

Fresh Tattoos:

While it’s safe to apply sunscreen to a healed tattoo, fresh ink needs to heal first (instead, cover it with a bandage or loose clothing). Applying sunscreen or any skin product containing unnatural ingredients to a fresh tattoo can hinder the healing process by clogging pores and causing irritation.

COVER UP

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of reapplying sunscreen, the second-best option for protection is to keep your new ink out of the sun altogether. At the very least, ensure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight for the first month of having it, especially during the first two weeks. Sun exposure not only causes the tattoo’s colors to fade, as mentioned earlier, but it may also result in skin burns and scarring.

However, keeping your tattoo out of the sun doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all day. To preserve your ink’s vibrant colors and linework, always wear at least one layer while in the sun. It can be lightweight as long as it fully covers your fresh ink. While it might feel restrictive and somewhat counter-intuitive to conceal your ink, you’ll appreciate the decision in the long run. A prematurely faded tattoo isn’t just unattractive; it’s also a waste of your investment.

Best time to get tattooed

Another simple way to prevent sun damage to your tattoo is to consider the time of year when you’ll be getting inked. Opting for a tattoo in the winter reduces your bare exposure to the sun, as colder weather necessitates more layers to keep warm.

However, the winter season often leads to dry skin. If your skin tends to feel dry, flaky, and itchy during colder months, make sure to use plenty of moisturizing lotions. Apply them day and night for intense moisture and protection.

Tattoos aren’t cheap so take precautions and protect your skin and your work!

Check out the Tattoo Aftercare for more information.