Whether it’s your first or your fifth, there’s nothing quite like that fresh tattoo feeling. And while we get that you're probably itching (literally and figuratively) to show it off, your skin is going through something pretty major right now. It needs time, care, and yes, protection from the sun.
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Can You Put Sunscreen On a New Tattoo?
That brings us to a super common question we hear: Can I put sunscreen on my new tattoo?
Ahead, we’ll walk through what you can and shouldn’t do when it comes to sun exposure after getting a tattoo. We’ll also share how to protect your tattoo for the long haul, so it keeps looking just as bold and vibrant as the day you got it.
Can You Put Sunscreen On a New Tattoo?
The short answer: No, you shouldn’t apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo. New tattoos are essentially open wounds. That ink might be beautiful, but your skin is still healing, and sunscreen is not made for broken skin.
Instead, follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions carefully. They know your skin, your design, and the healing process best. Most will recommend keeping your tattoo clean, moisturized, and out of direct sunlight during the healing phase, which can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the size and location of your tattoo.
How Do You Protect a New Tattoo from the Sun?
While you wait for your tattoo to heal, the best thing you can do is cover it up. Loose, breathable clothing is your friend here. Think long sleeves, airy fabrics, and wide-brimmed hats if your tattoo is near your shoulders or arms. If it’s on your leg, consider lightweight pants or longer skirts that won’t rub too much against the skin.
It may feel counterintuitive to cover up a brand-new design you love, but your tattoo will thank you later.
Why SPF Is Essential After Your Tattoo Heals
Once your tattoo has fully healed, that’s when sunscreen becomes a must-have in your daily routine. Sun exposure can fade your tattoo faster than you’d think.
“The ultraviolet light in the sun not only damages the skin, but can also cause tattoos to fade,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Fenton. “If the skin under the tattoo gets a lot of sun exposure, the tattoo will also start to get stretched out as the skin gets looser and more wrinkled.”
Translation? A little SPF can help your ink stay sharp, vibrant, and crisp for years to come.
When you’re ready to start applying sunscreen to your healed tattoo, Dr. Fenton recommends starting with a mineral formula that’s gentle on skin. “I suggest starting off with a zinc oxide-based sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher,” he says. “Zinc oxide offers broad spectrum protection and is less likely to irritate skin.”
Our PLAY Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is a great option for this stage. It’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, goes on smoothly, and is easy to apply without rubbing.
Once your skin has adjusted, it’s all about finding a sunscreen that works for everyday use — something you’ll want to use and reapply often. That’s where our PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 comes in. It sprays on clear, dries quickly, and gives your skin a radiant glow without feeling greasy.
SPF: The Secret Ingredient to a Long-Lasting Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is a commitment, and so is keeping it protected. While it may feel like a wait to keep your new piece covered up, your patience will pay off. Let it heal, keep it out of the sun, then make SPF your tattoo’s new best friend.
