Thinking about tanning but worried about your new tattoo? If you’ve recently gotten a tattoo, it’s important to hold off on tanning until it’s fully healed. Tanning too soon can cause your tattoo to fade and prolong the healing process.
But if you’re eager to keep your tan and your tattoo looking vibrant, there are steps you can take to protect your ink while enjoying the sun or tanning beds. Here’s how to balance both desires and keep your tattoo looking its best.
Protecting Tattoo in Tanning Bed – The Answer
Understanding the Risks
Fading Colors
When you’ve just gotten fresh ink, the last thing you want is for it to fade before it even has a chance to heal. Tanning beds pose a significant risk factor for tattooed skin due to their intense UV rays. These rays can split the pigments in your tattoo ink, accelerating the fading process like a laser tattoo removal procedure.
This happens because the UV light is directed onto the skin, where it is absorbed by the tattoo pigments. They heat up and break apart—a process known as fragmentation. As the concentration of pigment particles decreases, your tattoo’s colors alter, potentially causing the chemistry of the inks to produce toxic decomposition products.
Skin Damage:
To avoid direct exposure to sunlight and UV exposure from both sun exposure and tanning beds, you need to take proactive steps. Natural sunlight is less intense compared to the concentrated UV radiation released by tanning beds, but both can trigger similar detrimental effects such as chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, and even act as tumor promoters in some cases. When broken down by UV light, the compounds in the ink might also contribute to general health issues, including photoallergic effects.
Increased Healing Time:
Furthermore, tanning can interfere with the healing process of a new tattoo. Tanning beds can cause fresh tattoos to take longer to heal due to the intensity of UV rays, which can damage the skin around the tattoo, slowing down the overall healing process. This prolonged exposure can lead to additional complications and further extend the time needed for your tattoo to fully set and stabilize.
Preparing Your Tattoo for the Tanning Bed
Before heading to a tanning bed with your new tattoo, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect both your skin and your artwork. Proper preparation can prevent damage to your tattoo and maintain your overall skin health. Here’s what you need to know to keep your tattoo pristine and vibrant under UV lights.
Wait Until Fully Healed
Did you know rushing into a tanning session with a new tattoo can be risky? For those with new tattoos, waiting until fully healed before stepping into a tanning bed is important. The healing process requires time, during which the skin should not be exposed to UV rays that could cause damage and delay healing. Only after the tattoo has completely healed, which includes finishing the scabbing phase, should you consider using a tanning bed.
Moisturize Regularly
During the healing phase, it’s essential to moisturize regularly to maintain the health of the tattooed skin.
How to Safeguard Your Tattoo in a Tanning Bed
1. Sunscreen Application:
When you’re planning to use a tanning bed, protecting your tattoo should be a top priority to prevent fading and damage due to UV radiation. Start by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or SPF 50. It’s useful to apply it with a cotton swab to ensure precise application on the tattooed skin.
2. Tanning Lotion Enhanced with SPF:
Applying a tanning lotion specifically designed with SPF can provide an extra layer of protection against tattoo fading. It’s beneficial to apply sunscreen after the tanning lotion to maximize protective effects during tanning sessions.
3. Tattoo Coverage Techniques:
To further shield your tattoo from harmful UV light, consider using various types of coverings:
- Using Fabric Covers: You can cover the tattooed area with a piece of fabric that fits the size and shape of your tattoo. Ensure that the fabric is breathable and secure it with medical tape, which allows the skin to breathe while offering protection.
- Sticker Protection: Using a sticker to cover the tattoo is another effective method. Choose a sticker that matches the size and shape of your tattoo and apply it directly to the tattooed area. Always perform a patch test to check for any skin reactions to the adhesive.
- Using Adhesive Bandages: Alternatively, you can opt for a UV-resistant adhesive bandage that is designed to cover tattoos. These bandages not only protect against UV light but also help prevent tan lines by providing a barrier that blocks UV rays.
4. Alternative Covering Options:
For more extensive coverage, depending on the location of the tattoo, you can use an ankle sock, sweatband, or a t-shirt for tattoos on the limbs. A bathing suit or sarong works well for tattoos located near the hip, buttocks, lower back, or stomach. These coverings offer a practical solution to protect larger areas of tattooed skin during tanning sessions.
