In my previous articles, I have already discussed with you how sunless tanning can help you to get that glowing tanned look without causing any severe damage to your skin.
So, spray tanning has been opted for by most people in the US now. But the matter of concern is most Americans have a tattoo somewhere on their body. So, they often ask me if a sunless spray tan damages my tattoo.
My answer would be that spray tan is the safest and best option you can go for if you have tattoos.
Sunless tanning is a temporary process and appears as a sheer tint of brown layer on the surface of your skin.
A change in the color of your tattoo can be noticed if you have a light-colored tattoo like white, yellow, or pink.
There will be no change in the color of your tattoo if it is of dark color and can also be viewed through the translucent tan.
Sun tanning can damage and fade away from your tattoo so, spray tanning is the best option.
Let us discuss more about can a spray tan damage your tattoo and how to prepare for a spray tan if you have tattoos on your body.
Can a Sunless Spray Tan Damage Your Tattoo?
As mentioned above spray tanning is not a permanent process and your tattoo will return to its original color when the tan fades away after some time.
Now, being a tanning expert let me give you a brief on how to prevent your tattoo from getting damaged by a spray tan.
| Cover your tattoo | Cover your tattoo using a gauze pad to prevent it from getting covered by the tanning solution. |
| Barrier Cream | Apply a barrier cream on your tattoo to prevent the area from getting tan. |
| Use Q Tip | If your tattoo gets covered by the tanning solution then, use a cotton ball, facial wipe or a Q tip dipped in alcohol to clean the skin surface immediately. |
| Avoid Spray Tan | Avoid spray tanning a few days before getting a new tattoo. |
| Time to Heal | A fresh tattoo needs time to heal so, do not use a spray tan on a partially healed tattoo. |
| Avoid Barrier Cream | If you are planning to get a spray tan with a fresh tattoo then cover the tattoo with a light gauze pad. Do not apply a barrier cream on your fresh tattoo. |
| Clean | Before touching a partially healed tattoo clean your tools and hands properly. |
| Provide Right Age | Always be truthful about the age of your tattoo if you are going to a salon to get a spray tan. |
| Infection | Your tattoo can get damaged permanently due to infection if spray tanning is done in the healing stage of your tattoo. |
| Moisturizer | To prevent dryness apply moisturizer on your tattoo after getting a spray tan. |
How Do You Prepare Yourself for a Spray Tan if You Have Tattoos?
In my previous articles, I have discussed several times how to prepare yourself for a spray tan. Here I will let you know how to prepare for a spray tan if you have tattoos.
Apply Barrier Cream
I often suggest my clients not use a barrier cream when going for a spray tanning session.
But if you have tattoos on your body then just use a barrier cream on your tattoos to prevent them from getting covered by the tanning solution. Avoid using a barrier cream if your tattoo is fresh and partially healed.
Exfoliate Your Skin
The tanning solution can be evenly absorbed by your skin if you exfoliate your skin before a spray tan.
To avoid abrasions gently scrub the area where you have the tattoos. You might also like: A Complete Guide to Get Tan Faster Using Tanning Bed
Avoid Getting a Spray Tan on Your Tattoos
Avoid getting a spray tan on the area of your tattoo. If your tattoo gets covered by the tanning solution then, immediately remove it using a wet wipe.
So, you can go for a sunless tan even if you have tattoos on your body. By following the tips above you can get that perfect glowing tan without damaging your tattoo.
Avoid sun tanning as the harmful UV rays can fade away and damage your tattoo easily. So, spray tanning is the best option if you want to get that healthy golden tan even with a tattoo.