You can use a normal sunscreen. But if your tattoo piece is important for you, we’ve got the best sunscreens dedicated specially to protect and increase the longevity of your tattoo.

Some protect form the water, some moisturize, and all protect from the sun, which damages the skin and decrease colour and brightness on tattoos.

Effect of sun on tattoos (via Reddit)

For how long after the tattoo is done should you keep use sunscreen? During the first 3 months it’s essential because the tattoo is still healing. If you really like your piece, the first 50 years should be enough.

Top 10 Best Sunscreen To Protect Your Tattoos

1) Blue Lizard

One of the most creative features of this product is that it has been packed using a specialised technology, known as the Blue Bottle Technology. It turns blue whenever it is exposed to UV radiations, reminding the user to apply the sunscreen. This is facilitated by the handy size of the pack, which can easily be carried.

An excellent mineral-based sunscreen, this product has an SPF of 30, and is designed using zinc oxide, which can provide protection from up to 97% of the sun’s damaging rays, by reflecting them away from the skin.

Additionally, it is free of any irritating chemicals, fragrances, and parabens. Also, it remains water resistant for at least 40 minutes, needing lesser re-application. This sunscreen does not contain any oxybenzone and octinoxate, and so, is safe for coral reefs.

2) Australian Gold – Tattoo Stick

One of the best things about this product is that it is designed as a stick, instead of as a cream or lotion. As such, it is largely free of the greasy feel associated with creams. Moreover, its SPF is very high, at SPF 60, and the Ultimate Fade Protection feature is sure to keep your tattoo design intact.

Moreover, it also supplies moisture to the tattooed skin, making the colours brighter.

4) Kokua Sun Care

It’s not specific for tattoos, but it’s a great sunscreen with skin protection filtering both UVA and UVB radiations. It uses non toxic materials and is also safe for the reef  corals.

It doesn’t irritate the eyes. 

5) Badger Cream

Price

17.99$

SPF (Sun Factor Protection)

30

Our Rating

8/10

Badger is a well known brand. This product is composed of only 5 ingredients, making it very safe to use for people with sensitive skin types. In addition, it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

This sunscreen absorbs both UVA and UVB rays due to its mineral-based components. The larger size also prevents it from penetrating your skin and entering your blood.

It remains resistant to water for at least 40 minutes, making it ideal for use at the beach or in swimming pools.

Another plus point is that this product has been tested to be safe on coral reefs (which, by extension, means that it is also safe for human skin). It does not contain any oxybenzone, and so, is biodegradable without harming marine life.

It is GMO-free, fragrance-free, has no parabens, dyes, or other artificial agents.

The SPF 30 formulation of this product provides adequate protection from the sun’s radiations. Moreover, it is broad-spectrum, and is capable of preventing both UVA and UVB rays from harming the skin.

Being non-comedogenic, it doesn’t clog the skin’s pores. It is oil-free and enriched with Vitamin E. It is water-resistant as well, which makes it good for use in pools or at beaches, and the reef-friendly formulation ensures that it doesn’t harm marine life unnecessarily.

7) CannaSmack Ink Guard

With an SPF of 30, this product protects the skin from UVB radiations, and keeps the tattoo designs vibrant and long-lasting. Supplied as a stick for easy use, this sunscreen is enriched with Hemp seed oil, which is rich in many nutrients, including Omega-3, Omega-6, Vitamin A, B, D, & E, and has a silky and light formulation.

Moreover, being water-resistant, it is efficient for providing protection against solar rays. It also supplies moisture to the skin, keeping the ink vibrant for longer periods, by preventing photo-degradation, and blocking out 97% of the harmful radiations.

It does not contain added fragrance, and the smell arises from 100% natural agents. Moreover, it is cruelty-free, as certified by Leaping Bunny. It doesn’t contain any sulfated or phosphates, and is free of gluten and parabens.

Artificial colours are also absent, as are harmful preservatives. Petroleum by-products are also not present. Additionally, it remains hypoallergenic and doesn’t clog pores, as it is non-comedogenic.

8) Goddess Garden Organics

Price

25.65$

SPF (Sun Factor Protection)

30

Our Rating

7/10

9) Tattoo Care – Sun Protection

It has a distinct summary smell which is very pleasant to use and is easy to apply. It also remains resistant to water for long periods.

It also has special agents to provide nourishment and moisturisation to the skin, protecting it from drying and cracking, and keeping the tattoo ink more vibrant.

It is made from a number of natural ingredients, which are packed with nutrients and vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which possess anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties. It is free of allergens, and does not contain parabens. Moreover, it has been tested to be dermatologically suitable for all skin types.

It remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has been shown to reduce signs of flare-ups or inflammation. It also brings back the natural elasticity of the skin and promotes growth and rejuvenation.

Choosing the Perfect Sunscreen

Your Skin Colour

Lighter: Use 50+ SFP

Darker: Use no less than 30+ SFP

Your Skin Type

Sensitive to allergies and reactions: Use mineral sunscreen.

Regular: If you have no reactivity to creams and products, use chemical sunscreen.

Stick or Cream? 

Small tattoos: Stick – it’s easy to carry.

Large tattoos: Cream – it’s easier to apply on large surfaces.

What’s the difference between Mineral and Chemical sunscreen?

The most common sunscreens are chemical. They absorb radiation (UVA and UVB), preventing them from coming in contact with the user’s skin, thereby protecting the tattoo design. 
The mineral sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting the radiation. They are generally much less used, as they come with a gritty feel and may be slightly uncomfortable to use. Moreover, they are usually less efficient in protecting the skin from the sun than chemical variants but are generally safer in terms of chemicals used and cause fewer allergies and reactions. 

Should I wait before stepping into the sun after I apply my sunscreen?

Mineral-based sunscreens generally work instantaneously, and usually do not require any lag time before you can step out into the sun. However, they require more frequent re-application, and so, may be problematic. Chemical-based formulations, on the other hand, need 20-30 minutes before they are activated to provide protection. However, fewer reapplications make them easier to use.

Can sunscreens cause damage to the skin?

No. Sunscreens are usually safe to use and do not unnecessarily damage the skin. However, if some hormonal compounds are present in it, then they may cause darkening or pigmentation.

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