Tattoos and Sun: How to Protect Them

Tattoos are for life, but their appearance can change over time and it is up to us to preserve their colour and definition while avoiding skin damage. That is why it is essential to keep the effects of the sun on tattoos in mind and protect them properly... At Farmaciasdirect, we explain how to do it. Read on!

Tattoos and sun: what happens if a tattoo is exposed to the sun?

Can the sun hit a tattoo? Solar radiation has different negative effects on our skin, especially when it is tattooed:

• The pigment and ink can start to fade: UVA and UVB radiation make the pigment fade, causing the tattoo to lose colour, shape and sharpness.
• Burns and/or irritation can occur: tattooed skin is more sensitive and more vulnerable, making it more prone to burns, inflammation, scarring or infection.

In addition, we should remember that sun exposure can lead to the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles and other risks and conditions such as cancer.

How to care for tattoos in summer

Can you get a tattoo in summer?

Getting a tattoo in summer is possible, as long as the right care is followed. While the heat and dry climate can help make healing easier, it is important to bear in mind the dangers of the sun. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid the beach and the swimming pool for at least two weeks, as salty water and pool chlorine can irritate the area.

When can a tattoo be exposed to the sun?

A new tattoo, a recent one, is a wound that should not be exposed directly to the sun during the first 2-4 weeks. In these cases:

• We should avoid getting tattoos at times of year when we know we will be exposed to the sun more often and more intensely.
• We should cover the tattoo with soft cotton clothing.
• We should avoid direct sun, beaches and swimming pools.
• Clean, hydrate and heal the skin properly.

Sunscreen for tattoos

What happens if a tattoo is exposed to the sun? Whenever there is sun exposure, we should use sunscreen on our tattoos. If the tattoo is recent, it should not be applied until it has fully healed, although the protective measures mentioned above should still be followed. Apply it 20 minutes before direct sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours, after swimming or after heavy sweating.

How do you choose the right one?

To achieve the best sun protection, it is important to pay close attention to the following key points, which will make sunscreen the best ally for protecting our tattoos:

• A 50+ sun filter.
• A sun filter that protects against different types of radiation.
• A texture that allows you to cover the tattoo properly and create full coverage.

At Farmaciasdirect, we recommend looking after tattoos in the same way we care for any other part of the body, valuing them not only for aesthetics, but also for health. Keep in mind that:

• You should avoid sun exposure during the middle hours of the day, as it is stronger then.
• Hydrate your skin every day.
• Cleanse and wash the skin without irritating it, using gentle products.
• Repair and protect the area with topical products formulated with active ingredients such as panthenol, aloe vera, allantoin, glycerine and vitamin E, which soothe, hydrate and protect.

Tattoos in summer: the best routine to protect them from the sun and its effects

Eucerin Oleogel Shower Oil

This is a shower gel enriched with natural oils that provide intense nourishment for the skin, leaving the area protected and the skin barrier reinforced. Eucerin Oleogel can even be used for frequent washing.

Aquaphor Ointment

This tattoo cream is the ideal product for both the tattoo healing process and daily care before and after sun exposure. This is because Aquaphor ointmentspeeds up skin regeneration while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.

Its formula is rich in bisabolol, panthenol and glycerine. It contains no water, fragrances or preservatives.

Sunscreen for tattoos from Heliocare and Avene

• For smaller tattoos or tattoos exposed to the sun every day, we recommend Heliocare Solar Stick. Although it says it is paediatric, adults can use it too, with the added benefit that it not only protects against the sun but also repairs the skin barrier. In this way, we create full coverage over the tattoo and strengthen the skin barrier.
• For larger tattoos or a greater amount of tattooed skin, we recommend Avene Body Sun Cream; it meets all the requirements we are looking for and its texture spreads and absorbs easily without leaving any greasy feeling.

As you can see, sun and tattoos do not have to be incompatible. Well-cared-for tattoos are the ones that last a lifetime. By incorporating products into our daily hygiene and moisturising routine that repair, regenerate, protect and soothe the skin barrier, together with proper sun protection, we can keep our tattoo in summer looking more vibrant than ever and beautifully defined.