How soon is it safe to apply sunscreen to a new tattoo?

by admin on January 18, 2010

I have had my tattoo for a week, and it is doing beautifully! I have diligently followed the aftercare instructions my artist provided. My question is pertaining the use of sunscreen. The tattoo has peeled and is now sort of grainy/dry, but very clean, to look at. I have NO plans to be in the sun directly with it (I do not lay out or roam the beach, etc.), but I would like to know if sunscreen over the tattoo is appropriate yet for times when I may *indirectly* be exposed to the sun. These might include gardening, being in the yard, playing with dogs, going for a walk, etc. The tattoo is on my inner wrist, so it’s not "showing" all the time.

At this point, would a sunscreen be appropriate, or an irritant?
I purchased a Neutrogena SPF 30 stick of sunscreen that looks like a smaller version of a deodorant stick :) , and I’m not sure if the ingredients would harm or fade, or irritate my freshly inked tattoo. Could anyone with experience advise on this, please? Thanks so much!

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Ashley*Belle January 18, 2010 at 12:40 am

It only takes about a week (or 2 at the most) for your tattoo to heal. After that you should put sunblock on it if its going to be in direct sunlight, especially if it has color in it! I have 3 black and grey tattoos and i never put sunblock on them and they are fine, but I do know people that have color tattoos that fade real fast because they don’t use sunblock. Either way, putting sunblock on your tattoos as long as they are healed is never a bad thing!

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