UVA vs UVB – what really harms your tattoo?

From this article you’ll learn:

what the difference is between UVA and UVB radiation,
how each type affects your tattoo,
why SPF alone isn’t enough,
how to choose an effective sunscreen that truly protects your ink,
and how to care for your tattoo in summer (and beyond) to keep it looking its best.

UVA vs UVB – what really harms your tattoo?

SPF is a measure of protection against UVB, but not the full picture of a product’s effectiveness.
SPF indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning – but it tells you nothing about protection against UVA. 🔆

1. UV radiation – two main types

UVB

Affects mainly the surface of the skin.
Responsible for sunburn, redness – that "burnt" feeling after a day at the beach.
Burnt skin is stressed skin – which weakens the pigment and damages tattoo condition.

UVA

Penetrates deeper – reaching the layer where tattoo ink sits.
Causes long-term pigment degradation – lines fade, colors lose vibrancy.
Bright colors (yellow, red) fade fastest, but even black loses depth.
UVA works silently – damage occurs even without visible symptoms, and it happens continuously.

How UV affects tattoos?

Fading pigment
UVA breaks down pigment molecules, which the immune system then removes.
Result: blurred outlines, reduced color intensity.

Skin damage and complications
Sunburns on fresh tattoos delay healing, may cause discoloration, distort outlines, and in extreme cases, lead to scarring.

Why SPF alone is not enough?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only refers to protection from UVB, which prevents sunburn.
SPF does not measure UVA protection – that’s where UVA filters or PPD ratings come into play.

In practice, the best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection – covering both UVA and UVB.

How to choose a sunscreen that truly protects tattoos?

1. High SPF – at least 30, preferably 50
Protects from UVB and supports healing of tattooed skin.

2. Broad spectrum = UVA + UVB protection
SPF alone isn’t enough – look for the label "broad spectrum", the UVA in a circle symbol, or a PPD value, which confirms UVA protection.

3. Mineral vs. chemical filters

Mineral filters (e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) stay on the skin surface and reflect UV rays – gentler and less likely to irritate.
Chemical filters absorb UV rays – more prone to irritation; avoid controversial ingredients like oxybenzone.

4. Tattoo-safe formula
Gentle, fragrance-free, water-resistant – easy to apply and ideal for tattooed skin.

5. Reapplication
Reapply every ~2 hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Water resistance doesn’t mean all-day protection.

Summary – what to remember?

UVB damages the skin surface – burns prolong healing and worsen tattoo appearance.
UVA degrades the ink deeper in the skin – leading to permanent fading and blurred lines.
SPF protects only from UVB – for complete protection, choose sunscreens with broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB)and a high PPD.
If you want your tattoo to look sharp and vivid for years – start with prevention: the right filter, frequent reapplication, and a gentle formula.

Promotion – only until June 1, 2025

Remember – only until June 1, 2025, we’re offering 20% off Loveink SPF 50 sunscreen.
This is the perfect time to grab a product that protects your ink every day – not just in summer.

👉 Click and protect your tattoo the right way

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use Loveink SPF 50 on a fresh tattoo?
No. For fresh tattoos (until the skin is fully healed – usually 2–4 weeks), no sunscreen should be applied. Cover the area with clothing and avoid sun exposure completely.

2. How often should I apply Loveink sunscreen?
We recommend applying it every 2 hours and after swimming, heavy sweating, or towel-drying – even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

3. Does SPF 50 mean full protection?
No. SPF only measures UVB protection (sunburn). To also protect against UVA (which breaks down tattoo pigment), look for broad spectrum, UVA in a circle, or high PPD – like with Loveink SPF 50.

4. Is this sunscreen only for tattoos?
Its formula is designed to especially protect and care for tattooed skin – but it’s safe and effective for the entire body.

5. Does Loveink SPF 50 contain mineral or chemical filters?
Loveink SPF 50 is based on modern, photostable filters that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
It’s lightweight and gentle – ideal for tattooed skin.
It includes mineral filters. Full ingredients are available on the product page.

6. Can I use this sunscreen year-round?
Yes! UV radiation is present year-round – even in winter and on cloudy days.
If you want your tattoo to stay vibrant and sharp, regular use is recommended no matter the season.