How To Keep Tattoos From Fading

A tattoo is more than ink on skin; it's a story, a milestone, a piece of art that signifies something unique to you. But, like any masterpiece, you have to take care of your tattoo to maintain its vibrancy and detail.

Tattoo fading might be on your mind if you have old tattoos, but it should also be at the top of your mind when getting a new tattoo. All tattoos have the risk of fading, but maintaining a proper tattoo aftercare routine can help reduce fading and keep your tattoo looking vibrant. Read on to see how you can help keep your tattoos from fading.

What Makes Tattoos Fade?

Time and Sun Exposure

Over time, tattoos can fade naturally. A few factors play into this:

• Aging skin: Your skin, specifically the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) goes through changes as you get older. Skin cells go through cycles of dying and regenerating over the course of your life, but this process slows down and you produce less collagen as you age. Over time, this decreases your skin elasticity and can result in faded tattoos.

• Sun exposure: Direct sunlight, specifically the UV rays in sunlight, can break down ink particles and skin cells themselves over time. Sun damage over time can cause skin to look older, and contribute to tattoos fading.

The Right Aftercare Routine to Help Prevent Tattoo Fading

While it’s natural for tattoos to fade over time, there are steps you can take to reduce and slow this process. Follow these tips if your tattoo has already completed the healing process, typically 1-2 months after getting your tattoo. exact timing is different for everyone, so you should always follow your artist’s instructions on how to take care of your specific tattoo and skin.

Now let’s jump into some good daily habits to keep your tattoos bright and vibrant and fight off signs of fading.

1. Gently Cleanse Daily

Good hygiene is the most important part of any tattoo aftercare routine and it is vital even long after your tattoo has healed. Use mild, antibacterial soap or body wash and clean the tattooed area gently. Avoid over-exfoliating and vigorous scrubbing. Being too rough when you’re scrubbing can cause scratches or strip away cells from your top layer of skin, which can fade the pigment beneath.

2a. Apply Tattoo Balm

Tattoo balms are specially formulated skincare products that nourish tattooed skin, helping keep tattoos looking and feeling their best. While originally designed for immediate tattoo aftercare (read more about the tattoo aftercare process here), they can also help keep your tattoo hydrated and moisturized for the long term. Tattoo balms made with naturally derived ingredients, like Hustle Butter’s tattoo balm, are lightweight and allow the skin to breathe.

While you may have heard of using petroleum-based creams to help nourish tattoos and skin, these creams tend to just sit on the outer layer of skin instead of deeply moisturizing it. Instead, look for a high-quality tattoo balm made with naturally-derived butters that can instantly soothe and deeply nourish your skin, while remaining lightweight and breathable.2b. Moisturize After Cleansing

Keeping your tattooed skin hydrated is the best thing you can do to keep its vibrancy. After you thoroughly cleanse the area, it’s time to moisturize with a moisturizer formulated for tattooed skin. Moisturizing with lotion helps nourish the ink and prevent dryness and premature fading. If you really want to level up your tattoo care, use a tattoo balm after cleansing tattooed areas, and then use a daily lotion as needed throughout the day on the tattooed area. Any daily lotion will work, but it’s even better if you can find a daily lotion like Hustle Butter’s Daily Rejuvenating Lotion that is great for typical use and is formulated to provide extra benefits for tattooed skin. It also doesn’t hurt that Hustle Butter’s daily lotion smells great too.

3. Use SPF Sun Protection

The sun can be harsh on your tattoos and can quickly cause a tattoo to fade. When spending time outdoors, always be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your tattoo from the fading effects of UV rays. We recommend a mineral sunscreen because there is a chance that ingredients in chemical sunscreens could interact with your tattoo or irritate your skin. Reapply every two hours if you’ll be outside for a while. If you can, we also recommend covering the tattooed area with clothing or spending time in the shade. And remember - you cannot apply sunscreen to fresh tattoos so if you have new ink, be sure to keep your tattoo covered and stay out of the sun.

4. Stay Hydrated

What you put into your body is just as important as how you care for your skin. Hydration is key; drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay hydrated from the inside out, and can help protect skin elasticity. While moisturizing your skin is important, it's equally as important that your body stays hydrated to keep your tattoos vibrant and aid their longevity. But don't stop at water. Eating a nutritious diet high in vitamins and antioxidants can also boost your immune system and skin health.

Other Considerations for Tattoo Fading

During and after your appointment, your artist will give you specific aftercare instructions on how to care for your tattoo. You need to know that they’re not making a suggestion - they are creating a path to ink that lasts. They provide proper aftercare tips to ensure your tattoo heals properly and to reduce the risk of infection or other complications. You should always follow your artist’s instructions for your specific ink & skin, but if you want to get a rundown of what aftercare may entail, read our related post on the ideal tattoo aftercare routine.

Tattoo Artists Using Poor Quality Ink

While not as common, poor-quality ink can lead to fast fading or even infections. Like other types of ink or even paint, the quality of the pigment translates into how bright and colorful a tattoo looks. Using poor-quality tattoo ink with cheaper pigment can lead to a new tattoo fading while higher-quality ink uses stable pigments that keep their color for longer. Always do your research before choosing an artist or a shop.

Keeping Your Art Vibrant Long Term

Every step of your daily tattoo aftercare routine plays a part in making your art look good for life. To help keep your tattoo from fading, listen to your tattoo artist and be disciplined in your routine. Remember to cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin with the best tattoo aftercare products & sunscreen you can get. And read our blog if you’re looking for more tattoo aftercare tips and inspiration for your own art.