If you have tattoos, you might be tempted to use fake tan to enhance their appearance. However, it's important to be aware that applying fake tan over tattoos that haven't yet fully healed can have a negative impact on the ink and result in unsightly consequences. In this blog, we'll explore why you should avoid using fake tan on new tattoos and recommend how our products can help you heal your tattoos effectively.

Why You Shouldn't Use Fake Tan on New Tattoos:-

When you get a tattoo, the ink is injected into the dermis layer of your skin, which is deeper than the layer of skin where fake tan products work. As the tattoo heals, it will naturally peel and flake as part of the healing process, and it can take several weeks or even months for it to fully heal. During this time, your skin is sensitive and more prone to irritation and infection. Applying fake tan can clog pores and cause irritation, which can slow down the healing process and even damage your tattoo.

How Fake Tan Can Affect Your Tattoo Ink:-

Fake tan products contain chemicals that react with the top layer of your skin to produce a brown or bronze color. These chemicals can penetrate the upper layers of your skin and react with the ink in your tattoo. This can cause the ink to fade, blur or change color, resulting in a less defined and less attractive tattoo. Moreover, fake tan can alter certain colors of your tattoo permanently. 

Exposure to Sunlight:-

Following on from this, one of the most crucial aspects of caring for a fresh tattoo is avoiding direct sunlight. Sun exposure can not only damage the tattoo itself but also slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Here are some reasons why it's important to avoid direct sunlight while your tattoo is healing:

1. Sunburn: Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, which can damage the skin and delay the healing process. Sunburned skin is also more susceptible to infection, which can lead to complications.
2. Fading: Exposure to sunlight can cause the colors in your tattoo to fade or change over time. This is because UV rays can break down the ink pigments, causing them to lose their vibrancy and clarity.
3. Scarring: Sun damage can cause scarring on the skin, which can affect the appearance of your tattoo. If the skin around your tattoo becomes scarred, it may not hold the ink as well, leading to a faded or patchy-looking tattoo.
4. Infection: Direct sunlight can increase the risk of infection in a fresh tattoo. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it becomes more vulnerable to bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause infection.
5. Discomfort: Sunburn and heat can cause discomfort and irritation to a healing tattoo. This can make the healing process more difficult and uncomfortable, and may even cause the tattoo to peel or flake prematurely.

To avoid these potential problems, it's important to keep your tattoo covered and out of direct sunlight for the first few weeks of the healing process. This means wearing protective clothing or covering your tattoo with a bandage or dressing when you're outdoors.

If you need to be outdoors for an extended period, it's important to use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV rays. However, it's important to choose a sunscreen that is gentle and non-irritating, as some sunscreens can cause further irritation or damage to a healing tattoo.

Using Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare to Heal Your Tattoos:-

To ensure that your tattoos heal properly, it's essential to use a reliable aftercare product that helps to soothe and protect your skin during the healing process. Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare offers a plethora that is designed specifically to help tattoos heal quickly and effectively. Our products contain natural ingredients such as hemp oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, which are known for their healing properties. Our Tattoo Balm is easy to apply and provides a protective barrier that helps to keep your tattoo moisturized and hydrated, which is crucial for promoting proper healing.

Published: 7/3/2023 | Author: Nikita Jeppesen