Too much sun exposure can cause fading, scarring, or color spreading.

When you first get inked your tattoo will look fresh and crisp.

So, protection is needed.

person in sun with tattoos

Rockie Nolan / Getty Images

However, the more sun exposure, the more colors will faderegardless of how dark they started.

Are New Tattoos More Susceptible to Sun Damage?

New tattoos are more susceptible to damage.

A fresh tattoo is an open wound with no protection on it.

What Types of Tattoos Are Most At Risk?

“Darker colors have proven their lightfastness over time.

Care during healing is key, and sunblock is necessary to help your tattoos keep their gorgeous color.”

Be sure to reapply your sunblock every two hours to ensure a continuous and solid layer of protection.

Keeping your tattoo out of the sun doesnt mean you have to stay inside all day, though.

Maintain your ink’s vibrantcolors and lineworkby always wearing at least one layer while in the sun.

It can be lightas long as it covers the tattoo design completely.

However, the winter season also means dry skin.

To protect your new tattoo, we love the original, unscented Aquaphor formula.

Slather on day or night for intense moisture and protection.

(Or, tryone of these tattoo artist-approved lotions).

And if you want to get tattooed whileon vacation?

Moisturize often from the inside and out:Nussbaum also suggests moisturizing often and drinking water every day.

She also notes that hydration doesn’t mean more showers, though.

), double-check to give your tattoo a good once over to ensure that the design hasnt majorly warped.

Just because you’re careful in the sun doesn’t mean you’ve successfully kept your ink covered.

Cleveland Clinic.What to expect when you get a tattoo.

Updated October 2, 2020.

Latha MS, Martis J, Shobha V, et al.Sunscreening agents: a review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

2013;6(1):16-26.