How to protect your tattoos from the sun

If you have tattoos, this one’s for you! Have you ever experienced the pit in your stomach from looking at photos of faded tattoos that didn’t last the test of time? Don’t fear, because we have tips to keep your tattoos looking fresh over time while staying safe from the sun! Sun safety is important year-round on tattooed and non-tattooed parts of your body to protect yourself from cáncer de piel.

Getting a new tattoo

First, let’s talk about the best time to make an appointment. You may be surprised to learn that many tattoo artists recommend getting new tats in the fall or winter, so you don’t have to worry as much about the sun—plus, you won’t be able to swim for a certain amount of time after your appointment. Keep your summer plans in mind if you’re hoping to get a tat then. Do you have any vacations scheduled where you’ll be bummed to stay inside?

So, you had your appointment. Congrats, you have a new, beautiful tattoo! In the few weeks after your tattoo appointment, your skin is still healing (it’s an open wound!), so you can’t apply sunscreen yet. Instead, stay out of the sun and cover your tattoo with clothing. Your tattoo artist will tell you when it’s okay to put sunscreen on it—usually in two to four weeks.

But, once your tattoo is healed, treat it like the rest of your body (but with a little extra caution).

Here are our tips for healed tattoos:

SPF is your best friend

Cover your tattoos (and the rest of your body) with broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This can also preserve the color and shape of your tats. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours. It’s even important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days too!

Stay in the shade

Keep your tattoos out of direct sunlight when possible. The tattoos that get the most sun exposure will fade the fastest.

Moisturize

After you’ve been in the sun (or just because), moisturize using a tattoo balm or lotions with ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage your skin and make your tattoos fade faster. Tattooed skin does not protect against skin cancer, so protect yourself—and your gorgeous tats—by staying sun-conscious.

LEER TAMBIÉN | Consejos de belleza de verano para mantener la piel sana