Darrick Robles Especially in summer, the time of airy dresses and short pants, many people get a tattoo. Unfortunately not a good idea, because tattooed skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. We answer your questions about tattoos and sunburn and give tips on how to keep your skin healthy and your tattoo beautiful in the long term.
When can I go out in the sun with a freshly inked tattoo?
Clear answer: Only when your tattoo has completely healed. This usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks – if in doubt, it is better to wait a little longer. The solarium is also taboo during this time; here the UV rays are particularly intense and harmful. Instead, you should care for your freshly engraved work of art with a special tattoo ointment for the first few weeks.
Can I get sunburned on tattooed skin?
Clearly yes! Sunburn can occur very easily, especially if the stinging was not too long ago, since the skin’s natural UV protection is damaged. If the skin itches and peels, this is of course unfavorable for a fresh tattoo. The skin can scar. In the medium or long term, sunburn can lead to skin cancer. Inflammation and allergies can also occur more easily due to the tattoo color.
Sunlight also causes your tattoo to “age” faster. The color pigments fade under UV light, black becomes e.g. B. a greenish gray. The tattoo looks increasingly washed out – an effect that can also be observed in old photos, for example. This aging process occurs whenever your tattoo is exposed to sunlight, even if you’ve had it for many years.
How can I protect my tattooed skin from sunburn?
By consistently following the advice below, you can avoid sunburn. Bonus: The intensity of the colors and the sharpness of the contours of your tattoo are preserved longer!
1. Cover Tattoo Choose long, loose, breathable clothing when going out in the sun with your tattoo, especially if it’s not fully healed. Sweating can hinder the healing process.
2. Stay in the shade This is especially true when the sun is beating down particularly hard. In the midday heat you should look for a shady spot for your lunch – this is the time when the harmful UV rays are most intense.
3. Apply sunscreen cream to any part of the body that is tattooed and exposed to the sun. (Okay, except for the inside of the lower lip.) Make sure you have adequate sun protection in everyday life, not just on vacation.
ATTENTION: Not only sun, but also water and sand damage tattooed skin! Just as direct sunlight is out of the question for about 2 months after the sting, baths and walks on the beach are also strictly forbidden during this time. Bacteria can get into the wound and cause nasty infections. Salt and chlorine can also irritate the skin. For showering, you should cover your new body jewelry with special shower plasters.
Do I need a special sunscreen?
Not necessarily. Although there are special sun protection products for tattooed skin, the most important thing is that your sunscreen has a high sun protection factor: at least 30, preferably 50 or 50+. This also applies if you are tanned or have naturally dark skin. A product for sensitive skin reduces the risk of skin irritation.
You should only use sunscreen on fully healed subjects. But as long as your tattoo heals, sunbathing is strictly forbidden anyway. If you use sunscreen, apply it liberally to your tattoo and reapply it regularly, especially after bathing, after toweling off, or when you’ve sweated.
How should I care for my tattoo after sunbathing?
Since the sun dries out the skin, it is advisable to supply it with moisture after sunbathing. As with sunscreen, the same applies here: It does not have to be a special product for tattoos. Our doctors recommend a cooling, soothing and unscented after-sun care for sensitive skin. This can be a gel, but also a body lotion.
Is a temporary “sunburn tattoo” an alternative?
Argh! No! Absolutely no way. We have to say this very clearly: Sunburn tattoos, in which certain motifs are burned onto the skin with the help of a stencil while sunbathing, are not justifiable from a medical point of view. Sunburn-Art lasts only a few weeks – in the worst case you have to deal with the consequences such as burns, wrinkles, leathery skin, pigment spots or skin cancer for the rest of your life.
What if I do get sunburned?
In the case of severe sunburn on tattooed skin areas, a medical examination is recommended. This is especially true if your tattoo is still fresh or you are also experiencing symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or headaches. Med-Healths’s doctors are there for you if you need timely advice. Before the video call, take a few photos of the burned areas so the doctor can get a full picture of your symptoms.
You can find out more about sun protection in our overview article Protecting yourself from sunburn .
