You’ve just got fresh ink, and naturally, you want to keep it looking vibrant.
If regular tanning bed sessions are a part of your beauty routine, you might wonder whether it’s recommended to use tanning beds after getting a tattoo.
There are some important things to consider before exposing your fresh ink to UV rays.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long you should wait before tanning, how to avoid fading or irritation, and what aftercare steps to take to keep your skin healthy and your ink looking fresh.
Can tanning beds fade a tattoo?
Yes, tanning beds can cause tattoos to fade over time, especially when they are still new. Over time, the UV rays can cause the ink particles in the skin to break down, making your tattoos faded, blurry and less vibrant.
A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, so the skin is susceptible to UV exposure as it heals. This makes it more prone to damage from the UV rays, which can lead to irritation, scabbing and uneven ink retention.
Tanning too soon after getting a fresh tattoo will cause complications and slow down the healing process.
How about older tattoos?
Long-term exposure to UV rays from tanning beds can affect all types of tattoos, whether fresh or old.
While a fully healed tattoo may not be as vulnerable to the immediate damage caused by UV rays, continued exposure can still cause fading over time.
It’s important to protect them and maintain their look using sunscreen with a high SPF.
How long should you wait after getting a tattoo?
When it comes to using tanning beds after getting a tattoo, patience is key. Experts typically recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks before exposing your tattoo to UV rays.
For the best results, you should ensure your tattoo is fully healed before using a tanning bed. This means that there should be no open skin, flaking or scabbing.
Healing times can vary from person to person based on factors like skin type, tattoo size and how well you take care of it. The general guidelines are to wait from 8 weeks up to 3 months.
For tattoos with light colours or intricate details, taking the time to let them heal completely is crucial. Light ink is often less concentrated than darker inks, which means that there is less pigment in the skin to absorb the UV rays, and thus, they will be more vulnerable to the effects of UV rays.
If you’re ever uncertain, it’s always worth checking in with your tattoo artist to ensure your tattoo is ready for UV exposure.
What happens if you use a tanning bed too soon?
Using a tanning bed too soon after getting a tattoo can lead to several issues that may affect how your tattoo heals and looks, for example:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Irritation
- Premature fading
Tips to protect your tattoo in a tanning bed
Once you have allowed your fresh ink to fully heal, you’re ready to get back on a tanning bed. However, it’s essential to continue to protect your tattoos to keep them looking vibrant.
Here are some essential tips to protect your tattoo while tanning using a sunbed.
1. Cover your tattoo
Always cover your tattoo with a clean, breathable cloth; this will help protect the area from direct UV exposure.
2. Use a broad-spectrum SPF
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to your healed tattoo to shield it from UV damage and keep the colours from fading.
3. Stay hydrated
UV exposure can dehydrate your skin, so make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin and tattoo hydrated.
4. Moisturise regularly
Keep your skin soft and hydrated by regularly applying a good moisturiser to your tattoo.
5. Limit your tanning time
To avoid excessive UV exposure, you should limit the time you spend at tanning bed sessions.
Boost your tan with tanning accelerators
Once your tattoo has fully healed, enhance your tanning experience with tanning accelerator creams.
The creams will not only speed up the tanning process but also offer key benefits for both your skin and tattoo, ensuring your skin stays hydrated.
Here at Sunshine Co, we have a selection of accelerator creams available to order both online and in-store at our salons.
These creams will help you develop a richer, more even tan while keeping your skin hydrated and tattoo protected.
So, what are the key benefits of using tanning accelerator creams?
- Tanning accelerators help you get a deeper tan faster
- They keep your skin soft and moisturised while tanning
- Your tan will last longer with regular use
- They help protect the vibrancy of your tattoo
- There’s a formula ideal for every skin type
Protect your tattoo while tanning & visit your nearest tanning salon
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to return to tanning after getting a tattoo, you must wait for your ink to heal completely before exposing it to UV rays.
When you are ready to tan, consider using tanning accelerators to speed up the process and visit your nearest Sunshine Co. tanning salon.
Our state-of-the-art tanning beds, including the MegaSun P9 series, offer cutting-edge technology that combines near-infrared and red light to help you achieve a deeper, more even tan while stimulating collagen production for healthier skin.
Whether you want to enhance your tan, refresh your skin, or protect your tattoo, we have the perfect solution for you.
