Protect your Body Art! Why Mineral Sunscreen is a MUST for your Tattoos!
Ok so you just got a new tattoo, and you're excited to show it off to the world. But along with the excitement of a new piece of body art comes the responsibility of taking care of it, especially when it comes to sun exposure.
Did you know that sunscreen is an essential part of tattoo aftercare? Using the right type of sunscreen can make a significant difference in protecting the vibrancy and longevity of your new tattoo.
In this blog post, we'll focus on the benefits of mineral sunscreen for new tattoos and why it's the ideal choice for protecting your beloved body art.
Why Sunscreen is Crucial for New Tattoos
Before we dive into the specifics of mineral sunscreen, let's first understand why sunscreen is essential for new tattoos.
When you get a tattoo, your skin undergoes a process of trauma, with the tattoo needle puncturing the skin to inject ink into the dermis. This process leaves your skin vulnerable and in need of extra care to heal properly.
Sun exposure can be particularly damaging to fresh tattoos, as the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause fading, discoloration, and premature aging of the skin. UV rays can also impair the healing process of your tattoo, leading to potential complications such as scarring or infection.
This is why it's crucial to protect your new tattoo from the sun, especially during the healing period, which typically lasts for several weeks.
Why Choose Mineral Sunscreen for New Tattoos
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen for your new tattoo, not all sunscreens are created equal!
Mineral sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, is a type of sunscreen that contains natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients.
The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens create a shield-like, physical barrier on the skin, made up of very fine mineral particles which absorb and reflect light rays away from the skin.
However, what many people may not know is that mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens are actually not far different from each other in terms of how they protect the skin from UV rays.
While mineral sunscreens work by absorbing about 95% of rays and reflecting about 5% of UV rays, chemical sunscreens absorb 100% of the UV rays and convert them into heat.
Both types of sunscreens provide effective protection against sun damage, but mineral sunscreens are often preferred for their gentle and non-irritating nature, making them ideal for use on healing skin, such as freshly tattooed skin.
Benefits Of Mineral Sunscreen On New Tattoos
Protecting your freshly-inked tattoo is essential, and using mineral sunscreen can provide a host of benefits to ensure your new tattoo stays vibrant and healthy for years to come.
Here are just a few of the benefits:
Gentle on Healing Skin
Mineral sunscreen is known for its gentle and non-irritating nature, making it ideal for use on healing skin. Freshly tattooed skin is sensitive and may be prone to irritation or inflammation. Mineral sunscreen forms a protective barrier on top of the skin without penetrating it, reducing the risk of irritation or adverse reactions.
This makes it an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin or those who have just gotten a new tattoo.
Provides Broad-Spectrum Protection
Mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
By using mineral sunscreen, you can ensure that your tattoo is protected from both types of UV rays, minimizing the risk of fading, discoloration, or other sun-related damage.
Moisturizing
A great benefit of using mineral sunscreen on a new tattoo is that it can also moisturize your skin.
Unlike some chemical sunscreens that can leave your skin feeling dry or greasy, mineral sunscreens often contain nourishing ingredients like natural oils or plant extracts that can help to hydrate and moisturize your skin.
This can be especially beneficial for your new tattoo, as tattoos require proper hydration during the healing process to prevent dryness and flaking. So, not only does mineral sunscreen provide sun protection, but it can also keep your tattooed skin moisturized and healthy, ensuring that your tattoo heals properly and maintains its vibrant appearance.
Plus, with the added moisturizing benefits, you won't have to worry about dry, itchy skin on your tattooed area while enjoying the outdoors.
Long-Lasting Protection
SPF50 Mineral sunscreen provides long-lasting protection, making it ideal for longer periods in the sun. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which may degrade over time and need to be reapplied frequently, mineral sunscreen maintains its effectiveness even with prolonged sun exposure.
This means you won't have to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen to your tattoo when you're out and about, giving you peace of mind that your tattoo is adequately protected.
Does Not Interfere with Tattoo Healing
Mineral sunscreen does not interfere with the healing process of your tattoo. As it forms a physical barrier on top of the skin, it does not penetrate the skin which can cause irritation, slowing the healing process.
Less Risk of Skin Irritation
Mineral sunscreen is known for its gentle and non-irritating nature, making it suitable for use on sensitive, healing skin, such as newly tattooed skin.
Unlike chemical sunscreens that may contain potentially irritating chemicals, mineral sunscreens use natural minerals as their active ingredients, which are less likely to cause skin irritation or inflammation.
Free from Harmful Chemicals
Mineral sunscreens are typically formulated without harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, which are commonly found in some chemical sunscreens and have been associated with potential health and environmental risks.
Mineral sunscreens offer a more natural and eco-friendly option for protecting your new tattoo without exposing your skin or the environment to potentially harmful chemicals.
Essential Tips For Protecting Your New Tattoo From Sun Exposure
SPF Level
When choosing a mineral sunscreen for your new tattoo, make sure to select one with a high SPF level, preferably SPF 30 or higher. This will provide greater and longer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which are the main culprits behind damaged tattoos, sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
Application Technique
Proper application of sunscreen is crucial for effective protection. When applying mineral sunscreen on your new tattoo, be sure to apply it generously and evenly on all exposed areas, including the tattooed area and its surrounding skin.
Pay attention to any edges or corners of the tattoo to ensure complete coverage. Don't forget to reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen
While mineral sunscreen is an essential part of protecting your new tattoo from the sun, it's important to remember that it's not the only measure you should take.
Seek shade during peak sun hours (usually between 11AM and 2PM), wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and loose, long-sleeved shirts, and avoid tanning beds, which can also damage your beautiful tattooed skin.
Tattoo Healing Stage
Consider the healing stage of your tattoo when applying mineral sunscreen. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist and consult with them if you have any questions or concerns about using sunscreen during the healing process.
Quality of Sunscreen
Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal! It's important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as "broad-spectrum," meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and those that are water-resistant, especially if you plan on swimming or sweating.
Palm & Pine´s Sunscreens are made from premium natural ingredients and are fragrance-free to ensure that newly tattooed skin is safe from irritation and harmful sun exposure.
Patch Test
Before applying a new mineral sunscreen on your new tattoo, it's a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure that you do not have any adverse reactions or skin sensitivities to the product. This can help you avoid potential irritation or allergies on your tattooed skin.
Consult with Your Tattoo Artist
Lastly, always consult with your tattoo artist for their recommendations on sunscreen use for your specific tattoo. They may have specific instructions or suggestions based on the size, location, and design of your tattoo, as well as your skin type and healing progress.
In Conclusion
Using mineral sunscreen on your new tattoo can offer a host of benefits, including:
- Reduced fading and discoloration,
- Less risk of skin irritation,
- Suitability for all skin types,
- Longer lasting protection,
- Freedom from harmful chemicals, and
- Immediate post-tattoo application.
By incorporating mineral sunscreen into your tattoo aftercare routine, you can ensure that your new tattoo remains protected from the sun's harmful rays and maintains its vibrancy for years to come.
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