How do you protect your new tattoos from fading in the sun?
Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or expanding your ink collection, tattoos are often a memento of something deeply personal or a form of artistic self-expression. Or sometimes they just fall into the questionable category of “a time in my life when I was super into Buddhist philosophy, Chinese script - and Jacob.”
In any case, if you want your tattoo to last, sunscreen is going to be your best defence against fading over time as a result of sun damage.
It’s not all about looks - a tattoo is a wound on your skin so you need to know how to protect it from fading over time.
How To Shield Your Tattoos From The Sun: Aftercare Steps
Now that you’ve got yourself a new tattoo, you need to protect it from harmful UV rays which could increase the chance of discoloration, pigmentation or even infection. Similarly, you need to protect all your beautiful ink art from fading as UV exposure slowly degrades the ink.
If it recently dawned on you that the cute kitten tattoo you got in your 20s is looking far more like a saggy tiger, it might be time to play it safe and apply SPF.
So, where to start?
Ideally, you want to look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF coverage which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll need to wear it every day, rain or shine to protect your tattoo. Plus, broad-spectrum SPF will save you from ever developing discoloured tattoos, darkening scars or from a lobster-orange sunburn.
As for when you have just left the tattoo parlour, make sure you listen to your tattoo artist’s recommendations. As a general rule, most recommend leaving the covering over your tattoo for 2 to 5 hours after getting it done. After this time, you remove the covering and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and soap. Typically you then put a moisturizer over the wound and (depending on the recommendation), most professionals suggest placing clingfilm over it.
How To Choose the Best Sunscreen For Sun Protection
A great SPF will protect your skin from premature ageing, fading tattoos and skin cancer, so should apply it all year round for multiple reasons. So, how do we find a sunscreen that ticks every box - an SPF that feels great on application, sits well under makeup, doesn’t leave a white cast and also protects our tattoos?
Our Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen possesses star active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate and is designed to protect your tattoos and skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as from pollution and smog.
If you’re searching for a mineral sunscreen, then Rosé S’il Vous Plait SPF30 offers SPF30 broad-spectrum protection, Hyaluronic Acid for adding moisture to the skin as well as cucumber and green tea to help prevent skin damage.
No matter what sunscreen you choose, remember your SPF checklist:
- Does it say broad-spectrum on the label?
- Is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher? The number represents how long the sunscreen will protect your skin.
- Does it offer any hydrating or antioxidant properties?
- What consistency do you prefer? There are SPF creams, sprays, lotions and different variations worth looking into if you have a strong preference in texture and application.
- Is it cruelty-free? Our sunscreens will always be cruelty-free and oxybenzone-free so you don’t have to worry. Plus our packaging is made from certified recycled paper and printed with planet-loving soy-based ink.
Making the investment in an effective sunscreen means your skin (and body!) will thank you later in life.
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