Tattoos are a widespread form of personal expression, and many people wish to maintain their vibrant body art while also achieving a tanned look. Exposure to the concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a sunbed conflicts with the longevity of tattoo ink. Consistent protection is necessary to prevent the fading, blurring, and degradation of the artwork. Ignoring this need compromises the color and sharpness of any tattoo over time.
How UV Light Damages Tattoo Pigment
UV radiation from a sunbed penetrates the outer layer of skin (epidermis), reaching the dermis where the tattoo pigment resides. The UV light initiates a process called photodegradation, chemically breaking down the stable, complex ink molecules. This process is an accelerated form of fading, similar to how sunlight degrades color in clothing or paint.
Once the large pigment particles are fractured into smaller pieces, they become susceptible to the body’s immune response. Specialized immune cells called macrophages absorb these minute ink fragments. The macrophages then carry the fragmented pigment away through the lymphatic system for elimination, resulting in the visible loss of color and detail. This constant breakdown and removal is why tattoos fade with chronic sunbed exposure.
Protecting Healing Tattoos
New tattoos are essentially open wounds, and the skin is vulnerable during the initial healing phase. It is necessary to avoid all forms of UV exposure, including tanning beds and direct sunlight, until the tattoo is fully healed (typically four to eight weeks). Premature UV exposure can cause significant inflammation and blistering.
The intense UV rays can slow down the body’s natural healing processes, increasing the risk of infection. Premature exposure may also permanently damage the ink quality, causing uneven fading or a blowout, where lines appear blurred beneath the skin. If a healing tattoo is accidentally exposed to a sunbed, it must be covered completely with a thick, opaque material or clothing for the duration of the session.
Practical Protection Methods for Tanning Beds
For fully healed tattoos, a dual strategy using both physical and chemical barriers offers the best defense against UV damage in a sunbed. Physical barriers are the most effective method, as they completely block the UV light from reaching the ink in the dermis.
Physical Barriers
A specialized, opaque tattoo shield or patch designed for UV blocking can be placed directly over the artwork. A simpler alternative is to cover the tattoo with a thick, non-porous material, such as a folded piece of cloth or heavy medical tape. The material used must be completely opaque to ensure no UV rays penetrate it during the session. Ensure the covering extends slightly beyond the edges of the tattoo to fully protect the surrounding skin.
Chemical Barriers
Chemical protection involves the liberal use of a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen applied directly to the tattoo. A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or higher is recommended to maximize the barrier against both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should be applied in a thick, visible layer specifically over the tattoo at least 15 to 20 minutes before entering the tanning bed.
This allows the chemical filters time to bond with the skin and create a uniform protective layer. Even if you are using specialized indoor tanning lotions elsewhere on your body, the tattoo itself still requires a dedicated, high-SPF product. Some indoor tanning products contain specific tattoo color guards, but these should be used in addition to, not instead of, a powerful UV-blocking sunscreen or physical barrier.