How to Avoid Your Tattoo From Fading? (2024)

FAQs

How to Avoid Your Tattoo From Fading? ›

Wear SPF

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), ultraviolet (UV) light can cause some tattoo inks to fade. So before sun exposure, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, making sure to cover all exposed skin.

Wear SPF

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), ultraviolet (UV) light can cause some tattoo inks to fade. So before sun exposure, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, making sure to cover all exposed skin.

Protect Your Tattoo from the Sun

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Regardless of the temperature outside, sunlight and UV exposure are just no good in any way for tattoos, so the best defense is either cover up with clothing or a really good SPF cream to protect it from all those powerful rays.

Using a dressing over it for a few days, washing the area a couple of times daily, moisturizing several times, and avoiding sun exposure are some ways to care for your tattoo.

When done properly, a tattoo should show only a slight amount of settling within the first 6 months, which is totally normal. Depending on the style, location and lifestyle, a tattoo could show some early signs of fading in as early as 2-5 years although most tattoos won't show significant fading for 10-20 years.

Can you touch up a faded tattoo? If you find yourself unhappy with how your tattoo has evolved, it's not too late to freshen it up — but it will probably require another appointment with a tattoo artist.

The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.

For example, spending a lot of time in the sun or wearing tight clothing that rubs regularly against the tattoo can fade it more quickly, Shurman says. Other changes in your skin, like stretching from weight gain or pregnancy, will also fade a tattoo, says New York-based dermatologist David Kim.

Tattoos become permanent when the ink is placed under the skin by means of a needle or other sharp object. A professional tattoo artist could theoretically tattoo over a temporary tattoo to make it permanent. There's no other way to keep a temporary tattoo.

The location of the tattoo can affect fading

Areas of the body tattoos fade most include the hands, feet, elbows, armpit and inside of the arms. The reason is simple: friction. For example, tattoos on your feet fade quicker as socks and shoes are constantly rubbing these areas.

How to maintain tattoo color? ›

Use sunscreen and moisturizer often.

Always apply sunscreen on your tattoo, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for best protection. Moisturize your tattoo daily, especially if it's on an area of your body, such as your hands, where it can fade quickly.

Moisturize Regularly: Dry skin can lead to flaking and peeling, which can, in turn, cause your tattoo to fade. To keep your skin and tattoo moisturized, apply a tattoo-friendly balm daily.

While your changing skin will affect the shape and color of your tattoo over time, although this can be less likely with black and grey tattoos, it will rarely completely disappear.

Guess how tattoos stay there forever, even as your skin cells die and are replaced? French researchers say they have found the answer, and it's a little bit surprising. They found that immune system cells called macrophages eat the ink, and then pass it to their replacements when they die.