14 Best Sunscreens to Protect Tattoos Against Sun Damage & Fading, According to a Dermatologist

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Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but it's super important to take care of your new ink with a thorough aftercare routine. So, yes, you have 👏 to 👏follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you to a tee. Cleansing with gentle soaps protects from bacteria that could lead to infection, while nourishing lotions prevent dryness and soothe itchiness and peeling as your skin begins to heal. Sunscreen is another addition you must add to your tattoo aftercare routine. Along with protecting against harmful UV rays that can lead to painful burns, blisters, and skin damage that could lead to skin cancer, the best sunscreens for tattoos prevent your ink from fading prematurely.

Applying sunscreen to your tattoos may not seem like a big deal, but it really is. While tattoos cover the skin, they don't provide any protection from the sun. Tattooed skin is "still susceptible to UV damage from the sun," double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby tells Seventeen. "As a skin cancer surgeon, there are many instances in which I have had to surgically remove skin cancers from tattooed skin or next to tattooed skin, which runs the risk of distorting the tattoo once surgically repaired," she says.

Combating skin damage and protecting against skin cancer only scratches the surface of why it's important to apply sunscreen on your tattoos. According to Dr. Libby, UV rays from the sun "may fade tattoo colors over time," so she recommends applying a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum coverage to protect against UVA/UVB rays. Slather on at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every two hours after that. If your ink is new, the New York-based derm suggests skipping sunscreen until your tattooed skin is fully healed with no signs of scabs. Instead, she recommends using UPF sun protective clothing options or physical coverings like a bandage to keep newly-tattooed skin safe from harmful sun rays.

Now that you've got a breakdown of the importance of applying SPF on your ink, read ahead for the best sunscreens for tattoos.

Defend Tattoo Sunscreen

Mad Rabbit is a celeb-approved tattoo aftercare brand that features everything from a soothing balm to replenishing body lotion and an SPF made specifically for tattoos. With over 1,000 ratings on Amazon, customers rave about the brand's water-resistant and long-lasting sunscreen.

Solar Mate

Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion

This mineral sunscreen comes highly recommended by Dr. Libby. The double-board certified derm suggests Blue Lizard's Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion because it provides thorough sun protection without leaving a white cast.

Sheer Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Spray this lightweight, plant-based broad-spectrum SPF on your ink to keep your tattoos safe from the sun. This fragrance-free sun blocker is lightweight and dries quickly.

Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70

In case you had any doubts, it's totally possible to get adequate sun protection on a budget. This drugstore SPF is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is fast absorbing, so you don't have to worry about it transferring from your skin onto anything else.

UV Sport Body Sunscreen SPF 50

Derms rave over Elta MD Skincare on the reg, so it's only right that their broad-spectrum SPF 50 makes our list. Along with providing up to 80 minutes of water resistance, this SPF is oil-free and won't clog pores, which is a plus if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Applying sunscreen on a tat that's in a hard-to-reach place, like your back, can take lots of trial and error. Coola's Mineral Sunscreen Spray simplifies the process since you can aim for a general area and still hit the spot where you got tatted. All you have to do is sprits the fragrance-free mist on your tatted skin, and you're good to go.

Hydrating Face and Body Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

A sunscreen that can be applied to face and body tats? Count me in. CeraVe's Hydrating Face and Body Sheer Sunscreen melts into the skin courtesy of its sheer formula, and it's recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Every Sun Day™ Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50+

Your face is usually one of the body parts most exposed to the sun. Keep your cute face tats in tip-top shape with this lightweight physical sunscreen. Along with combatting UV rays, this SPF doesn't clog pores.

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Black Girl Sunscreen's Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is laced with jojoba and avocado oil to hydrate and soothe while delivering 80 minutes of water resistance.

Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50

SPF sticks are a quick and easy way to get your ink all the sun protection you need. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it works well on sensitive skin and won't clog pores. Plus it's reef-safe, making it perfect in case you've got a beachside vacay lined up for the summer.

Body Sunscreen SPF50+

Besties that love tattoos know that dryness and peeling are a part of the healing process. This sunscreen this water-resistant sunscreen is fragrance-free and enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to hydrate skin.

Vacation Super Spritz SPF50 Face Mist

This spritz gently mists SPF coverage without leaving a cast, making it perfect for face tattoos.

Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Throw this SPF in your bag just in case you need to touch up your sunscreen when you're on the go. This invisible stick can be rubbed on without worries of leaving a greasy film on your hands after applying it.

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