Sunburns are Bad for Tattoos
Tattoos have become very popular in recent years. Many who get them, whether it’s their first or twenty-first, often like to showcase them. And even more so in the warmer months, during which the high temperatures allow for a much lighter wardrobe than winter does. But being outside and unprotected exposes skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. So the question becomes about skin damage.. are sunburns bad for tattoos?
The short answer is, “yes, sunburns are bad for tattoos.” And the longer answer is, “yes, for multiple reasons.” In fact, let’s go over some of them now. Besides, it’d be sort of awkward to just end this blog post right here.
Color My World – Without Sunburn
As much as a newly-tattooed person might want to take that innovative portrait out for a spin, it’s important that he or she remember that tattoos and sunlight go together like ice cream and mustard.
We’ll expand on this, starting with the trivial first. If any tattoo never even once saw the light of day, it would still eventually fade with the assistance of Father Time. Regular exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, however, would significantly speed up that process. That’s something to keep in mind when considering the cost of tattoos today, and also that they’re going to be there for the rest of the wearer’s life. But to be honest all of that’s just an appeal to vanity; if there is any.
Upping the Sun Protection Ante
No, the real danger lies in the potential harm to the owner’s health. Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the world. If it, or its awful offspring Melanoma, are caught early, they can be cured. If not, Melanoma can be fatal. The good news with either though, is that their signs are almost always visible to the eye from the start. Of course, the problem with that is if either develop within the tattoo, they may not be very easy to spot.
Also, any tattoos that are located on a person’s left arm will be exposed to the sun while driving, even if the window is rolled up.
Tattoos are an aesthetic choice that millions have made, and will continue to make. If you’re one of those who have or are going to get one, please remember that it’s vital to keep them covered up with pants or long-sleeved shirts any time you go outside. Failing that, at least make sure to apply sunscreen to them, (along with the rest of your exposed skin) and then continually re-apply it.
Whenever possible, remain indoors and stay out of the sun completely. And don’t forget to closely inspect your tattoos at regular intervals to see if any skin issues have developed within them. If you do find anything abnormal, bring it to the attention of your doctor or dermatologist as soon as you’re able.
Although skin cancer’s definitely the primary concern, the sun can cause other damage, too. Wrinkles, sunspots and prematurely-aged skin are just some of what its UV rays will do. And it would seem counterproductive to spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on tattoos only to see them ruined with wrinkles a short time later.
If you love your tattoos, then please take these easy precautions so that both they and you will be around for many more years to come.
Sundicators: The Best Skin-surance Under the Sun!
- Dogs are Skin Cancer Patients Best Friend - April 23, 2018
- Vanishing Moles – Looks Can Be Deceiving - March 2, 2018
- New Year Resolution: Healthy Skin and Sun Protection - January 15, 2018
- A Guide to Skin Cancer and Melanoma - November 6, 2017
- Autumn’s Arrival: Sun Safety Reminder - October 11, 2017
- Students: Back to School Skin Protection - September 20, 2017
- An Explosion of Skin Cancer Diagnosis in the 21st Century - July 24, 2017
- Familial Malignant Melanoma: Family Tragedies - June 12, 2017
- Melanoma Monday – May 1, 2017 and every Monday Thereafter… - May 1, 2017
- Back to Basics About Melanoma - April 25, 2017
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.