How To Protect Your Tattoos While Tanning

“Will my tattoo fade when I get a tan?” Tattoos are a great way to express your individuality, so of course, you'll want to keep yours looking their best over time. A rich, golden tan can also enhance your look, and with a few simple steps, you can make sure your tattoo (and your tan) stay vibrant. Here's what you need to know:

New Tattoos and Tanning Beds 

Before your tattoo has completely healed, it will be sensitive to UV rays (whether real or sunbed.) Once your tattoo has healed UV rays won’t cause fading, and you can expose it to sun or sunbeds like you normally would.

Tanning with Tattoos 

Here’s how to protect your tattoo in a tanning bed or when you’re sitting poolside in the sun. If you’re outside, cover your tattoo with a high-SPF sunscreen. To avoid getting a white ring around the edges of your tattoo, apply the sunscreen with a Q-tip for better control and precision. Colored ink will fade faster than black ink, so take care to cover colored portions thoroughly.

If you’re in a sunbed, you can use a specially designed tattoo stick with SPF that will allow for a thorough & complete application that protects the color in the design while it’s healing.

Spray Tanning and Tattoos 

Because spray tanning doesn’t have UV-rays, there’s no risk to your tattoo. When you get a spray tan, you may notice that some areas of your tattoo appear darker, but this is not permanent and will fade over a couple days, with the natural lifespan of your spray tan. To prevent the temporary darkening, you can clean the skin where your tattoo is immediately after getting a spray tan. And pay special attention to the edges to avoid creating a lighter ring. 

Expert Tanning Salons in Washington 

At Desert Sun Tanning, we have 47 tanning salons in Washington, with many in the Greater Seattle area. Our tanning technicians can offer more advice to help you care for your tattoos throughout the tanning process. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the possible impact tanning could have on your ink. 

We offer both UV and sunless tanning options, including tanning beds, spray tans and skin & body light-therapy treatments. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our options and schedule your first appointment with us. We have flexible memberships & packages to offer you the best options to get the most from your tanning. Call us today today to get started at 425.223.4241.