13 Best Sunscreens To Protect Your Tattoo This Summer
We hate to break it to you, but all those summer getaways you are dreaming of may ruin your tattoo! And if you have freshly-inked your body, then get ready to take cover as any contact with the UV rays can damage the wound, fade the color or even lead to patchy ink! Getting a tattoo breaks the skin’s natural barrier making it vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun. So, what’s the solution? No summer trips? Yes, if you don’t want to invest in a good sunscreen!
Whether you have a tattoo or not, sunblock is a must in summer. Speak to your tattoo artist or dermatologist and get your hands on the best sunscreen for tattoos. If you have been doing a bit of exploring yourself, check out our list of the 13 best sunscreens of 2020 to protect your tattoo this summer!
13 Best Sunscreens To Protect Your Tattoo
1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick
When it comes to sunblock, Neutrogena takes the crown for its broad-spectrum protection. And this one is no different. Non-greasy, ultra-sheer, and powered by Helioplex technology that protects from direct sunlight, consider your tattoo protected. With SPF 70, this sunscreen stick is lightweight, glides smoothly, is non-comedogenic, and free from PABA. Trusted by doctors, this sunscreen from Neutrogena is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and can be used while chilling in the pool or at the beach.
Pros:
- No-mess application
- Non-greasy, ultra-sheer, and glides easily
- Non-comedogenic and PABA-free
- Formulated with Helioplex technology
- Light-weight and water-resistant
Cons:
- It breaks easily
- For personal use only, cannot be shared
2. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
If only you could turn your skin into reflectors, then you wouldn’t have to worry about tans, sunburns, or distorted tattoos! Unfortunately, that’s not possible, but Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen can protect you with its broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Infused with active zinc oxide, which is hailed as one of the best mineral compounds to block UV rays, this sunscreen has no harsh chemicals like paraben and is free from fragrance too. This means it’s gentle and suitable for sensitive and tattooed skin. This brand is reef-safe, lightweight, and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Pros:
- Infused with active zinc oxide that protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays
- Free from paraben and fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Reef-safe, lightweight, and water-resistant
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons:
- It doesn’t wash off easily
- Leaves a white cast on skin
3. Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen
Sounds cute, doesn’t it? This sunscreen from Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen is powerful with SPF 50 and will protect from UVR-induced damages and also prevents your tattoo from fading and. Recommended for daily use, what makes this sunblock a favorite is its oil-free, weightless, and ultra-hydrating creamy formula. Plus, it does not clog pores. And lest we forget, it is water-resistant and safe to use on your child’s skin as well!
Pros:
- Protects from UVR-induced damages
- Oil-free, weightless, and non-comedogenic
- Moisturizes the skin with sunflower and rosemary leaf extracts
- Suitable for all skin types
- Waterproof up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen
Are you planning to explore water-sports this summer? Protect your tattooed skin with Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion! Indulging in outdoor sports means that you will be exposed to sun rays for long. This broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen ensures maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays, and it is clinically proven. Also, its lightweight and breathable formula won’t weigh you down but will protect your tattoo while you have fun in the sun. Sweat and water-resistant, the sunblock also guarantees to stay whether you are in the pool, ocean water, sand, or extreme heat. It is a must-have for all sports enthusiasts!
Pros:
- Suitable for prolonged sun exposure
- Lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant
- Clinically proven to protect from UVA/UVB rays
Cons:
- It has a thick consistency
5. Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion – Ultra Guard
If you are going to stay out in the sun for long, you’ll need something strong to shield your tattoo. Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion – Ultra Guard is known for its intense defense that blocks UVA/UVB rays up to 98%! With SPF 70, it stays waterproof for up to 80 minutes, which means even if you sweat, your sunblock stays intact, making it a must-have on a sunny day. It nourishes the skin as well with vitamin E and other moisturizing ingredients.
Pros:
- Intense defense formula
- Blocks up to 98% of sun rays
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Lightweight
- Nourishes and hydrates the skin
Cons:
- It might cause a stinging sensation, hence a patch test is recommended
6. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
Not a fan of glossy sunscreens? Here’s one with a matt finish and a silky-smooth texture. It not only protects your tattooed skin with naturally derived eco-cert zinc oxide but also doubles up as a primer for your make-up! Also, reducing the risk of photoaging and skin-related diseases, MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 has antioxidants that nourish the skin keeping it soft and supple throughout the summer. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it is non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin types.
Pros:
- Protect skin against harsh sun rays
- Doubles up as a primer
- Reduces the risk of photoaging and skin cancer
- Antioxidants nourish the skin
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Non-comedogenic and smooth texture
Cons:
- Expensive
7. BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
Fight those harsh UV rays with this extremely light, non-greasy, no-mess gel sunblock that has both men and women raving! It absorbs into the skin faster than other lotions, offers broad-spectrum UV protection with SPF 50, and is sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Promoted as long-lasting by the brand, this sunscreen assures effective protection for tattooed skin while also nourishing skin with antioxidants and other rich plant extracts.
Pros:
- Ultra-light, quick-absorbing, no-mess sunblock
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects from UV rays
- Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Long-lasting and nourishing
Cons:
- It doesn’t wash off easily
8. CannaSmack Ink Guard SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
Flaunt your body art this summer without worry about the ink fading! Trusted by tattoo enthusiasts all over, CannaSmack Ink Guard SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen offers photostable UVB protection that protects the tattoo from the UV rays. This sunblock is water-resistant, non-comedogenic, and is formulated to be hypoallergenic, making it completely safe to use on all skin types. And now, the best part, it has hydrating ingredients such as omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E, and more that nourish and brighten your tattoo.
Pros:
- UVB protection for your ink
- Free from paraben, sulfate, color, and fragrance
- Water-resistant, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Suitable for tattooed skin, microbladed eyebrows, etc.
Cons:
- It has a strong fragrance
9. Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Don’t just enjoy the summer, smell like it, all thanks to Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion. A non-comedogenic lotion with SPF 50, it offers maximum protection to all skin types, even tattooed skin and keeps you refreshed all day. Planning a getaway to the beach? Trust Sun Bum’s water-resistant and oil-free formula to keep your skin protected from intense sun rays. Since inked skin is prone to allergy, Sun Bumthis sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free from paraben and gluten.
Pros:
- Pleasant fragrance and lightweight
- It does not clog pores
- SPF 50 protects from UVA/UVB rays
- Water-resistant and hypoallergenic
- It contains skin-nourishing antioxidants
Cons:
- Greasy
- The effect wears off quickly and requires frequent application
10. Australian Gold SPF 50+ Tattoo Stick
This one’s a keeper for all those mini tattoos! Formulated with Ultimate Fade Protection, Australian Gold SPF 50+ Tattoo Stick’s anti-discoloration and anti-fade features will not disappoint you. It has nourishing ingredients that will make your beautiful body art look brighter and as good as new! Portable and easy-to-use, try it, and you’ll thank us later!
Pros:
- Anti-discoloration and anti-fade protection
- Nourishes tattooed skin
- Portable and easy-to-use
Cons:
- Too small for big tattoos
11. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen
When it comes to stepping out in the sun, always play safe. The damage-inducing sun rays can be harmful for sensitive or tattooed skin. While other sunscreens assure protection from UVA and UVB rays, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen has Cell-OX Shield XL Technology that neutralizes the free radicals, thereby minimizing skin damage. An antioxidant formula, this melt-in milk formula is rich and smooth that absorbs quickly and imparts a velvety feel to your skin . Trusted by dermatologists worldwide, you can enjoy the effects of this sunblock in water for up to 80 minutes!
Pros:
- Protects from UV rays and free radicals
- It has a rich, smooth, and velvety texture
- Quick-absorbing formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Free from paraben and fragrance
- Waterproof
Cons:
- It’s expensive
12. Tattoo Goo Renew Tattoo Enhancing Lotion SPF 30
Freshly inked but can’t cancel outdoor plans? Tattoo Goo Renew Tattoo Enhancing Lotion SPF 30 has got you covered. Apply generously on the tattoo area to prevent fading, discoloration, or unwanted pigmentation caused by the sun rays. Intensely nourishing with an occlusive healing barrier, it contains 95% natural olive oil formula with vitamin A, D, and E that accelerates skin rebuilding. However, what really had us going gaga over this sunblock was its power to rejuvenate old tattoos and make them appear brighter. A sunscreen that can protect and refresh old tattoos, now that’s something every tattoo enthusiast must-have!
Pros:
- Silky, smooth, and non-greasy
- Prevents fading, discoloration, and pigmentation
- Nourishes and brightens tattoos
- Accelerates healing time
- It does not clog pores
Cons:
- It may not enhance all tattoos
13. Tattoo Care Sun Protection
This summer, go get that tan without letting the sun ruin your tattoo! While you enjoy the glorious tanning, let your ink bask in the nourishment of Tattoo Care Sunscreen’s natural ingredients and water-resistant sun protection formula with SPF 30+. From preventing fading to moisturizing the tattoo with bisabolol, calendula and vitamin E, this sunblock promotes quick healing too. Also, it’s hypoallergenic and free from paraben.
Pros:
- Prevents fading of tattoo
- Hypoallergenic and free from paraben
- Promotes quick healing and prevents drying
- Water-resistant
- Soothes itchiness and inflammation
Cons:
- Thick consistency
- Quantity might be too less
- Packaging is not durable
There you go, these are the 13 best sunscreens to protect your ink this summer and it’s safe to say that you are all set for the straw-hat season! Let’s block out those scorching rays, embrace the tan, and flaunt the enviable tattoos in all the summer selfies. Choose your sunblock now! Did we miss out on your favorite sunscreen or do you have queries regarding this post? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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