How to care for a healed tattoo during periods of high UV exposure
What is a high UV period?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic energy primarily emitted by the sun. A high UV period refers to times when sunlight contains elevated levels of UV radiation, typically with a UV index between 3 and 10—when the sun is considered “harmful.” Contrary to popular belief, harmful UV exposure can occur not only in summer but also in winter.
UV intensity is measured on a scale from 1 to 10, known as the UV index, which you can find in most weather forecasts. Below, we’ll explain what the numbers mean and how they affect your skin—and especially your tattoo.
During times of strong sunlight, we recommend giving your tattoo extra protection with SPF products—and in some cases, covering it with clothing. In this article, we’ll explain when sun protection is necessary, the risks UV exposure poses, how to assess the threat level, and how to choose the right product.
Sounds serious—how does UV radiation affect tattoos?
When the UV index is high (3 or above), direct sunlight can cause your tattoo ink to fade, similar to how colors fade on a t-shirt or leaves exposed to sun. Although tattoos fade more slowly, it is possible to maintain their original appearance by following a few simple rules we’ll outline below.
Let’s talk numbers: when is protection necessary?
UV Index 0–2: no additional protection needed—this level poses no threat to your skin or tattoo.
UV Index 3–7: start using sun protection like SPF products, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses.
UV Index 8–10 and higher: avoid direct sunlight, stay in the shade, apply SPF, and cover your tattoo with clothing when possible.
A little theory: types of UV radiation
There are three types of UV rays: UVC, UVB, and UVA. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds:
UVC: Completely absorbed by the ozone layer—doesn’t reach us, so no impact on skin.
UVB - Reaches the outer layer of skin, causing redness, dryness, sunburn, and allergic reactions. Cloud cover and glass can block some UVB rays. UVB accounts for only 5% of all UV radiation reaching the Earth.
UVA: Penetrates deep into the skin (dermis). It doesn’t cause visible burns, but leads to long-term damage:
• Photoaging (wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity)
• Sun sensitivity (allergies, dermatitis, itching)
• Pigmentation issues
• Skin cancer
UVA rays account for 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth’s surface.
From theory to practice: choosing the right sun protection for your tattoo
There are many sunscreens available. Rather than recommending specific brands, here’s how to choose and use one effectively:
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number indicates protection level—higher numbers mean stronger protection against UVB rays.
SPF 10: Suitable for face when UV index is below 3
• SPF 15: For face and body when index is 3–5 (not suitable for tattoos)
• SPF 20: For index 4–6 (not suitable for tattoos)
• SPF 30: For index 4–8 (suitable for tattoos); above 8, avoid direct sun
• SPF 50: For index 5+, especially when index exceeds 10; reapply at least once per hour
For UVA protection, look for “Broad Spectrum” or PA+++ on the label. Without it, your tattoo is still vulnerable to long-term damage.
We recommend using SPF 30 or SPF 50 on tattoos when the UV index is 3 or higher. The difference between the two isn’t dramatic, so choose whichever suits your preferences.
Final question: how to use SPF properly?
1. Apply 20 minutes before going outside. This gives the product time to activate and reach peak effectiveness.
2. Use enough. A general guideline is half a teaspoon for the face and neck. Use proportionally more for tattooed areas.
3. Reapply every 2 hours if your tattoo is exposed to sunlight. Reapply again after being indoors if you go back outside.
4. Wash off thoroughly at the end of the day using a makeup remover + face cleanser (for face) or a shower gel (for body). SPF contains complex ingredients and needs more than just water to be removed.
Don’t skip sun protection! It’s the key to keeping your tattoo vibrant and beautiful for many years to come.
