Top 10 Best Sunscreens for Tattoos: Reviews & Guide
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Tattoos are beautiful, but they can fade over time. To protect your tattoo from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent it from fading, you need to use sunscreen on a regular basis.
Sunscreen is extremely important for skin health in general. However, if you have tattoos, then sunscreen becomes even more crucial because of its ability to prevent fading of tattoos.
The tattoo could easily fade if it is exposed to water or shampoo. The heat of the sun is the greatest enemy. The ink can become blurred and may even cause green spots.
We made this list of the best sunscreens for tattoos so that you can easily find the perfect product for your needs without wasting too much time doing research or testing out products yourself!
Top 10 Best Sunscreen for Tattoos
This section will provide a quick overview of our top picks for sunscreens that are best for tattoos.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Our Pick
Sunscreen is a must, but it can be hard to find an effective formula that won’t break you out or make your skin feel greasy.
The best sunscreens are the ones that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, many of them contain ingredients like oxybenzone and parabens which have been linked to hormone disruption.
CeraVe 100% Mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful rays without any harsh chemicals.
This natural mineral sunscreen is also free from fragrances, oil, Oxybenzone & paraben, plus it is Allergy-tested non-comedogenic sunscreen so it won’t clog pores or cause irritation on sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Natural minerals and chemical-free formula
- Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Non-comodegenic so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
- Unique odorless formula
Cons
-
Thick Consistency
2. CannaSmack Ink Guard
Ultra-Light Formula
The SPF 30 sunscreen can also be used as fade protection. The stick-shaped sunscreen is easy to apply on the area where you have inked. This tattoo sunscreen is highly effective due to its high-quality ingredients, such as hemp seed oil. This oil is rich in Omega 6, Omega 3, and Vitamins A, B, D, and E. It’s light and silky. It will not feel sticky even on hot days. It does more than protect the tattoo from the harmful sun’s heat. It also moisturizes the skin.
Pros
- Protects tattoos from the sun
- Provides excellent moisturization for tattooed skin
- Ultra-light and silky, it does not feel sticky or heavy even on hot days
- Contains high-quality ingredients that will nourish your inking
Cons
- Small Size
- Some people don’t like its smell
3. Australian Gold SPF 50 Tattoo Stick
Protection Of SPF 50
You can use any sunscreen that offers UV protection to protect tattoos. However, it is important to ensure the product has the correct level of protection. This product comes in the form of a stick and is, therefore, more extensive than the one mentioned. This allows for greater coverage in a single pass. It is similar to a deo stick. It provides ultimate fade protection and guarantees that your tattoos will not turn yellow even when you are out in the sun. It can be used indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Protect tattoos and prevent color change
- Provides both indoor and outdoor protection with SPF 50
- Absorbs well
- Guarantees that color will not run off or turn yellow
Cons
- Small Size Product
4. Aveeno Positively Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen
For All Skin Types
Sunscreen is a really important skincare product that we all should use, but it can be hard to find one that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Most sunscreens are made with harsh chemicals that can cause itching and burning on your face or body. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin who need something milder than the average sunscreen lotion.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen Stick was designed specifically for people with sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about any of the common issues associated with traditional sunscreen products.
The formula contains 100% mineral active ingredients and pure oat essence – which makes this natural sunscreen feel gentle when applied to your face or body.
It’s non-greasy, non-staining, and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes after application! You’ll love how soft your skin feels after using this effective broad-spectrum SPF 50.
Pros
- Works for all skin types and doesn’t cause irritation
- Doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily like most do
- Helps protect against early signs of aging with SPF 50
- 100% mineral active ingredients
Cons
-
Little thick
5. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Easy Application
The sun is a powerful force. It can damage your skin and lead to long-term health problems like cancer, premature aging, and wrinkles.
You want to protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV rays, but you don’t have time for an hour-long application process or greasy lotions that leave you feeling sticky all day.
Colorescience Total Protection Stick is a simple and quick way to get broad-spectrum protection with minimal effort.
Apply it once in the morning before going outside or while at work during lunch break (it’s safe for everyday use).
This water/sweat resistant formula provides 80 minutes of waterproof/sweatproof protection without any greasy residue left behind on your face or hands!
It is a cruelty-free product and it does not contain Paraben, sulfate, phthalate, or oil.
It is also gluten-free and fragrance-free.
The non-greasy formula is Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Pros
- Easy application
- Water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes of protection
- Cruelty-free & gluten-free
- Leaves no greasy residue behind.
- Does not contain Paraben, sulfate, phthalate, or oil
Cons
-
The new formula can be improved
6. INK-EEZE Ink Shield UVA/UVB Blocking SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
Vegan-Friendly
This sunscreen tattoo is unique because it uses cucumber and coconut. These natural ingredients are well-known for their ability to moisturize the skin. These natural ingredients have a pleasant scent that won’t irritate the nose.
This sunscreen is vegan-friendly, which has been appreciated by many users. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. For the best tattoo protection, the sunscreen features the Ink Barrier technology.
Pros
- Moisturizes and protects skin
- Vegan-friendly sunscreen
- A pleasant scent that won’t irritate sensitive noses
- Ink Barrier technology for the best protection from UV rays
- Coconut oil, cucumber extract, and SPF protection
Cons
-
SPF 30 can be increased
7. Tattoo Care Sunscreen
Dermatologically tested
Inked skin is more vulnerable to sun damage and this can lead to fading of your tattoos.
While it’s easy to protect your face with sunscreen, it’s much harder for the rest of your body. Even if you are wearing long sleeves during most of the day, there are still times when you will be exposed to harmful UV rays like going out in the evening or forgetting a swimsuit top at the beach.
Tattoo Care Sunscreen offers double layer protection that will help prevent fading and cracking of tattoos while providing SPF 30 UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun filter that protects against damage from harmful UV rays.
The formula also acts as a deep tissue moisturizer that helps keep ink looking fresh and vibrant!
It has an original scent that is called ‘summer’ because it reminds us of summer days spent on beaches!
This dermatologically tested sunscreen contains natural ingredients like Cocoa butter, Calendula, Jojoba, Bisabolol and it also contains Vitamin A and E
Pros
- Keep your tattoos looking vibrant and fresh
- Protects against UV damage for tattoo longevity
- Original Summer Scent that reminds of summer days at the beach
- Dermatologically tested natural ingredients
- Double layer protection that won’t fade or crack your tattoos.
Cons
- Not For sensitive skin
- Thick consistency
8. MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen
Eco-Certified Ingredients
Although this sunscreen is not specifically designed for tattoos it will still work as well as the other products mentioned. Skincare experts say that any sunscreen can be used as long as it has non-toxic ingredients and the correct SPF. It also needs to protect from UVA and UVB radiation. All of this is possible with this product. It can also be water-resistant for up 80 minutes, so you don’t have to reapply as often. It is also oil-free and fragrance-free. It is made from eco-certified zinc oxide. This gives you the assurance that it will not be toxic.
Pros
- Will protect your tattoos from the sun
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Non-toxic, eco-certified ingredients
- Oil-free and fragrance-free
Cons
-
Not for sensitive skin
9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk
Water-Resistant Formula
It is also suitable for those without tattoos. It contains antioxidants that will nourish the skin and protect the tattoo from fading. It provides UVA and UVB protection and has a water-resistant and velvety finish. It comes in the form of a cream or lotion, but it won’t be greasy even if you sweat.
Pros
- The moisturizing formula that will prevent tattoos from fading
- UVA and UVB protection without the greasy feeling or chemical smell
- Oil-Free
- Water-resistant
Cons
-
Costly
10. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+
Mineral-Based Formula
Blue Lizard is a well-known brand for sunscreen. It doesn’t contain fragrances or parabens that could irritate your skin. You don’t have to worry about irritation because it is mineral-based. It is dermatologist-tested and water-resistant for up 40 minutes. It is made up of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical blocks to protect the skin and tattoo from UVA/UVB rays.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of fragrances
- No parabens
- Provides protection from UVA and UVB rays
- Doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast on your skin
- Protects tattoos against the sun’s harmful rays
- Water Resistant and Mineral-based formula
Cons
-
Not for sensitive skin
How the Sun Affects your Tattoo
It’s a known fact that the heat from the sun can cause severe skin problems. Skin cancer is the most severe form of skin cancer. You should be extra careful about sun exposure if you have a tattoo. It is easy to cause damage, especially if the tattoo is not yet fully developed.
Your skin will be pierced after you get a tattoo. This is when you are most vulnerable to discomfort and damage. Your tattoo may still be damaged even after a while if it is exposed to UV rays for a long time. The UV rays will absorb the pigments and cause them to break, which can lead to the tattoo becoming faded and discolored. You may also notice a change in the colors. The tattoo may crack in worse cases.
The tattoo may also be damaged by the sun’s heat. Sunburn and blistering can also occur. If the tattoo is brand new, don’t expose it to direct sunlight for too long, even if you use sunscreen. Allow it to heal naturally before you expose it to the sun.
Can You Use Any Sunscreen on Tattoos?
There will be many options for sunscreen to protect your tattoo. Here are the top things to consider when weighing the options.
Form:
There are two options when it comes to form, spray or lotion. Most tattoo artists and skincare professionals agree that lotion is the best. Because they can be rubbed, they create a protective barrier. Sunscreen sticks are also effective.
Broad-Spectrum Protection:
A sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection will protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. This can cause damage to the tattoo as well as the skin.
SPF:
The SPF of the sunscreen must also be considered. Choose one with SPF 30, at a minimum. SPF 50 is the maximum. SPF 50 is the maximum level of protection. Anything higher than that will not provide the same level, so it doesn’t really matter.
Ingredients:
You must be a responsible buyer and look carefully at the ingredients used to ensure that they are safe. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals. Parabens, Phthalates, and Artificial Fragrances should be avoided in sunscreens. It is good to include antioxidants, aloe vera, and vitamins among other nourishing ingredients.
Water-Resistance
Choose a sunscreen that can withstand water for between 30 and 80 minutes. This is especially important if you swim, as it will mean that you won’t need to reapply often.
Other Skincare Tips That Will Prevent Tattoos From Fading
It is important to use sunscreen that protects the tattoo from sun damage. Here are some other tips to keep your tattoo looking its best.
- Avoid using tanning lotions. Tanning lotions are designed to allow the sun’s rays to touch the skin, not to provide a barrier. It can dry out the skin and cause it to become dry and flaky. It can also increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
- The cover should be left on for at least a few hours, or until the artist instructs you. After the tattoo is completed, apply an antibacterial cream to the area. Then, it will be covered with plastic. To prevent infection, do not remove it.
- You will benefit from the use of the right moisturizer for your tattoos, in addition to sunscreen. Make sure it isn’t scented or dye-laden. Avoid toxic ingredients, which can slow down healing and cause colors to fade.
- It is recommended that you wash your tattoo at least once per day with an antibacterial soap. The soap should not contain toxic ingredients, just like other skincare products.
- You will also need to adjust your lifestyle. Avoid hot tubs and long baths. Avoid swimming in a pool, as chemicals can cause tattoos to fade. Even in oceans and lakes, microorganisms can be harmful to tattoos, especially if they are new.
Conclusion
These products will help protect your tattoo from sun damage and prevent it from fading. You can keep your tattoo looking its best and protect it from the damaging effects of the sun by using the right sunscreen.
