Do you think wearing sunscreen only protects your skin from the scorching sun and harmful ultraviolet rays? But what about that piece of art tattooed on your skin? We bet you’re forgetting to slather a good amount of sunscreen on your ink. Yes, you read that right.
And, if you’ve just gotten some new ink or you’ve already had tattoos for years, applying sunscreen on them is one of the most important steps in your body care routine. Sunscreen doesn’t just protect your skin; it also prevents your inks from prematurely fading. Your tattoo will fade over time due to your body’s normal metabolic clearance, but the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation will accelerate the process.
Will The Sun Cause My Tattoo To Fade?
In simple words, yes Direct exposure to the sun will cause your tattoo to fade over time. But here’s where sunscreen comes to your rescue! Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is entirely safe for tattoos as long as the skin has fully healed from the wound caused while inking. SPF actually has the opposite impact once your tattoo has healed: it helps your tattoo stay brighter and fresher than if you didn’t use sunscreen on a daily basis.
Why Is It Important To Use Sunscreen On Your Inked Spots On Your Body?
UVA and UVB are two forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. UVA and UVB radiation can damage your skin and alter the appearance of your tattoo if you don’t use sunscreen.
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Your Tattoos
Check The Ingredients Before You Buy One
If you’re still recuperating from your tattoos, use a fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid irritation and inflammation on your skin. There’s no reason to add known allergens to an already irritated area, right? Remember that it’s not only about the sunscreen—moisturising your skin will help it heal faster (when it’s new) and prevent it from fading (once it’s healed). To keep your skin healthy, choose a sunscreen containing lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane.
Decide Your Type: Mineral vs. Chemical Formulas
The best SPF for your tattoo is the one you’ll use every day. A mineral sunscreen is by far the best dermatologist-approved option. Chemical sunscreens contain chemical-based sunblockers (such as oxybenzone and octinoxate) that absorb UV radiation, which can be uncomfortable for sensitive or freshly tattooed skin. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, act as a physical barrier against the sun that lies on top of your skin.
Consider The Coverage You Need
Look for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Start with a higher SPF, such as SPF 50, if your tattoo is new, because the skin has been recently punctured with needles and is more susceptible to sun exposure. Also, the amount of sunscreen you apply plays an important role. So applying a quarter-sized dollop of sunscreen to a three- or four-inch tattoo is relatively safe to thoroughly cover and protect it.
.png)
Sunscreen will protect your tattoos like a superhero!
Featured Image: Pexels
