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.

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.