Of course, beyond simply fading, exposure to sunlight can cause a whole heap of things such as making your crisp, detailed new tattoo look blurry and out of focus. When damage occurs and the peeling, cracking and blistering begins, the once sharp design on your skin can distort or develop missing spots.

Lastly and perhaps the most important reason of them all, is that sunblock does not magically protect you from infection! Let’s face it, bacteria is everywhere! If you need to wear sunscreen you’re more than likely exposing your flesh wound to places it shouldn’t even be in the first place. Tanning beds, swimming pools, and so on are hot beds for bacteria.

If you must wander outdoors into the sunlight, wear a protective cover or some cooling arm sleeves like these to block harmful UV rays.

How long until you can put sunscreen on a new tattoo?

After waiting at least six weeks and completing the full healing process, you’re ready to apply sunscreen.

However, don’t just grab any sunscreen and call it a day!

Protect your ink investment and step up to SPF 50 or higher. While it’s truth that all tattoos fade in time, the right sunscreen can help limit that effect significantly.

Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 is a good choice since it protects your skin while keeping your newly inked skin moisturized.