So, you’ve got yourself a fresh tattoo. Congrats! Whether it’s a small, meaningful design or an intricate sleeve, you’re probably already obsessed with it. But if there’s one thing that can ruin your beautiful new ink faster than a poorly chosen font, it’s the sun.
Sun exposure can fade your tattoo, distort colors, and even cause serious skin irritation if you’re not careful. The sun is harmful to your skin in general, beyond just the ink you've artfully placed within it.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your new tattoo safe from the sun while it heals and beyond.
Why Is the Sun So Bad for a New Tattoo?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” It's hard to fight a winning battle when you don't know what you're up against. The sun can have some pretty bad intentions as far as skin health is concerned.
UV Rays Break Down Tattoo Ink
The ink in your tattoo sits just below the surface of your skin, and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can penetrate deep enough to break it down. Over time, this leads to fading, blurring, and loss of vibrancy.
Sun Exposure Delays Healing
A new tattoo is basically an open wound. Your skin is healing from being repeatedly punctured by needles, and sun exposure can dry it out, cause irritation, and increase the risk of scarring. If your tattoo gets sunburned, expect redness, swelling, and serious discomfort. This can set your healing process back significantly by creating new damage.
Increases Risk of Infection and Blistering
New tattoos are extra sensitive, and prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and peeling, making them more vulnerable to infection. You should also consider the environment you're in. If you're soaking up the sun, you're probably outside around a lot of germs and dirt that are eager to pounce onto your new tattoo.
How Can I Keep My Tattoos Safe From the Sun?
We're specifically focused on keeping your tattoos safe from the sun while it's healing, but technically, you should be keeping your tattoos safe from the sun forever. Pay special attention while your tattoos are healing, and use this opportunity to develop a lifelong routine for sun protection.
Keep It Covered
For the first two to three weeks, your tattoo should stay completely covered when you’re outside. That means no direct sun exposure. Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattooed area. Stick to natural fabrics like cotton to avoid irritation.
Remember, the goal is to keep your healing skin away from UV rays until it’s fully recovered. Once it’s healed, you can start thinking about sunscreen. Until then, fabric is your best friend.
Apply Sunscreen (but Only When Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed!)
A lot of people assume you can just slather sunscreen on a fresh tattoo and be good to go. Nope!
For the first two to three weeks, sunscreen is a no-go because your tattoo is still healing. Sunscreen contains chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your skin and interfere with the healing process.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, sunscreen becomes your best defense against fading and damage. Sunscreen should technically already be a part of your daily routine, even if you don't have any tattoos. If you aren't already in the habit of slathering up, it's time to set aside a few minutes of your daily routine for skin protection.
What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Use?
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula to avoid skin irritation.
Zinc oxide-based sunscreens are great for tattoos because they provide a strong barrier without harsh chemicals. There's some kind of weird rumor floating around that sunscreen is dangerous. It's not even close to being vaguely true.
Please ignore the self-appointed loudmouths and use a real and effective sunscreen. Real sunscreen can save your life by significantly reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. It's no joke—stick with the zinc oxide stuff.
Apply sunscreen generously before going outside, and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Stay Hydrated (Inside and Out)
Hydration plays a huge role in keeping your tattoo looking vibrant. When your skin is healthy and hydrated, your tattoo will heal better and retain its color longer.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin from drying out. Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer (once your tattoo has started peeling) to prevent flakiness and irritation. HUSH CBD tattoo balm fits the bill perfectly. It helps to heal and protect your tattoo. You can keep balming up long after your tattoo is healed to keep your skin soft and your tattoo vibrant.
Be Extra Careful During the Peeling Phase
Around the one-week mark, your tattoo will start peeling (totally normal). The tattoo peeling phase is not the time to slack on sun protection! Don’t pick or peel the skin, and keep it moisturized with a tattoo-safe lotion.
Avoid direct sun exposure (yes, still). This stage is critical because fresh, peeling skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. Even brief exposure can lead to uneven healing or patchy fading.
Final Thoughts: Keep That Ink Covered
Your tattoo is an investment, both financially and artistically. Protecting it from the sun is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do to keep it looking amazing.
A little extra care in the beginning means years of vibrant, long-lasting ink. So, stay in the shade, apply that sunscreen (once it’s healed), and enjoy your beautifully preserved tattoo!
Remember that tattoo aftercare is a lifelong process. It doesn't end when your tattoo is completely healed. The HUSH tattoo aftercare kit can help you keep your ink healthy and vibrant for decades to come.
Sources:
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: What It Is & Its Effect on Your Skin | Cleveland Clinic
