Mineral Sunscreen & Tattoos

Mineral sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect healed tattoos from fading, discoloration, and premature aging caused by the sun.

While any broad-spectrum sunscreen is better than none, many tattoo artists and dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen because it's gentle on sensitive skin, provides excellent UV protection, and contains active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that help shield your tattoo from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Learn why mineral sunscreen is better for tattoos, how it helps protect tattoo ink from fading, and the best ways to keep your tattoos looking vibrant for years.

Getting a tattoo is an investment in your art, but the sun can age it faster than you realize. Whether black and grey or bright and colorful, ultraviolet light breaks down tattoo ink, making your tattoo appear faded, unclear, and old. It's easy to protect your ink by using the right kind of sunscreen.

To keep your tattoos looking vibrant and new, dermatologists recommend using a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to cover your tattooed skin any time it will be exposed to the sun. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Unlike old articles comparing the ingredients in sunscreens, this article highlights the reasons mineral sunscreen is the preferred choice for tattooed skin, the ways it can help protect your tattoo, when to start using sunscreen on a newly inked tattoo, and the ingredients to look for in a mineral sunscreen that will assist in keeping your tattoo ink vibrant year-round.

 

Sunlight Exposure: Why It Is One of the Leading Culprits Damaging Your Tattoo

While the sun is a wonderful asset on a cloudy day or when you're feeling down, it is also a damaging force when your skin is exposed to its harmful UV-rays. UV-rays can damage tattoo ink by causing the colors of your tattoo to change, become less clear, and fade away over time.

As tattoos naturally age, their appearance may change slightly, but too much sun exposure can prematurely increase the changes to your tattoo.

UV-rays can penetrate a tattoo and cause the individual ink colors to break down, making the black ink on your tattoo appear greyer, the fine details to lose their definition, and colors to become duller than when they first appeared. Overexposure to sunlight can age a tattoo to appear to look older than it actually is. Dermatologists agree that protecting your tattooed skin from UV-exposure will help keep its appearance new. (American Academy of Dermatology)

The same UV-rays that damage your tattoo ink can also damage the skin that holds your tattoo. The collagen and elastin in the skin can also be broken down by prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and premature aging.

Your tattoo is permanently placed on your skin, so keeping the skin in good condition is key in prolonging a tattoo's appearance. If you've spent the money to get a tattoo and sat for hours in a tattoo chair, a sunscreen can help protect that investment.

 

How Does Mineral Sunscreen Differ from Chemical Sunscreen?

There are two main types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Sunscreen can be generally categorized into two types: mineral (physical) and chemical (non-mineral). Sunscreens may contain ingredients that help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, and both work well when applied correctly. However, they have different ingredients that make them perform differently. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Both sunscreens can adequately protect your tattooed skin and tattoo ink when applied correctly, but it is best to use mineral sunscreen on any new tattoos because it generally does not irritate sensitive skin and has the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which many dermatologists and tattoo artists recommend. (NBC News)

Mineral sunscreen, or physical sunscreen as it is sometimes called, uses active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help deflect and absorb harmful ultraviolet light before it can damage the skin.

The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen, like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, help absorb UV rays before they damage the skin. Chemical sunscreen, however, generally takes 15 minutes to start working after application. (American Academy of Dermatology)

 

Mineral Sunscreen: Why It Is a Better Choice for Tattoos

Although both sunscreens adequately protect tattoos from UV damage when applied correctly, mineral sunscreen is the preferred choice for tattooed skin because it is generally tolerated well by sensitive skin and typically contains the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that help block UV-rays.

Gentle to Tattoos and Sensitive Skin

We now have  mineral sunscreen is available in a fragrance-free formula that many dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin.

Helps Prevent Tattoos From Fading

Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of faded tattoos; however, mineral sunscreen can help prevent UV damage that causes tattoos to appear faded. Mineral sunscreen can help prevent tattoos from fading because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Provides Broad Spectrum Protection

Seek out a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher when shopping for a mineral sunscreen to protect your tattoo. Sunscreens that are broad spectrum help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to premature aging. In addition, UVB rays can also damage tattooed skin. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Offers Immediate Protection

Unlike chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen typically begins to work as soon as it is applied to the skin. (American Academy of Dermatology)

What to Look for in a Mineral Sunscreen for Tattoos

Although both chemical and mineral sunscreens can adequately protect tattooed skin when applied correctly, there are specific ingredients and characteristics to look for in a mineral sunscreen for tattoos.

The key characteristics to look for in a mineral sunscreen for tattoos are:

Broad Spectrum Protection

Look for sunscreens with the label "Broad Spectrum" to ensure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays and cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. UVB rays are associated with sunburns and can also damage your tattooed skin. UVA and UVB rays both contribute to a tattoo's appearance, so it is best to block out both when possible. (American Academy of Dermatology)

SPF 30 or Higher

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to provide adequate protection for your tattoo. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 block out 97% of UVB rays, while those with an SPF of 50 block out 98%. No sunscreen blocks out 100% of UVB rays, but those with an SPF of 30 or higher offer sufficient protection when applied correctly and reapplied frequently. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

Sunscreens that list zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients help block UVB and UVA-I rays. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Water Resistant

If you are going to be in the water or sweating heavily, use a water-resistant sunscreen. Even water-resistant sunscreens require reapplication after swimming or sweating profusely.

Fragrance-Free Formulas

Tattooed skin can be particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals. Choose a mineral sunscreen that is fragrance-free when possible to reduce the risk of irritation while still receiving the benefits of UV protection.

 

When Can You Put Sunscreen on a New Tattoo?

The most frequently asked question about tattoo care in relation to sunscreen is, if you can or cannot put sunscreen on a new tattoo. Sunscreen should not be applied to a fresh tattoo because it is generally an open wound. Instead, protect a new tattoo by covering it with clothing, staying in the shade, and avoiding the sun when possible.

Follow your tattoo artist's tattoo aftercare instructions to help your new tattoo heal correctly. You can always contact us to see which Urban’s Edge Tattoo After is best.

Most tattoos require between two and four weeks to heal sufficiently to apply sunscreen; however, larger tattoos may need more time to heal. Sunscreen should only be applied when the tattoo is no longer open, peeling, or has scabs.

How to Protect Your Tattoo From the Sun

Applying a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is the first step to protecting your tattoo. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when outside and after swimming or excessive sweating.

Other ways to protect your tattoo are to wear sunscreen clothing with a UPF rating when outside for long periods, stay in the shade when possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is the strongest, avoid tanning beds, and keep the tattooed skin moisturized. Doing these things can help prolong the appearance of your tattoo's fine details and bright colors for years.

Keeping Your Tattoo Vibrant Year-Round

A beautiful tattoo requires proper care to keep it looking vibrant and fresh for years. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens adequately protect tattoos when applied correctly, but mineral sunscreens are generally better tolerated by sensitive skin because of their active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and offer UV protection right away.

No sunscreen is perfect or can prevent tattoos from naturally aging, but applying mineral sunscreen everyday can help prolong the appearance of your tattoo by reducing UV damage. The right combination of good tattoo aftercare and sun protection can keep a tattoo looking vibrant and fresh.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mineral sunscreen better for tattoos?

Dermatologists often recommend mineral sunscreen for people with sensitive skin because it contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and offers broad-spectrum UV protection. Mineral and chemical sunscreens adequately protect tattoos when applied correctly, but mineral sunscreens generally contain ingredients that are less irritating to sensitive skin.

Can sunscreen prevent tattoo fading?

Although sunscreen cannot prevent tattoos from naturally aging, it does help reduce the effects of UV damage that can cause tattoos to lose their vibrancy. Sunscreen also helps slow down the process of tattoo ink fading caused by UV exposure.

Can I put sunscreen on a fresh tattoo?

No, sunscreen should not be applied to a freshly inked tattoo. Wait until the tattoo is completely healed before applying any sunscreen. Until then, protect the tattoo with clothing and keep it out of the sun when possible. Follow the tattoo aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.

What SPF is best for tattoos?

Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a tattoo anytime it will be exposed to the sun.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Apply sunscreen every two hours while outside and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating, even if the sunscreen is water resistant.

Do black tattoos fade in the sun?

Yes, black tattoos can fade in the sun, although they typically do not lose their contrast as much as other colors. UV exposure can cause the black tattoos to lose their clarity and appear greyer.

Is SPF 50 better than 30 for tattoos?

SPF 50 blocks out slightly more UVB rays than SPF 30, but both adequately protect tattoos when applied correctly. The most critical part of using any sunscreen is applying enough to adequately cover the tattooed skin and reapplying it frequently.

Should I wear sunscreen on my tattoos every day?

If your tattoo will be exposed to daylight, wearing sunscreen every day is essential to maintaining its color and vibrancy.