Just like the rest of your skin, tattoos are susceptible to the damaging effects of UV rays. Without proper protection, the sun can cause tattoo ink to fade, blur, and even change colour over time. More importantly, unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

By taking simple steps to shield our tattoos from the sun, we can keep them looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come while also prioritising our skin's health.

Tattoo ink is particularly vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they break down the pigments in ink, causing them to fade and lose their vibrancy over time. This process is known as photodegradation, and it can
affect all tattoo colours, although lighter colours like yellow, pink, and white are more susceptible.

In addition to fading, sun exposure can cause tattoos to blur and lose their sharpness, as the ink particles spread out beneath the skin. The result is a tattoo that looks dull, washed-out, and less defined than it once did.

While the aesthetic effects of sun damage on tattoos are concerning, the potential health risks are even more serious. Prolonged sun exposure can cause a range of skin problems, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of cancer.

Tattoos can make it more difficult to detect the early signs of cancer, as the ink can obscure changes in moles or other skin irregularities. This is particularly worrying for those with large or darkly coloured tattoos, as they may not notice a suspicious spot until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

Moreover, some studies have suggested that tattoos may increase the skin's sensitivity to UV, making tattooed skin more susceptible to sun damage. This is thought to be due to the way that ink absorbs and scatters UV light, which can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the surrounding skin cells.

Given the potential risks of sun exposure to both the appearance of tattoos and the health of the skin, it's
clear that sun protection should be a top priority for anyone with tattoos.

By taking proactive steps to shield tattoos from UV, we can help preserve the integrity of our tattoos and reduce the risk of developing cancer and other sun-related damage.

It's important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if you're sweating heavily or swimming. Water, sweat, and friction can all cause sunscreen to rub off or lose its effectiveness over time, so it's crucial to reapply regularly to maintain optimal protection. If you're swimming, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen and use as soon as you get out of the water.

Covering tattoos with clothing or accessories when
possible

In addition to wearing sunscreen, covering your tattoos with protective clothing or accessories can provide an extra layer of defence against UV. Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, or rash guards to cover larger tattoos, and consider using UV-protective clothing specially designed for outdoor activities.

For smaller tattoos, you can use bandanas, hats, or even stick-on tattoo covers to shield them from the sun. We interviewed Glasgow Tattoo Artist David Carta to get his thoughts on the subject.

Avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during
peak hours

Whenever possible, try to limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm). If you must be outside during these times, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or other protective structures.

Remember that even on cloudy or overcast days, harmful sunlight can still penetrate the skin and cause
damage, so it's important to protect your tattoos year-round.

It's exciting when you have fresh tattoos to display, but you must make sure the tattoo heals, and that you apply suitable tattoo sunscreen on that fresh ink!

Importance of following aftercare instructions

When you get a tattoo, it's crucial to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. This typically involves keeping the tattoo clean and moisturised, avoiding direct sunlight, and protecting the tattoo from friction and irritation.

Failing to follow these instructions can lead to complications such as infection, scarring, or delayed healing, which can ultimately affect the appearance of your new tattoo.

When it's safe to apply sunscreen to a new tattoo

During the initial healing process, which usually lasts 2-4 weeks, it's generally not recommended to apply
sunscreen directly to your new tattoo. This is because the tattooed area is essentially an open wound, and applying sunscreen can cause irritation or introduce bacteria that may lead to infection.

Instead, focus on keeping your tattoo covered with loose, breathable clothing or a sterile dressing when you need to be in the sun.

Once your tattoo has finished peeling and appears fully healed, you can begin applying sunscreen to protect it from UV damage. However, it's still a good idea to do a patch test first to ensure that your skin doesn't react negatively to the sunscreen.

Apply a small amount of sunscreen to a discreet area of your tattoo and wait 24 hours to see if any redness or itching occurs. If your skin tolerates the sunscreen well, you can proceed with applying it regularly to your healed tattoo.

Mineral sunscreen offers the best tattoo sun
protection

A mineral sunscreen is an effective tattoo
sunscreen and ensures you use high quality ingredients and avoid chemical formulas when managing the sun's rays. Look for products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide when looking for the best tattoo sunscreen.

While your tattoo is healing, it's best to avoid direct sunlight altogether to prevent UV damage and reduce the risk of fading or discolouration. If you must be in the sun, there are a few steps you can take to protect your healing tattoo:

• Cover the tattoo with loose, breathable clothing that won't rub or irritate the skin.

• Opt for natural, lightweight fabrics like cotton or bamboo.

• If clothing isn't an option, use a sterile, non-stick dressing to cover the tattoo.

• Make sure the dressing is applied loosely to allow the skin to breathe.

• Stay in the shade as much as possible, and avoid spending prolonged periods in sunlight.

• If your tattoo is in an area that's difficult to cover, consider using a UV-protective sleeve or wrap specifically designed for new tattoos that are healing.

Remember, the key to protecting a new tattoo from the sun is to keep it covered and out of the sun until it's fully healed. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your tattoo heals properly and maintains its vibrancy for years to come.