Tattoo sun protection
Protect your tattoo from sun, heat, and UV radiation.
Your tattoo was expensive.
You paid for it. Maybe you saved up for it. And honestly: getting it done hurt too.
So you don't want your tattoo to fade faster than necessary.
Yet, that often happens without you realizing it.
Not from one day at the beach.
But from all those little sun moments in between.
UV radiation can slowly fade tattoo ink. Colors become duller. Black appears greyer. Sharp details lose contrast.
Not all at once.
But gradually.
And that's precisely what makes the sun so treacherous for your tattoo.
The Sun-forgotten-moment™
You know the drill.
A quick bike ride.
A glass of rosé on the terrace.
Running into someone and chatting in the sun.
A cigarette outside.
Arm out the car window.
Partying at a festival.
Holiday morning. Swimsuit on. Water nearby. Sun on your skin.
(or first beach day?)
And then suddenly you feel it.
Your skin gets warm.
Your tattoo glows.
Damn, my tattoo.
That's a Sun-forgotten-moment™.
A moment when your tattoo gets more sun than you intended. Sometimes without getting sunburned. Sometimes red as a lobster.
One time is usually not the problem.
But all those little moments combined?
They add up.
Your tan will naturally fade after a few weeks. Your skin renews itself.
But your tattoo sits deeper.
If your tattoo constantly endures sun, heat, and redness, it can fade, look dull, and become less sharp faster.
And then "oh well, it can't hurt" suddenly becomes:
I wish I had applied more sunscreen.
Sun protection is not an unnecessary luxury.
It's about caring for your ink.
First this: Is your tattoo ready for the sun?
Before you think: "I'll just put on some sunscreen," you need to know one thing:
Is your tattoo really already closed and settled?
Because a new tattoo and a healed tattoo have totally different rules.
A new tattoo is still healing.
You don't put sunscreen on it. You don't swim with it. And you certainly don't bake in the sun with it.
A healed tattoo can be exposed to the sun, but not unprotected.
That's why everything revolves around this question first:
How do you know if your tattoo is healed enough?
Your tattoo should:
- feel smooth
- be completely closed
- look calm
- have no more scabs
- have no more peeling skin
- not be red, warm, or sensitive
Does your skin feel like normal skin again?
Then you can switch to sunscreen with SPF.
Still unsure?
Then your tattoo is probably not ready for the sun yet.
Until then: show some Sun-patience™.
When can you expose your tattoo to the sun?
You can only expose your tattoo to the sun when the skin is fully healed. This is usually after about 2 to 3 weeks.
Is your tattoo still open, flaky, sensitive, red, or peeling? Then stay out of direct sunlight.
Does your tattoo feel smooth, closed, and calm? Then you can go back into the sun, but always with good protection.
Can you apply sunscreen to a new tattoo?
No.
Sunscreen does not belong on a new tattoo.
A fresh tattoo is still healing. The skin is not yet fully closed and can become irritated more easily.
In the first few weeks, use your normal tattoo aftercare and keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Only when your tattoo feels completely smooth, closed, and calm can you use sunscreen.
Until then, protect your tattoo with shade, loose clothing, and good aftercare.
Are you getting a tattoo in the summer, on holiday, or at a festival? Then you can choose TattooMed Sun Protection Film as an alternative to regular tattoo film immediately after getting it.
Day 1–5: fresh tattoo
Your tattoo has just been done. This is the phase where you primarily want rest.
No sun. No sunscreen. No swimming pool. No sea.
What you should do:
- stay out of direct sunlight
- cover your tattoo with loose clothing
- stay in the shade as much as possible
- gently wash your tattoo with TattooMed Cleansing Gel
- then apply a thin layer of TattooMed After Tattoo
Are you getting a tattoo in the summer, on holiday, or during a festival?
Then you can choose TattooMed Sun Protection Film instead of regular tattoo film immediately after getting it.
This CE-certified second skin film works like regular TattooMed tattoo film, but with a UV filter.
It protects your new tattoo not only from dirt, friction, and clothing, but also from UV radiation.
Especially useful for tattoos that get a lot of sun exposure, such as arms, legs, neck, hands, ankles, or feet.
Important: even with Sun Protection Film, stay out of bright sun. The film helps protect against UV radiation, but heat remains a risk.
If the film gets warm, you sweat under the film, or it feels uncomfortable? Then that's not good for your healing tattoo.
Day 5–21: the impatient phase
This is the phase where many people make mistakes.
Your tattoo seems calmer. The skin starts to peel. Scabs and flakes come off. The tattoo sometimes looks pretty good again.
And that's precisely when you think:
Can I go back into the sun yet?
Can I apply sunscreen?
Can I show off my tattoo?
Don't.
Your tattoo is not ready for the sun at this stage.
Stay out of direct sunlight, wear loose clothing, and continue with your normal aftercare.
Use TattooMed Cleansing Gel to keep your tattoo clean and TattooMed After Tattoo to thin care for the skin.
Only use sunscreen when your tattoo is completely smooth, closed, and healed.
So, have some Sun-patience™ for a bit longer.
Day 21+: your tattoo is healed
Is your tattoo smooth, closed, and have all scabs and flakes disappeared?
Then your tattoo can go back into the sun.
But not unprotected.
UV radiation continues to affect your tattoo. Not just in summer. Not just at the beach. Also during regular outdoor moments.
Without proper protection:
- colors can become duller
- black lines can appear greyer
- details can seem less sharp
- texts and names can become less legible
- your tattoo can age faster
From now on, it's about protecting it when you go into the sun.
For daily care and color retention, use Daily Tattoo Care.
For actual sun exposure, use TattooMed Sun Protection Factor 30 or Factor 50.
Which TattooMed sun protection is right for your tattoo?
TattooMed Sun Protection Film
For new tattoos in summer.
```Are you getting a tattoo in the summer, on holiday, or during a festival?
Then TattooMed Sun Protection Film is a smart alternative to regular tattoo film.
Like our regular TattooMed tattoo film, Sun Protection Film is also a CE-certified product.
The difference?
Sun Protection Film works like regular second skin film, but with a UV filter.
You use Sun Protection Film immediately after getting the tattoo. Not as a separate emergency solution afterwards, but as a conscious choice instead of regular tattoo film.
Ideal if you want to protect your new tattoo optimally. Not only against dirt, friction, and clothing, but also against UV radiation.
Especially useful for tattoos that get a lot of sun exposure, such as arms, legs, neck, hands, ankles, or feet.
Important: Sun Protection Film is not a license to sunbathe. A new tattoo remains vulnerable. Avoid bright sun, prolonged heat, swimming, sauna, and baths.
TattooMed Sun Protection Factor 30
For those who want to protect their tattoo and still get a tan.
Factor 30 is a great choice if you like to go out in the sun but don't want to leave your tattoo unprotected.
Your skin still gets the chance to tan gently, while protecting your tattoo from unnecessary UV damage.
Ideal for people who don't get sunburned extremely quickly, like to get a natural summer glow, and still want to take serious care of their tattoo.
Choose Factor 30 if:
- you want to build a natural summer tan
- your skin doesn't get sunburned extremely quickly
- you want to protect your tattoo without immediately resorting to the highest factor
- you have many black & grey tattoos
- your tattoo has a lot of open skin between the design
- you want to consciously apply sunscreen, but don't want to be afraid of the sun
Factor 30 is perfect for people who cherish their tattoo but also want to enjoy the summer.
If you're in doubt, burn easily, or have a colorful tattoo? Then Factor 50 is the safest choice.
TattooMed Sun Protection Factor 50
For maximum protection of your healed tattoo.
```You choose Factor 50 when you want to take as little risk as possible with your tattoo.
For example, in bright sun, with light skin, during holidays, at the beach, festivals, with colorful tattoos, and long days outdoors.
Especially color work, fine lines, and details should not be left unprotected from UV.
Choose Factor 50 if:
- you burn easily
- you have light skin
- you have a colorful tattoo
- you are outside for a long time
- you are going on holiday
- you are going to the beach, a festival, or the swimming pool
- you simply want maximum protection
Do you have healthy Sun-paranoia™ about your tattoo?
Then grab Factor 50
The packaging says LSF50. That is the German abbreviation for SPF50 or Factor 50.
TattooMed Sun Protection Spray Factor 50
For maximum protection with extra convenience
Are you a fan of spray sunscreen?
Or do you just want to apply it faster?
Then TattooMed Sun Protection Spray Factor 50 is handy.
The spray is great when you want to quickly reapply on the go. Think of holidays, the beach, festivals, terraces, swimming pools, or a long day outdoors.
Use the spray for:
- quick reapplication
- extra convenience
- holidays and the beach
- festivals and outdoor days
- arms, legs, shoulders, and back
- people who prefer to spray rather than rub
The spray is not just for large tattoos. It's especially useful when convenience is important.
```TattooMed After Sun
For after a sunny day. And especially: if you've had too much sun anyway.
```Oops.
Did you have a Sun-forgotten-moment™ after all?
Are you red as a lobster and does your skin feel warm, tight, or burning?
Then you need cooling.
TattooMed After Sun cares for and cools the skin after sun exposure. Especially after heat, wind, sea, swimming pool, terrace, or a long day outdoors, your skin can use extra care.
Even if your tattoo has accidentally had too much sun, you want to soothe and care for the skin as quickly as possible.
After Sun contains Panthenol and fits perfectly into your evening routine after a sunny day.
Use After Sun for:
- after a sunny day
- after a holiday, beach, or terrace visit
- after heat, wind, or outdoor air
- skin that feels dry or tight
- skin that feels red or warm after the sun
- extra cooling after sun exposure
Note: After Sun is not a substitute for sunscreen.
During the day, protect with Factor 30 or Factor 50. After the sun, care with After Sun.
Only use After Sun on healed skin. Not on a fresh tattoo.
Tattoo at a festival? Think beyond regular film
Sometimes sun protection is not theory.
At festivals, you see exactly where things can go wrong.
People get a tattoo, then walk onto the grounds, stand in the sun, sweat, dance, drink, lose track of time, and only later think:
Oh, right. My tattoo.
That's why we've also taped up festival-goers with fresh tattoos at festivals like Extrema.
Not because you should then happily bake in the sun.
But because a new tattoo at a festival has a lot to endure:
- sun
- heat
- sweat
- dust
- friction from clothing
- lots of movement
- long days outdoors
If you're getting a tattoo in the summer or at a festival? Then think about your aftercare beforehand.
Sun Protection Film can then be a smart choice immediately after getting the tattoo.
Just as extra protection in a situation where your skin already has enough to deal with.
Tips for sunbathing with a tattoo
New tattoo?
Keep fresh tattoos out of direct sunlight. Do not use sunscreen on a new tattoo. Do not swim with a new tattoo.
Healed tattoo?
Only use sunscreen when your tattoo is fully healed. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or drying off.
Summer tattoo?
Getting a tattoo in the summer? Choose Sun Protection Film as an alternative to regular tattoo film.
After a sunny day?
Has your skin had a long day in the sun? Afterward, use After Sun for care. Is your tattoo healed and you want to keep it looking good every day? Use Daily Tattoo Care.
The biggest mistakes with tattoos and sun
Too early in the sun
Many people think they can go back into the sun after a week.
Don't do it.
A new tattoo needs time to heal. Stay out of direct sunlight until your tattoo is fully healed.
Applying sunscreen to a fresh tattoo
Sunscreen should not be applied to a tattoo that is still open, sensitive, flaky, or not fully healed.
In that phase, use your normal aftercare: cleanse with TattooMed Cleansing Gel and gently care for with TattooMed After Tattoo.
Considering regular tattoo film as sun protection
Regular tattoo film is intended as second skin protection during the initial healing phase.
If you're getting a tattoo in the summer and want to use film, choose TattooMed Sun Protection Film immediately after getting the tattoo.
It works like regular tattoo film, but with a UV filter.
Apply once and done
Sunscreen does not work all day.
Protection decreases due to sweating, swimming, drying off, and movement.
This is typically one of those Sun-forgotten-moments™:
You apply it in the morning and forget about it for the rest of the day.
Therefore, reapply regularly.
Only apply on the beach
Much sun damage occurs on ordinary days.
On the bike. In the garden. On the terrace. While walking. At a festival. Or on the way to work.
It's those small sun moments that add up.
Forgetting your tattoo after swimming
Is your tattoo healed and are you going swimming?
Protect your tattoo beforehand with Factor 30 or Factor 50. Rinse or wash your skin after swimming and reapply protection when you go back into the sun.
Do not swim with a new tattoo.
Frequently asked questions about tattoo sun protection
When can you expose a tattoo to the sun?
You can expose your tattoo to the sun when the skin is fully healed. This is usually after about 2 to 3 weeks. The tattoo should feel smooth, closed, and calm, and there should be no more scabs, flakes, or sensitive spots.
Can you apply sunscreen to a new tattoo?
No. You should not apply sunscreen to a new tattoo. A fresh tattoo is still healing. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and use tattoo aftercare products until the skin is fully healed.
How do you protect a new tattoo from the sun?
You protect a new tattoo from the sun by staying out of direct sunlight, wearing loose clothing, and taking good care of your tattoo. If you're getting a tattoo in the summer, you can choose TattooMed Sun Protection Film directly after getting the tattoo instead of regular tattoo film.
What is TattooMed Sun Protection Film?
TattooMed Sun Protection Film is a CE-certified second skin tattoo film with a UV filter. You use this film immediately after getting your tattoo as an alternative to regular tattoo film.
What is the difference between regular tattoo film and Sun Protection Film?
Regular TattooMed tattoo film protects your fresh tattoo as a second skin film. TattooMed Sun Protection Film works the same way but also has a UV filter. This makes this film particularly interesting if you are getting a tattoo in the summer.
Can I sunbathe with Sun Protection Film?
No. Sun Protection Film is not a free pass to sunbathe. A new tattoo remains vulnerable. Avoid bright sun, prolonged heat, swimming, saunas, and baths.
What is better for your tattoo: Factor 30 or Factor 50?
Factor 30 is a great choice if you want protection and still want to build up a natural summer tan. Choose Factor 50 for bright sun, fair skin, colorful tattoos, holidays, or if you want maximum protection.
Do you still get a tan with Factor 30?
Yes, with Factor 30 you can still build up a natural summer tan. You protect your skin and tattoo better than without protection, but you don't completely block out the sun.
Do you still get a tan with Factor 50?
Yes, even with Factor 50 you can still get a tan, but usually slower than with Factor 30. Factor 50 is primarily intended for those who want maximum protection.
What does LSF mean on TattooMed sunscreen?
LSF is the German abbreviation for Lichtschutzfaktor (light protection factor). So LSF30 means SPF30 or Factor 30. LSF50 means SPF50 or Factor 50.
How often should I reapply sunscreen to my tattoo?
Reapply regularly. Especially after swimming, sweating, drying off, or when you are outside for an extended period.
Can TattooMed Sun Protection also be used on the rest of my body?
Yes. TattooMed Sun Protection is developed for tattooed skin, but you can also use it on the rest of your body.
My tattoo is sunburned, now what?
Is your tattoo healed and your skin feels red, warm, or burning after sun exposure? Then use TattooMed After Sun to cool and care for the skin. Do not use After Sun on a fresh tattoo.
Can you swim with a new tattoo?
No. Do not swim with a new tattoo. Avoid swimming pools, the sea, saunas, and baths until your tattoo is fully healed.
Protect your tattoo today, not just when it fades
```Your tattoo won't stay beautiful on its own.
The first few weeks are all about gentle healing. After that, it's about protection.
Getting a tattoo in the summer? Choose TattooMed Sun Protection Film as an alternative to regular tattoo film.
Is your tattoo healed? Use TattooMed Sun Protection Factor 30 or Factor 50 as soon as you go into the sun.
Has your skin had a long day in the sun? Afterward, use TattooMed After Sun.
Want to keep your tattoo looking great all year round?
Then color retention starts with daily care.
```