Tattoos and sun exposure Saving tattoos from the summer sun

In the hot summer sun, people with tattoos need extra protection from UV rays so their skin doesn’t burn or camouflage skin cancer. The sun can cause tattoos to fade and, worse yet, the colors can be a hindrance to screening for cancer.

You got just the perfect tattoo and you're proud to show it off during the sunny months. But the sun can quickly fade your tattoo, forcing you to get expensive touch-ups. Luckily, there are some things you can do, other than hiding your tattoo from the sun (and from every one else), to protect it from sun damage.

~Instructions~ 1 Apply sunscreen to the tattoo at the highest SPF (at least SPF 30) you can find and reapply every couple of hours, after swimming or after sweating excessively. Protect the rest of your skin from sun damage as well by applying sunblock. 2 Watch for times when you should apply sunblock to your tattoo, such as going on an afternoon walk or going to an outdoor activity such as a zoo. 3 Make it a part of your morning regime to apply sunblock to your tattoo if it's a lower arm tattoo, a hand tattoo, a facial tattoo or a neck tattoo, if your hair doesn't cover it. If you wear a lot of tank tops or low rise pants during the summer, apply sunblock to your tattoos in the morning, just in case. These places receive a great deal of sunlight during the day, probably more than you realize, and you may not think of applying sunblock before it's too late. 4 Protect new tattoos by keeping them covered for the first few months. Sunlight fades new tattoos very quickly. Do not apply sunblock to brand new tattoos for a few weeks; wait until it's healed. 5 Consider purchasing products such as Color Guard Spray. Designed specifically for tattoos, these products protect tattoos from the sun.

Uva/Uvb Sunscreen Helps Protect Against Uv Rays That Can Fade Or Blur Tattoos. Won't Irritate Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Formula Great For Larger Tattooed Areas

You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized instruments and pigment. The long term appearance of your tattoo is dependent on the care it receives in the next few days. Following these instructions will insure that it heals quickly and remains attractive. After approximately 2 to 4 hours, remove the bandage that the artist applied. If you notice that the bandage has dried to the tattoo simply wet the bandage with luke warm water and remove it slowly. Wash the tattoo with a mild hand soap and warm water, rubbing the tattoo with your fingers until all of the dried blood has been removed. DO NOT scrub or wash your tattoo with any type of abrasive cloth. Once the tattoo is clean, blot it dry (being careful not to use anything abrasive). Allow the tattoo to air dry for approximately 30 minutes. Then once the tattoo is dry to the touch, apply a very small amount of A&D ointment (available for purchase at the front desk) to the tattoo. Massage the ointment into the tattoo with your fingertip. It is VERY important that you use a very tiny amount of A&D ointment, just enough to make it moist. If you see a greasy sheen, you have applied too much ointment. If this occurs, gently wipe the excess off. Clean the tattoo and apply the A&D ointment twice a day for the first 2-3 days. After the third day, stop using the A&D ointment. Begin using a mild hand lotion 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is completely healed. For the first two weeks, do NOT go into the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, tanning bed, or lay out in the sun. The only exposure to water should be your regular showers. Be careful not to let the shower water beat directly on the tattoo for an extended period of time. Do NOT re-bandage the tattoo. Use only A&D ointment. Keep clean, loose clothing over the new tattoo. Do NOT scratch, pick at, or peal the new tattoo. Do NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. Once the tattoo is healed we recommend using 15-30 SPF sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed to the sun REMEMBER the tattoo is YOUR responsibility once you leave the tattoo studio.