Skip to main content

Can I Tan with Tattoos? Here’s How to Protect Your Ink

Can I Tan with Tattoos? Here’s How to Protect Your Ink

Can I Tan with Tattoos? Here’s How to Protect Your Ink

Your tattoos are more than just ink on skin — they're stories, memories, expressions of your identity. Naturally, you want to protect them. But if you're a dedicated self-tanner or love a good spray tan, you might be wondering: Can tanning fade or ruin my tattoos?

The short answer: yes, it can — if you don’t do it right. But don't stress. With the right approach, you can easily maintain your ink’s vibrant colour while enjoying that golden glow. Here’s exactly what you need to know to tan safely with tattoos.

 

🖤 Why Does Tanning Affect Tattoos?

To understand why tanning can affect your tattoo ink, it’s helpful to know a bit about how tattoos work. Your ink is embedded deeply in the dermis layer of your skin. When your skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, it can cause fading or discolouration. But what about self-tanners and spray tans?

Good news: Self-tanning products (like Naked Tan’s) don't rely on UV rays — they use DHA, which only interacts with the top layer of your skin. This means your tattoos won't fade as they would from sun or UV exposure. However, improper preparation or aftercare could temporarily affect their vibrancy.

 

🌞 Safe Tanning with Tattoos: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wait Until Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed

Your skin needs time to heal after getting inked. Typically, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 4 weeks before tanning over fresh ink. Your tattoo should be fully healed — no scabbing, peeling, or redness.

 

2. Hydrate Your Ink Before Tanning

Dry skin = patchy tan, and patchy tan = uneven tattoo appearance. Using a moisturiser consistently before your tan appointment is essential. It’ll ensure your inked areas are evenly hydrated and won't look faded or dull after tanning.

👉 Right now, Crème de la Crème is Buy One, Get One Half Price — perfect to keep one at home and another in your handbag. It's deeply nourishing and gentle enough for tattooed skin.

 

3. Lightly Exfoliate Your Tattoo

Gently exfoliate tattooed areas 24 hours before tanning. This removes dead skin cells, ensuring an even tan without rough patches. Remember, exfoliation should be gentle; harsh scrubs can irritate skin with ink.

👉 Use a gentle mitt, such as the Naked Tan Exfoliating Mitt, for best results.

 

4. Choose Your Formula Carefully

Select high-quality DHA-based solutions, such as Naked Tan’s spray tan range. High-quality DHA only interacts with the very surface layer of your skin and won’t affect your tattoos directly.

👉 Our salon professionals often recommend Natural 8% DHA or Tanned 10% DHA for subtle, tattoo-friendly tanning.

 

5. Avoid Over-applying Directly on Tattoos

It’s best to avoid over-applying tanning solution directly onto your tattoo. Instead, apply the product lightly over the ink and blend it around carefully. Professional spray tanners know precisely how to treat tattoos with care, ensuring they don’t look unnaturally dark.

 

6. Aftercare: Hydration is Key

Post-tan care is crucial for both the tan and your ink. After your tan fully develops and you’ve rinsed (at least 24 hours later), moisturise your tattoos daily to maintain both your colour and tattoo clarity.

👉 Using Crème de la Crème again helps lock in moisture and protect your ink from appearing dull.

 

🎨 Tattoo Tanning FAQS

Q: Will self-tan turn my tattoos orange?
Nope! Good-quality tanning solutions like ours won't affect the colour of your tattoo. However, always exfoliate and moisturise to ensure no uneven tan build-up on your ink.

Q: Can I tan immediately after getting a tattoo?
Definitely not recommended. Wait at least 4 weeks for full healing. If you're unsure, always consult your tattoo artist first.

Q: Can tanning solutions irritate my tattoo?
Typically no, especially Naked Tan's alcohol- and paraben-free formulas. But if you have sensitive skin or new ink, always patch-test.

 

💭 The Bottom Line

Your tattoos represent you, and your tan should enhance them, never hide or damage them. By following these simple, thoughtful steps, you’ll keep your ink sharp, clear, and vibrant, while still enjoying that sun-kissed glow.

Want personalised advice for your tattoos? Book your next spray tan with a Naked Tan professional — they'll ensure your ink stays bold and your skin stays beautifully bronzed.

Comments

Be the first to comment.
All comments are moderated before being published.