Top 5 Sunscreens for Tattoos: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Ink
You’ve spent time, money, and likely pain, in getting that perfect tattoo. As a woman who’s spent years studying the ins and outs of skincare and collaborating with tattoo artists, I know how important it is to protect your investment. Sun damage is one of the biggest foes to tattoo brightness, and which best sunblock for tattoos you pick can make all the difference between a tattoo that stays bright for years and a tattoo that fades too soon.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Protect Your Ink from the Sun (And the best sunblock for tattoos) — Let me walk you through all that you need to know about protecting your ink from the sun and my all-time, favorite sunscreens for tattoos. I’ve tested dozens of products myself and interviewed dermatologists to bring you this guide.
Why you Need best sunblock for tattoos Protection
Anyway, before we get into the product recommendations, let’s discuss why regular sunscreen may not be enough for your tattoos. UV rays go deep into your skin and break down the ink particles that create your tattoo. It may take time, but without adequate protection you may start to see your brand new looking design dull down and fade in a matter of only a couple of years.
Top 5 best sunblock for tattoos:
1. Mad Rabbit SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
Key Features:
The Mad Rabbit SPF 30 has become my go-to recommendation for tattoo protection, and here’s why I think it stands out from the crowd.
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70
Key Features:
This powerhouse sunscreen has earned its place in my top picks for its exceptional protection and comfortable wear.
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Key Features:
As someone who’s dealt with sensitive skin, I appreciate how this mineral sunscreen provides robust protection without irritation.
4. Isdin Eryfotona Actinic SPF 50
Key Features:
This innovative formula brings something unique to tattoo protection with its DNA repair enzymes.
5. Coppertone Every Tone SPF 50
Key Features:
This inclusive formula proves that effective tattoo protection doesn’t have to come with a white cast.
Comparison Table between best sunblock for tattoos
Brand | SPF | Type | Water Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|
Mad Rabbit | 30 | Hybrid | Yes (40 min) |
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer | 70 | Chemical | Yes (80 min) |
Blue Lizard | 50+ | Mineral | Yes (80 min) |
Isdin Eryfotona | 50 | Mineral | NO |
Coppertone Every Tone | 50 | Chemical | Yes (80 min) |
How to Choose best sunblock for tattoos?
Having tested numerous products, I’ve learned that selecting the perfect sunscreen for your tattoo depends on several factors. Consider these key points:
- Skin Type: If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral-based options like Blue Lizard or Isdin. These are less likely to cause irritation and provide excellent protection.
- Tattoo Location: Exposed areas like arms might need higher SPF protection, while covered areas might do well with SPF 30. I always recommend going higher rather than lower when in doubt.
- Activity Level: Water-resistant formulas are essential if you’re active or spend time swimming. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Blue Lizard options excel in this category.
- Skin Tone: Darker skin tones might prefer options like Coppertone Every Tone that won’t leave a white cast, while lighter skin tones might have more flexibility in their choices.
Application Tips for Maximum Protection
Through my experience working with tattoo artists and skincare experts, I’ve gathered some essential tips for applying sunscreen to tattooed skin:
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Use enough product – about a shot glass worth for full-body coverage
- Reapply every two hours, or more frequently when swimming or sweating
- Pay extra attention to areas with colored tattoos, as they tend to fade faster
When to Apply Sunscreen on a New Tattoo?
A question I often get asked is about timing. In the meantime, here’s what you should know: wait until your tattoo is fully healed before slathering on sunscreen, which takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks. While it’s healing, avoid your tattoo being uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight. Your artist will tell you aftercare specifics, but usually, once the peeling part is over and your skin feels normal to the touch, you can wear sunscreen.
How Proper Tattoo Sun Protection Can Benefit You Long-Term?
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, investing in good sun protection pays off long term. I’m sure everyone similarly has many examples of how consistent sunscreen use resulted in ink from eras past still vibrant years later while those same tattoos without protection show massive fading; sometimes as few as just a couple of seasons later. It’s kind of like this: You’ve already put money into the artwork; insuring it is just a little extra expense to keep it beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Based on tons of testing and research, I can confidently say that all five of these best sunblock for tattoos will more than suffice when it comes to protecting your tattoo. The Mad Rabbit SPF 30 is my top recommendation for its tattoo-specific formula, but there are pros and cons to each depending on what you need most.
Just remember that the best sunblock for tattoos is the one that you are going to apply regularly. Whether you opt for a pricier option like Isdin or a drugstore favorite like Coppertone, religious re-application is the only way to ensure that your tattoo stays bright and bold for years to come.
Have you used any of these best sunblock for tattoos on your tattoos? Please share your experiences below in the comments. And if this guide was of value to you, spread the word to your tattooed pals to help keep their ink safe as well!
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