Consider the coverage you need
Dr. Engelman says to look for sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or more: “When it comes to sunscreen, more is more—you can’t overdo it,” she says. If your tattoo is new, Dr. Engelman suggests starting with a higher SPF, like SPF 50, since your skin has been recently penetrated with needles and is more sensitive to sun exposure. And keep in mind that how much sunscreen you use actually matters. If you have a three- or four-inch tattoo, you should be using a quarter-sized dollop of sunscreen to fully cover and protect it, she says.
Decide if you like mineral vs. chemical formulas
Let’s break it down: Mineral sunscreens use mineral-based blockers (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) that sit on top of your skin and act as a physical barrier against the sun. Chemical sunscreens, however, use chemical-based filters (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) to absorb UV rays, convert them to heat, and release them from your skin—a process that can be potentially irritating on sensitive or freshly tattooed skin. However, the best sunscreen for your tattoo is the one that you’ll actually wear every single day, and chemical formulas have come a long way, so there are some great options on the market now that are formulated for sensitive or irritated skin types.
Look at the ingredient list
If you’re still in the early weeks of your tattoo, Dr. Patel says to opt for a fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid any irritation or inflammation on healing skin. No need to introduce known irritants into an already-ouchy area, you know? And remember that it’s not just about the sunscreen—it’s also about keeping your skin moisturized to help it heal faster (when it’s fresh) and prevent it from fading (when it’s healed). So make sure to stock up on a tattoo-safe lotion and pick a sunscreen spiked with lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to keep your skin healthy.