
10 Best Sun Protection For Tattoos & Their Reviews
Finding the best sun protection for tattoos can be a harrowing experience.
Tattoos can fade in time and exposure to the sun only helps in the process, so best sunscreen is a must if you want to keep your body art vibrant for a long time.
Thus, to keep your tattoos looking fresh and new, you should check out some of the best sunscreens for tattoos.
1. ProTan INK TATTOO FADE SUN SHIELD STICK SPF 30 by Pro Tan
ProTan Ink Tattoo sunscreen stick has colorbrite technology that revitalizes the appearance of the tattoos and keeps tattooed skin bright and fresh.
This sunscreen for tattoos has a broad spectrum SPF 30, which prevents sunburn.
Pros & Benefits:
- Waterproof and nongreasy
- The sunscreen stick is extra wide and handy
- Cotton candy smell
- Protects against UVA & UVB rays
- Sweatproof, suitable for all weather conditions
- Non-tacky finish tattoo sunscreen
2. CannaSmack Ink Guard SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen & Ink Fade Shield Stick
CannaSmack Ink guard contains Cannabis Sativa seed oil and has a silky formulation and moisturizing ingredients that protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays.
Ingredients such as Beeswax, Aloe Vera extract, Coconut oil, and Sunflower oil provide protection and reduce the blurring/fading of tattoos when exposed to the sun.
This sunscreen stick allows easy and full tattoo coverage.
Pros & Benefits:
- Rich in Omega 2 and Omega 6 fatty acid providing hydration for the skin
- Color and fragrance-free
- Hemp balm helps to keep your skin silky smooth
- Minimizes the fading of the tattoo
3. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun bum is entirely natural and a perfect product for very sensitive skin as it provides a broad spectrum SPF 15 to SPF 70.
This product has vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals that prevent skin aging.
Pros & Benefits:
- Environmentally friendly
- Provides protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Rich with Vitamin E that helps to prevent skin from aging
- Reef friendly tattoo sunscreen
- Paraben and oil-free
- 100% vegan product
- Water-resistant sunscreen (up to 80 minutes in water)
- Gluten-free
4. H2Ocean Surfers Choice Tattoo Care Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Reef Safe & Water Resistant
Are you a Surfer with tattoos?
The best choice is this H2Ocean Surfers choice.
As most surfers use sunscreen, according to estimates, almost 14,000 tons get washed off into the sea, which is causing harm to the corals.
This tattoo spray sunscreen contains Red Sea minerals, so it doesn’t harm the corals.
It also contains moisturizing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, which soothes the skin and protects it from UV rays.
Pros & Benefits:
- Oil-free spray sunscreen
- Reef safe
- Fragrance-free
- Water-resistant
- Good for all skin types
- UVA & UVB protection
- With broad-spectrum SPF 50
5. Tattoo Goo Renew Enhancing Lotion SPF 30
Tattoo Goo Renew Enhancing sunscreen lotion contains a combination of vitamins, herbs, and other beneficial ingredients that take care of healing and protect your fresh tattoo.
Tattoo Goo contains 95% of natural ingredients, such as olive oil and vitamins A, D, and E.
It is not only good for very sensitive skin but also protects it from harmful UV rays and revives the color of the old tattoo.
Pros & Benefits:
- The faster healing time of a fresh tattoo
- Revives and gives a vibrant look for the older tattoos
- Has a silky texture and nongreasy
- Tattoo sunscreen with quick absorption
- Doesn’t clog skin pores
- Light and easy to apply
- Petroleum and linoleum free
- Can treat cuts, grazes, sunburn, and windburn
6. Australian Gold SPF 50 Tattoo Stick
Gold broad spectrum SPF 50 Tattoo stick sunscreen prevents ink discoloration in tattoos.
Sunflower oil, olive oil, and tea tree extract in the stick hydrate and keep the skin youthful.
Vitamin E in the tattoo stick sunscreen is great for sensitive skin and protects it from damaging free radicals.
Pros & Benefits:
- Pocket-sized, easy to use
- Shea Butter provides ultimate moisture
- Perfect for in/outdoor tanning of tattoos
- SPF 50 will prevent sun damage
- UVA/UVB Protection
- Slows the fading process
- Provides intense moisture
7. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+ has everything that you can ask from a tattoo sunscreen.
It is a water-resistant mineral sunscreen (usually called physical sunscreen) that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Without any other chemical ingredients, this product protects us from 97% of burning rays.
Pros & Benefits:
- Water-resistant sunscreen (up to 40 minutes)
- No skin-irritating parabens
- Fragrance-free
- UVA/UVB Protection
- Broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+
- Won’t clog pores on your tattooed skin
- Sweatproof
- Oxybenzone and octinoxate free
- Contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Antioxidant-rich formula
8. INK-EEZE Ink Shield UVA/UVB Blocking SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
To reduce sun damage, keep your tattoos from fading, and keep your artwork as vibrant as possible, try Ink Shield UVA/UVB Blocking SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen with green tea extract, carrot extract, and Licorice extract.
It is the first sunscreen with the INK-barrier technology.
Tea extract acts as a natural antioxidant.
Carrot extract aids anti-aging properties as it has carotenoids.
Licorice extract helps with inflammatory issues.
Cucumber extract is part of the ingredients for the natural soothing of the skin.
Pros & Benefits:
- Environment friendly
- UVA / UVB Blocking
- Vegan – friendly
- Natural scent
- Uses natural plant extracts
- Tattoo broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+
- Non-greasy
- Has a high moisturizing effect on dry skin
9. TattooMed Sun Protection Stick SPF30
TattooMed protects against sun damage and the color loss of your tattoo.
It contains panthenol and Vitamin E, both great for sensitive skin.
This sunscreen makes skin soft and helps to keep it hydrated.
TattooMed Sun Protection stick sunscreen keeps tattoos bright and colorful for an extended period.
Pros & Benefits:
- Highly active UVA/UVB broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Helps tattoo to look vibrant
- Easy to apply
- 100% vegan tattoo protection
- Paraben-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Nongreasy, allows the skin to breathe
- Ideal for healed tattoos
- Protects from irreversible damage such as premature aging and fading
10. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion product is a shout-out for all the active tattoos!!!
This lotion is formulated for sensitive skin.
Its power stay technology keeps the ingredients active for a long time and provides optimal protection against sun rays.
Pros & Benefits:
- Lightweight, breathable, and a tattooed skin absorbs it quickly
- Cost-effective sunscreen lotion
- Fragrance-free
- Aids fast absorption
- Sweat and water-resistant sunscreen (up to 80 minutes)
What Are Tattoos?
Tattoos are considered body art, a form of expression.
They are the oldest form of art.
Tattoos are permanent markings or insertions of ink tattoo artists apply by piercing the skin with a small needle.
Once a tattoo artist applies the ink is to the dermis, it takes time for the wounds to heal and expose the tattoo design.
Tattoos have been practiced globally since the Neolithic era.
What Are the Origins of Tattoos?
The word tattoo has come from the Samoan word “Tatau.”
Initially, tattoos were small lines with powdered charcoal rubbed into cuts on the body.
Ancient people believed that tattoos relieved pain.
The purpose of the tattoo is usually to express one’s feelings and religious beliefs.
Also, tattoos marked slaves and criminals.
Tattoo with color usually takes a lot of time to complete compared to the black ones.
Often, tattoos placed near the bone or nerve areas such as the knee and spine will cause severe pain.
Detailing vary with the different tattoos and techniques and the area of the body that’s being tattooed.
For your first tattoo, you should consider putting it in a thicker area of your body.
What Are Tattoo Styles?
Traditional:
- The unique features of this style are its bold lines, bright colors, and iconic designs such as roses, anchors, and various symbols and objects
- The most popular designs are skulls and anchors
Realistic:
- Developed and popularized in the 20th century
- Realistic depictions of characters and objects
Watercolor:
- The watercolor style is now in trend
- Artists make all sorts of imaginative and elegiac pieces using this innovative approach
Tribal:
- Considered indigenous body art, these types of tattoos are the oldest in the world
- Polynesian body art originates from Marquesan or Māori tattoos
New School:
- This style rose to importance in the weirdness during the late ’80s and early ’90s
- It has currently faded in popularity
- The method is cartoonish and weird, featuring caricatures and other exaggerated figures.
Neo Traditional:
- Neo-traditional, as the name proposes, it is a spin-off from the traditional style
- Tattoos created using this style are known for their luxurious style, attractive details
- The images come from nature such as flowers, animals, and sceneries
- This style uses beautiful colors
Japanese:
- The traditional Japanese style originated during the Edo period (1603-1868)
- Woodblock prints were popular among the merchant class
- Depictions come from the country’s traditional stories
Blackwork:
- Blackwork is a complete definite term
- Many wonders can be created with adaptable and outstanding black ink
Illustrative:
- Many methods and art movements contributed to this style
- Tattoo designs include engravings, intellectual expressionism, and even beautiful line calligraphy
Chicano:
The Chicano style influences other techniques.
- Immersed in the history of things such as the Mexican Revolution, Los Angeles low-riders, and Pachuco culture
- Usually, there are fine lines: black or grey and wrapped up in the Chicano culture
Applying a good sunscreen for tattoos will give a moisturizing effect that will keep the skin fresh.
Sunscreen is crucial as it plays a vital role in protecting a tattoo from harmful UV rays.
Also, as the skin cells die, the tattoo starts fading.
The sun is the great enemy of tattoos.
They make the color of the tattoo dull.
Sunscreen should not be used until the tattoos are fully healed.
A fresh tattoo should be kept hidden from the sun for two weeks.
Tattoo artists highly recommend the use of sunscreens.
What Are the Best Sunscreens for a Tattoo?
Below are a few things you should consider when selecting one of the best sunscreens for your tattooed skin.
Form – You can opt for either spray sunscreen or lotion that you can rub into the skin for a protective layer against UV rays.
Broad Spectrum Protection – The main important thing is it should give protection against UVA and UVB rays which are harmful to both tattoo and skin.
Water-resistance – You should choose a water-resistant sunscreen that will keep you protected for at least 30 to 80 minutes.
The ingredients – Sunscreen lotion should be away from nontoxic elements most crucial factor is it should be paraben-free.
By protecting the skin from UV rays, the best sunscreens protect us from skin cancer, which could be detected in its late stage.
It also protects us from the uncomfortable feeling of sunburn.
Sunburn can also be painful, too.
We can all avoid this experience by applying sunscreen whenever we go out.
Also, remember that sunscreen prevents sunburn and premature aging, such as wrinkles and leathery skin.
By the way, sunscreen doesn’t work immediately.
You should put the sunscreen on 15 minutes before going out or doing any activity under the sun.
Remember to reapply the sunscreen every two hours or as recommended.
What Are the Risks of Tattoos?
Below are a few of the side effects of tattoos.
Allergic Reactions
Tattoos can cause allergic reactions.
This is mainly due to the colored dyes such as red, green, and blue.
It usually causes itchiness on the tattoo area.
These allergies can occur even after years of the tattoo being inked.
Skin Infections
Severe skin inflammation and infection may appear after tattooing.
Granuloma forms around a tattoo.
It sometimes causes an overgrowth of the scar tissue.
This leads to keloids around the tattoo area.
Blood Borne Diseases
A tattoo artist should sterilize the needle before use.
Infected blood contaminates needles.
The person who gets tattooed can suffer from various blood-borne diseases.
These diseases include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
MRI Complications
Swelling or burning occurs in the tattooed areas /permanent makeup during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams.
The tattoo can react with the magnetic force because of the tattoo pigments in many cases.
The irritated inked area requires treatment and medication.
Use the appropriate sunscreen to avoid complications.
How to Take Care of a Tattoo?
Tattoo sunscreens will help you protect your body art.
The responsibility to take care of your fresh tattoos depends on the type and extent of the tattoo design.
You will have to keep the areas of the skin that have been inked clean where.
Wash it with light soap and water, never rub the tattoo, just give a gentle pat.
Redirect hot showers away from the tattoo.
Pat dry the area immediately.
Avoid direct sun exposure of the tattooed area until the tattoo is completely healed, usually for two weeks.
Also, you should avoid sticky materials and tight clothes.
You should apply moisturizer when staying under the sun, surfing, or swimming.
Until the tattoo heals, avoid swimming.
Don’t mess with the scabs as they increase the chance of infections and further scarring.
You should be consulting a doctor if the allergy persists or the healing takes a long time.
Final Thoughts
A small tip while inking the tattoo is to drink plenty of water.
This will help you take ink easier on the skin surface.
The best sunscreens for tattoos should nourish your skin, be water-resistant, and protect you from sun exposure and sunburn.
Remember that all skin types need good protection from harmful UV rays as direct and prolonged sun exposure is harmful to our bodies.
Skin protection is a must for everyone, especially for those with fresh tattoos.
Besides, for better protection, make sure to check out solar-powered hats!
If you have any questions or comments, please, leave them in the section below.