You put in time, thought, and trust into your tattoo, so keeping it looking bold for years to come is just as important as the day you got it. While many people consider aftercare in the first few weeks, sun exposure is something that can affect your ink long after it has healed. At one of your trusted tattoo shops, like Mayhem Ink, we often see beautifully done tattoos fade too soon simply because they weren’t protected from UV damage. The good news? A little prevention goes a long way.
How Sunlight Breaks Down Ink
UV rays penetrate deep into the skin and break down the ink particles embedded in the dermis. Over time, this causes colors to lose vibrancy and lines to blur. Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange fade the fastest, but even solid black designs will soften without proper care.
Fresh Tattoos and Sun: A Bad Combo
New tattoos are especially sensitive to UV damage. The skin is healing, the ink is still settling, and exposure to sunlight can cause irritation, patchy fading, or even infections. Most artists recommend keeping new tattoos completely out of the sun for at least two weeks—longer if possible.
How to Protect Healed Tattoos
Once your tattoo is fully healed, sunscreen becomes your first line of defense. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, preferably fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin. Apply it generously, and don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours when you’re outdoors. Wearing clothing over tattooed areas, especially in peak sun hours, is another easy way to prevent fading.
Already Noticing Fading?
It’s normal for tattoos to lose a bit of sharpness over the years, but if you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun without protection, you might be ready for a touch-up. Many people return to tattoo shops for refreshes every few years, especially if the piece is in a high-exposure area like the forearm or shoulder.
Mayhem Ink | Nashua Tattoo Shops
The best tattoos deserve to stay looking sharp, vibrant, and true to the artist’s work. At Mayhem Ink, one of Nashua’s trusted tattoo shops, we’re here to not only create bold designs—but to help you keep them that way. Protect your investment with sun-safe habits, and your ink will stand the test of time!
