Tattoo care isn’t complicated. In fact, this guide makes tattoo care simple—covering everything from healing to long-term UV protection.
As with many things, caring for a tattoo might seem daunting. In reality, it’s incredibly simple and, as readers of this blog already know, that’s how we like it.
We start with the fundamentals and then split this post into two parts: caring for brand new tattoos (whether it’s your first or not) and caring for established tattoos.
Why do tattoos fade?
Tattoo ink, dye or pigment is deposited deep into the dermis—the second layer of skin. Over time, the sharp lines, fine detail and bold colour that once looked so fresh can start to blur and fade. And nothing speeds up this fading process faster than ultraviolet (UV) rays.
UV rays penetrate the skin and break apart pigment particles. This is the same principle behind laser tattoo removal—it uses concentrated light energy to blast pigment into smaller pieces that the body can clear away.
A common myth is that UV damage only happens in summer. In reality, UVA rays specifically account for 95% of the light that reaches your skin. It's strength is broadly the same during the year and due to its lower wavelength, it can penetrate deeper into the dermis. UVA also passes through glass, clouds and even winter skies. According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80–90% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
So, if tattooed skin is exposed to daylight without any kind of UV protection, fading is guaranteed. Of course it won’t happen overnight—but slowly and surely, the damage builds up.
How to prevent tattoos from fading
The best way to protect a tattoo from UV is to block it entirely—clothing is the most effective barrier. But let’s face it, if you’ve got ink you’re proud of, you probably want to show it off.
That’s where high quality SPF comes in. Sunscreen acts like a shield against UV rays, and can be applied to tattooed skin any time it's exposed to daylight—not just on sunny holidays.
Ideally, go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that means it protects against both UVA and UVB) with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours if you're staying outside, especially after sweating or getting wet.
Tanning beds? Best avoided entirely. They use concentrated UV light, which is not only terrible for skin health but also your tattoos.
What about skin cancer?
This bit matters. Skin cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with and die from it. And while tattoos don’t cause skin cancer, they can make it harder to spot.
Dark ink might mask suspicious moles or skin changes. So if you’re tattooed, especially in areas where you can't see well (like the back or legs), be extra vigilant. Check your skin regularly, or even better—get it checked professionally once a year.
Protection and detection go hand in hand. If you see anything unusual—new moles, changes in size or colour, or anything that itches or bleeds—get it checked. Early detection saves lives.
Caring for a fresh tattoo (days 0–21)
- Your skin will feel hot, sore and sensitive—like a bad sunburn. That’s normal.
- Leave the cling film or bandage on for no more than 1–2 hours unless your artist says otherwise. The skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
- After removing the wrap, gently wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap. No essential oils, no fragrances, no nonsense.
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft paper towel—don’t rub, don’t use fabric, and definitely don’t reuse anything.
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser or whatever your tattoo artist recommends. Hand cream or balm is fine—just don’t slather it. Less is more here.
- Don’t rewrap the tattoo unless specifically told to by your artist. Fresh air speeds up healing—cling film does not.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo to avoid rubbing or sticking. Skip the skinny jeans or compression tops today.
- Don’t shave over the area. Give it at least a couple of weeks to heal first.
Day 1–21
- You might notice scabbing, peeling or itching. That’s all part of healing. Whatever you do—don’t pick, scratch or peel. Let your body do the work naturally.
- Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap—twice a day or whenever it gets dirty. No scrubbing. No fancy products. Just clean and simple.
- Pat dry every time. Use a clean paper towel and avoid rubbing. Damp = bad news for healing skin.
- Moisturise the area 2–4 times a day with a fragrance-free product. No need to overdo it—a thin layer is plenty.
- Avoid direct sunlight completely. No SPF yet. No beach. No sun. The skin’s too raw to handle it safely right now.
- Keep the tattoo out of water. Showers are fine. But no baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas or sea. Soaking = trouble.
- Skip the gym, sweaty sessions and intense movement—especially if it means tight kit rubbing over the tattoo. Sweat + friction = irritation.
- If you notice any signs of infection—excess redness, swelling, pus, or unusual pain—get it looked at by a doctor. Fast.
- Stick with the routine until all scabs have dropped off and the skin is smooth and flat again. That’s usually around 2–3 weeks, but everyone’s different.
Timing tip: when to get tattooed
If you’ve got a big event planned and want your tattoo to look its best, allow at least three weeks of healing. Avoid getting new ink just before a sunny holiday or a beach wedding.
Caring for older tattoos
Once healed, tattoos are easier to maintain—but that doesn’t mean forgetting about them.
UV exposure remains the biggest factor in how your tattoos age. Even on cloudy days, UV rays continue to cause invisible damage under the surface. That’s why we recommend:
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) on all exposed tattoos
- Choosing a cream or gel formula you rub in—sprays often miss spots
- Reapplying every two hours when outdoors
- Using a daily SPF moisturiser if you’ve got tattoos on your face, neck or arms
- Being mindful of ink colours: black and grey hold up best; white and lighter colours fade fastest
- Avoiding tanning lotions or sun beds
- Watching water exposure—water reflects UV, so sunscreen is even more important in or around it
- Not forgetting hard-to-reach or rarely seen tattooed areas
Recap: How to protect and preserve your tattoos
Tattoo care is about more than just healing—it's about long-term protection. Whether you’ve just been inked or you’re preserving a 10-year-old piece, the key is to keep your skin clean, moisturised and protected from the sun.
No one gets a tattoo thinking it’ll look faded and dull in five years. But that’s exactly what can happen without proper care. By protecting your ink—especially from UV—you’ll keep it looking crisp, bold and beautiful for decades to come.
Use SPF daily, avoid sun beds, and be smart about your environment. Your tattoos will look bolder, last longer and stay healthier. Protect your ink, protect your skin.
