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There’s a special excitement associated with getting anew tattoo.
But the work isn’t done just yet.
While tattoos are permanent, your ink will fade over time.
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This is a largely uncontrollable, natural occurrence, but there are ways to minimize fading.
“Tattoo fading is somewhat in our control,” tattoo artist Koral Ladna explains.
“If we take good care of our skin, our tattoos will look better.”
So, what does that look like in practice?
Keep reading to learn more about what causes tattoos to fade and how to slow down the process.
Meet the Experts
What Causes a Tattoo to Fade?
“Over time, all tattoos are essentially a photocopy of the original tattoo,” Ladna says.
That said, certain things can speed up the fading process even further.
One of the biggest, according to both experts, issun exposure.
The quality of the ink used for your tattoo is also a factor.
Does Tattoo Placement Matter?
Yes,tattoo placementmatters.
“Proper aftercareis the best way to ensure that your tattoo will last long-term,” Ladna says.
The better the tattoo heals, the longer it will last.
After your tattoo is fully healed, Dr. Engelman recommends pairing your moisturizing cream with a quality exfoliating cleanser.
“Using them in tandem will deliver the best long-term results,” she notes.
After those first few weeks,sunscreenisunsurprisinglythe most crucial weapon in your fade-prevention arsenal.
As Ladna puts it, “Your ink costs a lot; you should protect it.”
“In doing this, you’ll see that your tattoo will hold up differently.”
Theyll be able to infuse your skin with new pigment to compensate for the discoloration and fading.
Keep in mind that youll have to keep up with those initial aftercare practices after this session, too.
