How to Protect Your Tattoo Against the Summer Sun

12/08/2015

Summer is upon us! Great, isn’t it? But just because it’s the summer months doesn’t mean our tattoo machines have been getting any rest; we are continually inundated with back to back tat enthusiasts - but is summer a good time to be getting a tattoo?

Of course it is! You just need to be that bit more sensible.

Tattoos are like little skin kittens, constantly needing reminders that you love them and know they’re there. Tattoos can fade really badly in the sun (unlike kittens) but you are looking at some pretty serious skin problems if you decide to allow your tattoo-sensitive skin to be exposed in the sun. Not only that, a healing tattoo can get stroppy in the sun, meaning that it scabs up pretty bad and can cause little chunks of ink to pull away and be ripped out. And we don’t want that, do we?

Cook_Islands_Tattoo

Fade to Green

Lighter colours can fade into obscurity when the temptation is there to go all suns out, guns out, but as if it couldn’t get any worse, black shades can actually fade to blue or green. Not ideal, is it? The key is to treat everyday like it is sunny if you want to keep your tattoos the way you originally intended because even the UV kicking about around you doesn’t do your art any favours.

Lotion Up

One way to do this is by moisturising your tats up to the eyeballs. Having said that there are chemicals found in sun lotion that can do your tattoo some serious damage, so consult with one of our skin professionals before lathering your tats up straight away. Nevertheless, you do need to keep your tattoo nice and moist to stop it from drying out and *ahem* scabbing over so, again, just have a chat with your tattoo artist once it’s finished.

Cover Up

Now at this point you’re probably thinking we’re sounding a bit like your parent but if you’re seeking advice on how to stop your tattoo from fading... you watch your mouth young man/lady! And go to your room! Well, you don’t have to do that bit. Although staying in the shade would actually be greatly beneficial to the longevity of your tattoo. Keeping a light shirt or trousers on is a great way to protect your tattoo whilst simultaneously preventing yourself from over-heating in the warmer weather.

The Science

It’s not the sun rays that are fading your tattoo but the rays that are killing your skin cells, thus causing ink loss. This is important to remember during the healing process of your tattoo as your skin has not yet recovered and contains substantially less melanin. This melanin helps to protect your skin from the sunlight and with less there to battle the UV rays, your skin and tat are going to pay a hefty price. It is essential to follow the guidelines as set by your tattoo-master and follow them stringently. You don’t want to spend your hard earned cash on a gorgeous piece of art and then be in the unique position of having a front row seat to watch it fall apart or fade.

We’ve seen it happen... and it’s heartbreaking.

Think Smart and Protect Your Art

We can only go as far as providing you with tips, help and advice when it comes to tattoo and skin care; it’s down to you to actually protect yourself against the heat and rays from the sun. We’d all spend the summer outside basking in the heat and frolicking free if we could, but sometimes it just isn’t that simple. If you choose to get a tattoo in summer then there are a just those few extra things to consider, although we’re probably like you and wouldn’t want to wait either!

If you simply can’t wait and have an awesome design you’d like to run past one of our tattoo-professionals, don’t hesitate to give us a shout and contact us on 01922 744088 (UK) or 608-313-3090 (USA) where one of our friendly team will be eagerly awaiting your call!

Until then, enjoy the sun (responsibly)!