How to Protect the Colors in a Tattoo

Take measure to ensure the sun does not fade your tattoo.

Keeping the colors of a tattoo as fresh as the day you got it requires proper care during the healing process -- which can take up to two weeks -- and some routine maintenance for the rest of your life. Sun damage is the main cause for faded ink after a tattoo has healed, but it is just one of the factors you must protect against during the healing process. These instructions are the same for any tattoo, but most artists will have a differing opinion as to which exact products to use.

Things You'll Need

• Healing ointment
• Non-scented skin lotion
• Warm water
• Clean towel
• Antibacterial soap
• Sunblock

Instructions

1. Wash the tattooed area immediately as soon as you get home. Use your hand to shovel warm water onto the tattoo and dab antibacterial soap on the area instead of rubbing it. Repeat this cleaning process two to three times a day until the tattoo fully heals.

2. Allow the tattooed area to air dry or dab a clean towel on the area to soak up the water. Do not rub the area with a towel.

3. Apply a thin layer of protective ointment over the tattoo after each cleaning for the first three to four days, after which you should switch to regular, non-scented skin lotion.

4. Avoid any direct sun contact for any significant amount of time during the healing process. Your tan might suffer, but it will help to ensure your tattoo heals evenly and as bright as possible.

5. Continue to wash the tattooed area at least once a day after it's healed and you can also continue to apply skin lotion everyday to keep the area fresh.

6. Apply sunblock, not sunscreen, to the tattooed area anytime it will be exposed to the sun for a significant amount of time. You should only observe this step after a tattoo has healed; prior to healing you should avoid the sun at all costs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you must wear clothing over the tattoo during the healing process, wear dark and loose attire to avoid staining and still allow the tattoo to breath.

• A tattoo is an open wound and your body will develop a scab if you do not clean and apply the proper ointments as instructed. Scabbing can fade the ink and even cause portions of it to fall out during the healing process. These instructions are meant to mimic the healing properties of a scab so your body won't have to develop one. Also, a tattoo is technically underneath your skin, so if the skin tans or burns, the ink will fade over time. This is why sunblock and not sunscreen is so crucial.

References

• Sharp Tattoos: Tattoo Aftercare