If you have tattoos and you want to keep that sun-kissed glow all year round, tanning beds are a great option. However, you should take some precautions to protect your ink from fading. Luckily, the methods we are going to share are simple, yet effective so you will be able to get the perfect tan without any worry. Let’s dive into some practical tips on how to protect tattoos in a tanning bed.
Why UV Rays are Bad for Tattoos
When your tattooed skin is exposed to UV light, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, the rays penetrate the skin and start breaking down the pigments in the ink. Over time, this leads to fading, dullness, and blurred lines.
Fresh tattoos are particularly vulnerable because they’re still in the healing process, meaning the skin is more fragile and the ink hasn’t fully settled. But even old tattoos aren’t safe. Bold colors like red, yellow, and blue are especially prone to fading. On top of that, UV rays dry out the skin, which can lead to flaking and peeling. That’s bad news because healthy, moisturized skin is key to maintaining a tattoo’s sharpness and color.
Use a Specialized Sunscreen or Tanning Lotion on Tattoos
If you’re planning on hitting the tanning bed, sunscreen is a must. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher directly on your tattoos gives you a solid layer of protection against those ink-fading UV rays. Even better, there are tattoo protection sticks available that are specially formulated to protect and nourish inked skin.
Make sure to apply sunscreen generously! The key to effectiveness is coverage. If you’re doing multiple tanning sessions or spending an extended time under UV exposure, reapply sunscreen between sessions to keep the barrier strong.
Pro Tip: Opt for higher SPF if your tattoo features bright colors like red, yellow, or purple, as these shades fade more quickly than black or darker tones. It’s a small investment for long-term tattoo preservation.
Tanning lotions can be a great solution for protecting your tattoos while achieving your desired tan. At Glo Tanning, we offer an Indulge line, which features built-in tattoo protectors. These specially formulated lotions are designed to shield your ink, helping to preserve its vibrancy while still allowing you to enjoy the maximum benefits of the tanning bed.
Should You Use a Tanning Bed If You Have Fresh Tattoos?
Short answer? No, and for good reason. Fresh tattoos need time to heal, and exposing them to UV rays, whether in a tanning bed or outdoors, is a recipe for disaster. New tattoos are essentially open wounds, so blasting them with UV light will not only fade the ink prematurely but could also cause scabbing, irritation, or even infections.
It’s best to wait at least 2-3 weeks (or as long as your tattoo artist advises) before going near a tanning bed. If you absolutely must tan, cover the area with a bandage, wrap, or medical tape to shield the tattoo from UV exposure.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
If you take away just one thing from this post, let it be this: well-moisturized skin keeps tattoos looking sharp and your tan glowing.
Stick with unscented lotions or tattoo-friendly moisturizers to avoid irritation. Products with alcohol are a big no-no because they dry out the skin even more, speeding up the fading process. For a more natural approach, you can try aloe vera or shea butter, both are great for soothing and moisturizing.
Consider Alternative: Spray Tanning and Lotions
If you love your tattoos and want to avoid the risks that come with tanning beds, spray tanning and self-tanning lotions are fantastic alternatives. These options give you the bronzed glow you’re after without exposing your ink to UV rays. Since spray tans are purely cosmetic and don’t involve UV exposure, they won’t cause your tattoos to fade or blur over time.
The upside? Spray tans are quick, painless, and safe for all skin types. Plus, you can customize your tan’s intensity, from subtle to deep bronze.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Spray tans only last about a week, so you’ll need regular touch-ups to maintain your color. Also, be sure to avoid rubbing freshly sprayed skin on tattooed areas too hard, excessive friction can wear the tan unevenly over time.
You might not be a fan of tan lines, here are some ideas on how to get rid of them.
Final Thoughts
Tanning with tattoos requires some extra care, but it’s totally possible to maintain both a glowing tan and vibrant ink. The key is protecting your tattoos from UV rays with specialized sunscreen, moisturizing diligently, and covering fresh tattoos until they heal. If you want to skip the hassle, spray tans and self-tanning lotions are great alternatives that won’t put your ink at risk.
