5 Ways to Keep a Healed Tattoo Looking New
Quick answer
To keep a healed tattoo looking new, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever it's in the sun and reapply about every two hours outdoors, keep the skin moisturized so it doesn't look dull, cover it with clothing or shade on long sun days, skip tanning beds (their UV can fade tattoo ink), and watch the spots where straps, waistbands, shoes and watch bands rub.
Healing takes weeks. Keeping a tattoo looking sharp takes years, and most of it comes down to a few everyday habits.
Here are five, from the chair.
1. Wear sunscreen
Why it matters: UV light fades tattoo ink over time, and bright colors tend to show it first.
Do this: once it's healed, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or more whenever your tattoo is in the sun. Put it on about 15 minutes before you go out, and reapply at least every two hours, or after swimming or sweating1[2].
2. Keep it moisturized
Why it matters: in our experience, a tattoo on dry, flaky skin looks faded even when the ink is fine. Dull skin makes dull lines.
Do this: moisturize daily. If your tattooed skin feels dry, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests a water-based lotion or cream1.
3. Cover up on long sun days
Why it matters: sunscreen wears off, and it's easy to miss a spot or forget to reapply on a long day outside.
Do this: for a beach day, a long hike or a day on the water, cover your tattoos with clothing or stay in the shade. For stronger protection, look for clothing with a UPF label2.
4. Skip the tanning bed
Why it matters: tanning beds and sunlamps are UV light. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, they may fade the ink in tattoos and can increase your risk of skin cancer1.
Do this: skip tanning beds. If you do tan, keep your tattoos covered.
5. Watch the rub spots
Why it matters: in our experience, tattoos under bra straps, waistbands, shoes and watch bands soften faster than tattoos that don't get rubbed every day. Years of friction add up.
Do this: choose looser fits where you can, and know where your tattoos rub. If a piece starts to look tired, see 5 Things to Know About Tattoo Touch-Ups.
Keeping a healed tattoo sharp
| Habit | Why it matters | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Wear sunscreen | UV fades ink | Broad-spectrum SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours |
| Keep it moisturized | Dry skin dulls ink | Moisturize daily |
| Cover up on long sun days | Sunscreen wears off | Sleeves, shade, UPF clothing |
| Skip the tanning bed | Same UV, same fade | Skip it or cover your tattoos |
| Watch the rub spots | Years of friction | Looser fits |
Healed isn't the finish line
Sunscreen, moisturizer, sleeves on long sun days, no tanning beds and an eye on the rub spots. That's how a tattoo stays sharp for years.
Not sure yours is fully healed yet? Check 5 Signs Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed. Already looking faded? See 5 Reasons Your Tattoo Faded Fast.
FAQ
How do I keep my tattoo from fading?
Protect it from UV. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever it's in the sun and reapply every two hours outdoors, cover it on long sun days, and skip tanning beds. Keeping the skin moisturized also helps it look crisp.
What SPF should I use on a tattoo?
A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, once the tattoo is fully healed. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, or after swimming or sweating.
Do tanning beds fade tattoos?
They can. Tanning beds and sunlamps give off UV light, and the American Academy of Dermatology says they may fade tattoo ink and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Should I moisturize a healed tattoo?
Yes. In our experience, dry, flaky skin makes a tattoo look dull. If your tattooed skin feels dry, use a water-based lotion or cream.
Why do tattoos in some spots fade faster?
In our experience, tattoos that get rubbed every day, like under bra straps, waistbands, shoes and watch bands, soften faster than tattoos that don't.