DISCOVER WHY THE SUN IS THE FIRST TATTOO ENEMY

When you get a tattoo, you get it forever. However people forget that tattoos are something you should take care of. Without proper sun protection, the beauty and longevity of your tattoo will be impact and will be faded.

One of the biggest enemies of tattoos is the sun and more specifically UV rays. In this article, we share why protecting all tattoos from the sun is crucial, from a scientific perspective, and we will provide you some pro tips so your tattoo can shine forever.

Tattoo enemies, UV rays

The first reason you should be protecting your tattoo from the sun are ultraviolet (UV) rays. You have 3 types of UV: ( A,B and C). But only UVA and UVB rays are capable of penetrating the skin and destroying the ink pigments that were injected into the dermis during the tattooing process. Under the effect of the UV, The pigment break down and are responsible of tattoo fading

In this article we will explain you the science behind UV rays and how they affect your tattoos, the risks of sun exposure.

How bad sun is for Tattoos?

Sunlight is one of the biggest threats to the long-term vibrancy of tattoos. the UV rays make your pigment weaker so it changes the color and consequently make you tattoo looks older

1. Understand the Ink Pigment Decomposition by UV Radiation

1) Tattoo ink is composed of small particles of pigment located in a specific zone of the skin called "the dermis", which is the second layer of skin. 

2) UV rays go into the skin and targeting the dermis , oxidizing the ink and breaking it into smaller molecules.

3) The ink is now broken into small molecules (so weaker and less resistant). The natural immune process will make the body gradually absorb those particules. Overtime this process makes the tattoo fade.

<💡To compare: It’s similar to the way a painted wall, when it’s left outside in the sunlight, will eventually lose its coloration because it’s constantly exposed to the light. Your tattoo goes through the same process.

2. Sunlight Interacts Differently With Colors

Not all colors of ink will fade in the same way. Some pigments are more sensitive to UVs than others:

• Lighter colors (yellow, orange, pink, white):  Lighter colors mean less pigment in general. Consequently under the effect of the sun, these particles will disintegrate faster than darker colors
  
  
• Blue and green ink:These colors can be considered more resistant to the sun. However, the color will turn  grey over time if the skin is not properly protected.
  
  
• Black and dark ink: As darker colors are more resistant, black ink is the one that fades the least. However it is not an exception! If you don't take care of your tattoo, it will disappear slowly or even turn a bit brown as time goes by.

💡Pro Tip: For tattoos that have a lot of light or pastel colors, it’s even more important to protect them from the sun. They are the most fragile.

3. Skin Type and UV Sensitivity Affect Tattoo Fading

Your skin type also plays a role in how fast UV rays fade a tattoo:

• Fair skin: This type of skin is more sensitive to sunlight with an Increasing risk of sunburn and UV damage. Consequently, tattoos on fair skin used to fade faster.
  
  
• Darker skin tones: Naturally, darker skin used to resist more from UVB rays which slows fading
  
  
• Oily skin: It used to Grip ink very well, but too much sun exposure can dull tattoos faster.

💡Pro Tip : Regardless of what skin type you have, wearing sunscreen is very important so your tattoo doesn’t fade and doesn’t look washed out.

How to protect New Tattoos Against the Sun

When you just got a new fresh tattoo, this is the most "at risk" moment, because this is when the sun is the most damaging since your skin is still recovering. A new tattoo is like an open wound, making it easy to get infections, irritation, or fade quicker. We can't say It enough: Without protection, the sun is your tattoo's worst enemy !

✅ What to do:

• For a minimum of 3–4 weeks with the healing, avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear large, UV-protective clothes over the tattoo to block it from the sun.
• But DO NOT put sunscreen on a new tattoo the first week, it irritates the wound and can delay healing.

💡Pro Tip: When in the sun, dress your tattoo in a clean, breathable bandage or, better yet, find UPF-filtering garments.

How to Protect a Freshly Healed Tattoo From the Sun

Even after your tattoo fully heals, sun damage is a serious risk.Left unprotected, the sun can fade ink, even decades later. Tattoos are forever and you should take care of them.

1. Sunscreen Is Your Tattoo’s Best Friend

You need a suncreen that will protect you from UVa and UVb Rays to keep your tattoo safe

✅ What to do:

• Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen  (even SPF 50) whenever your tattoo is exposed to the sun.
• Use mineral-based sunscreens(with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) as they provide a physical barrier against UV rays.
• Reapply every 2 hours, especially after sweat and swimming.

• Avoid Peak Sunlight Hours: Avoid direct sun between 10 AM - 4 PM when UV rays are at their max

💡Pro Tip: For better effect, try to find a tattoo-specific sunscreens, which are made to guard your ink without blocking pores.

2. Sun Damage Can Occur on Cloudy Days

• 80% of UV radiation still hits the skin when it’s overcast.
• “Water, sand and concrete bounce UV rays,” leading to faster tattoo fading.
• UV radiation exposure rises in high-altitude settings (mountains),hastening ink degradation.

💡&ltPro Tip:In high-exposure environments(beach, mountains), put on extra sunscreen and cover your tattoo whenever possible.

Health Risks: UV Penetration and Tattooed Skin

Sun exposure isn’t solely an issue for tattoo fading, it impacts skin health too.

1. Higher Risk of Skin Cancer

• UV rays are a major cause of melanoma and other skin cancers.
• Tattooed skin could make it more difficult to identify early signs of skin cancer(Dermatology of seattle & Bellevue).

✅What to do:

• Examine your tattoo periodically for new moles, lumps, or skin changes.
• If you lumps, changes in color, or asymmetrical edges, go see a dermatologist right away.

💡Last Pro Tip:If your tattoo hides a mole or birthmark, watch it carefully or consult a dermatologist for advice.

✅The key takeaways:

• UV rays will degrade ink pigments, meaning they’ll fade way sooner.
• You have to to extra protection to your New tattoos. Do not expose during the healing stage to the sun.
• Regularly use an SPF 30+ sunscreen for longer (the longer you do it, the better your protection will be!).
• Wear UPF clothing avoid direct sun during peak hours.
• Follow your tattoo for changes in skin and see a dermatologist if necessary.

With some simple precautions, you can ensure that your tattoo stays looking fresh and bright for years to come!