How To Protect New Tattoos From Sun Exposure
After the time, money, and let’s be real—the pain involved with getting a new tattoo, the last thing you want is to jeopardize your fresh ink by breaking one of the most important post-tattoo rules: exposing your tattoo to the sun. And unless you want to pay for frequent touch-ups, trust us when we say new tattoos and sun exposure don’t mix.
The 7 Golden Tattoo Aftercare Tips to Keep Your Tattoo Safe From the Sun
But you don’t have to just take our word for it! According to Tattoo Goo, the seven golden tattoo aftercare rules are:
- Don’t remove the bandage sooner than your tattoo artist tells you to.
- Gently wash your tattoo at least twice each day with a tattoo safe soap.
- Avoid the urge to scratch!
- Avoid water for the first two weeks.
- Moisturize regularly.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your tattooed area for the first two weeks.
- Avoid sun exposure whenever possible with UV-blocking sunscreen and UPF clothing, like our men's sun protective tees or our women's UPF 50+ shirts.
We may not be able to monitor your every move as your tattoo heals, but as your trusted UPF 50+ certified friends, we can help guide you through how to protect tattoos from the sun, whether they’re brand new or a little bit older.
How to Protect Tattoos From Sun With Two Essential Items
It’s recommended that tattoos remain out of direct sunlight for at least the first month, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear once that time is up. Sun exposure can still cause colors to fade, which is why it’s always best to protect your tattoo from sun exposure whenever possible.
Here are the two easiest ways to avoid old or new tattoo sun exposure.
Wear UPF 50+ Tattoo Sun Protection Clothing
First, try UPF 50+ apparel. If you got a tattoo during summer, try our men’s swimwear and women’s swimwear collections. We have long-sleeve swim shirts you can wear on the beach or at the pool that will keep your skin protected from over 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
Also, if you just want to keep a certain area of your body protected, like if you got a tattoo on your arm, for example, check out our UPF 50+ bamboo sleeves.
Are you worried about tattoo sun exposure in the winter? Not to fret! Many of our UPF 50+ apparel items can be worn year-round for optimal sun protection whenever and wherever you go.
These lightweight, breathable layers are great for winter activities and fit nicely under your cold-weather gear, all while best protecting your skin (and new tattoo) from any possible sun exposure. We highly recommend our UPF 50+ fleece for men or women.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly
The next best option for how to protect fresh tattoos from the sun is to wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. It’s best to apply sunscreen every few hours for optimal tattoo sun protection.
Sunscreen can sometimes be the easiest way to cover your tattoo if your tattoo is located somewhere you cannot easily cover with UPF 50+ fabric, like your ankles, or feet—as long as you are diligent about reapplying.
Be sure to browse our collection of sunscreen and UPF swimwear and clothing to keep your tattoos protected all year long.
