Tattoos are more than just inked designs; they are vibrant expressions of individuality. However, prolonged sun exposure can dull your tattoo's brilliance, turning those once-vivid colors into faded memories.
Protecting your body art from harmful UV rays is essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. The right sunscreen can act as a protective shield, preserving the integrity and vibrancy of your tattoos.
In this article, we explore the best sunscreen lotions specifically designed to safeguard your ink, ensuring your tattoos remain bold and beautiful for years to come.
How We Choose the Best Sunscreen Lotions for Tattoos
When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen lotions for tattoos, there are several key factors to consider. Here's what we looked at when selecting our top picks:
- SPF Rating: The sun protection factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburns.
- Broad-spectrum Protection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage, such as premature aging and skin cancer.
- Water Resistance: It's essential to choose a water-resistant sunscreen, especially if your tattoo is located in an area prone to sweating or getting wet.
- Non-Greasy Formula: Sunscreen lotions that leave a greasy residue can clog pores and cause breakouts. We looked for non-greasy formulas that won't interfere with your tattoo's appearance or irritate your skin.
- Tattoo-Friendly Ingredients: Some ingredients, such as fragrances and dyes, can cause irritation or fading to tattoos.
Our Top Picks for Sunscreen Lotions for Tattoos
Makra Tattoo Care Sunscreen
protect your tattoos from the damaging effects of the sun.
Why We Love It
Makra Tattoo Care Sunscreen is specifically formulated to protect your tattoos from the damaging effects of the sun. With an SPF of 30+ and broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, this sunscreen ensures that your ink stays vibrant and true to its original colors.
We love that it's water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities or trips to the beach. The non-greasy formula also means that it won't interfere with the appearance of your tattoo or cause breakouts on your skin.
You Should Know
Additionally, Makra Tattoo Care Sunscreen is made with all-natural ingredients such as Calendula, Jojoba, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E. These ingredients not only protect your tattoo but also nourish and moisturize your skin.
This sunscreen has a light Vanilla-Coconut scent, which may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to fragrances. Also, the 1.35 oz tube may not last long for larger tattoos.
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your tattoo at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily.
Why We Love It
Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone with tattoos. Its 100% mineral formula makes it suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. The unscented sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your tattoos remain vibrant and protected from fading.
We love that this sunscreen also contains skin-nourishing ingredients like Vitamin C, Carrot Extract, and Rosehip Oil to keep your tattooed skin healthy and hydrated. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go application.
You Should Know
While Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen offers excellent protection, it is important to consider a few additional points. Be mindful that mineral sunscreens, such as this one containing Zinc Oxide, may leave a slight white cast on the skin, particularly on darker skin tones.
However, this is generally less noticeable compared to artificial or harsh chemical sunscreens. For optimal results, make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen evenly over your tattoo before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Why We Love It
Devoted Creations Tattoo Fade Protection is a unique option in the form of a stick sunscreen. Its solid formula makes it perfect for precise application, particularly for smaller and more detailed tattoos.
With an SPF of 50+ and water-resistant formula, you can trust that your tattoo will be well-protected against harmful UV rays while swimming or sweating. The non-greasy texture also means that it won't leave any residue on your tattoo or cause breakouts.
You Should Know
One potential downside to this sunscreen is its small size (0.49 oz), which may make it less cost-effective for larger tattoos or frequent use. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with the stick not twisting up properly or breaking easily.
However, overall, this sunscreen is a convenient and effective option for protecting your tattoos, especially with its added moisturizing benefits from Shea Butter. Apply it generously to your tattoo before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
TattooMed Sun Protection SPF50
Provides maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays
Why We Love It
TattooMed Sun Protection SPF50 is specifically designed to protect your tattoos from the sun's harmful rays. With an SPF of 50, this sunscreen provides maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
We love that it's water-resistant and comes in a generous 100ml size, making it perfect for those with larger tattoos or frequent use. The non-greasy formula also means that it won't clog pores or interfere with the appearance of your tattoo.
You Should Know
While we highly recommend this sunscreen for its effectiveness and convenience, some users have reported a slight white cast on their skin after application. Additionally, some may find the fragrance of this sunscreen to be too strong for their liking.
However, the added moisturizing ingredients such as Panthenol and Allantoin make it a great option for keeping your tattooed skin healthy and nourished. Be sure to apply liberally before sun exposure and reapply every two hours for optimal protection.
Why We Love It
Sexymix Tattoo Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight and non-greasy option that provides excellent protection for tattoos. Its SPF 50 formula gives broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays, protecting your tattoos from fading.
We love that this sunscreen is infused with natural ingredients like Centella Asiatica and glycerin, which not only nourishes your skin but also enhances the vibrancy of your tattoo. It's also sweat and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities or swimming.
You Should Know
While this sunscreen offers great protection and moisturization, some users have reported difficulty with the packaging, such as leaks or difficulty squeezing out product towards the end.
Its 90mL size may also not be enough for those with larger tattoos or frequent use.
However, overall, this sunscreen is a great option for preserving your tattoo's boldness and detail while also keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Apply liberally before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
FAQs
Is skin sensitivity a concern when choosing a tattoo sunscreen?
Yes, it's essential to consider your skin type and any potential sensitivities when selecting a tattoo sunscreen. Look for options that are specifically labeled for sensitive skin or contain gentle ingredients like mineral-based formulas.
Can I use regular sunscreen on my tattoos?
While regular sunscreen can provide some level of protection, it may not be as effective in preserving the vibrancy of your tattoos. Regular sunscreens may also contain fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate freshly tattooed skin.
How often should I apply tattoo sunscreen?
For optimal protection, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors or after swimming or sweating heavily. This applies to both regular sunscreen and tattoo-specific sunscreens. Additionally, make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen initially before sun exposure.
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for tattoos?
SPF 50 is generally recommended for tattoos, as it provides a higher level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, SPF 30 can also offer adequate protection if applied generously and reapplied regularly.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best sunscreen lotions for tattoos, it's clear that protecting your ink from the sun's harsh rays is imperative for maintaining its vibrancy and longevity. Using the right sunscreen ensures your tattoos remain bold and beautiful, safeguarding them from fading and damage.
Whether you're lounging at the beach or enjoying a sunny day out, incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is a simple yet effective step towards preserving your body art. Prioritize your tattoo care with confidence, knowing you've chosen the best protection to keep your ink looking its best.