Colours fade
UV rays gradually break down the pigments in your skin. Light shades such as yellow, pink or soft greys fade faster than black.
Aftercare guide
Skin care and sun
So your tattoo still looks crisp and bold years from now: sun protection and skin care for South Tyrol, with plenty of sun, mountains and lakes.
In short
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Fresh tattoos do not belong in the sun, keep them loosely covered.
- Healed tattoos get SPF 50 with UVA protection, applied generously and reapplied regularly.
- In the mountains and in the snow UV radiation is much stronger than in the valley.
- Daily moisture keeps your skin supple and makes lines look clearer.
If you have a sun allergy or a skin condition, ask your dermatologist about the right protection.
Good to know
What the sun does to your tattoo
Lines blur
Over time the sun damages the skin. Fine lines and small details therefore look softer and less sharp as the years go by.
Fresh skin is sensitive
A fresh tattoo is a wound. Sun can disturb healing, irritate the skin and cause sunburn on the wound.
South Tyrol
Sun in the mountains, by the lake and on the slopes
UV radiation rises by about 10 percent with every 1000 metres of altitude. Fresh snow reflects up to 80 percent, and water and light sand reflect part of it too.
Hiking and biking
On the way up to a mountain hut or on the Sonnenberg you are in the sun for hours. Put sunscreen on tattoos on arms and calves or cover them with light clothing.
Skiing and ski touring
In Sulden, at Watles or on the Haideralm: face, neck and hands are exposed and the snow reflects from below. Every centimetre of protection counts here.
Lakes and pools
At Lake Reschen, Lake Haider or Lake Kaltern people often forget to reapply after a swim. Water washes sunscreen off, so reapply after every swim.
Midday sun
Radiation is strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Plan breaks in the shade, especially at altitude.
Step by step
How to protect your healed tattoo
Choose high protection
SPF 50 with UVA protection, ideally fragrance free. Mineral filters are often pleasant for sensitive skin.
Apply generously
Most people use too little. Arms, legs and back need more than you think. Apply before you go outside.
Reapply regularly
About every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towelling off. Reapplying does not extend protection, it maintains it.
Use clothing
Light, tightly woven clothes, a hat and a scarf protect reliably, on hikes too.
Avoid tanning beds
Tanning beds hit your tattoo with strong UV radiation. If you do not want to give them up, cover the tattoo.
Skin care
Daily care for tattooed skin
Moisture
A mild lotion after showering keeps your skin supple. Dry skin makes tattoos look dull.
Gentle, not harsh
Mild body wash, lukewarm water, no long hot showers. Exfoliate only gently and only on healed skin.
After the sun
After a day outdoors, a light lotion soothes the skin. Sunburn on your tattoo should stay the exception.
Winter care
Cold outside and heating inside dry the skin out. In winter your skin care can be a little richer.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about sun and skin care
Do I need a special tattoo sunscreen?
No. What matters is a high SPF, good UVA protection, and applying and reapplying enough. A good regular sunscreen does the job.
When can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?
Only once the tattoo has fully healed, usually after about 4 weeks. Until then, cover it loosely with clothing and avoid direct sun.
Can I tan with a tattoo?
The skin around it tans, but the ink suffers. If you want your tattoo to stay beautiful for a long time, protect it.
Does every tattoo fade eventually?
A little, yes. How fast depends a lot on sun protection. With consistent protection a tattoo stays clear for many years, and a touch up is always possible.
From Val Venosta
Sun protection in South Tyrol
Val Venosta (Vinschgau) is one of the sunniest and driest valleys in the Alps. Wonderful for days out, but a challenge for tattooed skin. That is why we put so much emphasis on sun protection in our studio in Schlanders: over the years it makes the biggest difference.
Thinking about refreshing an older tattoo? Send us a photo through the request form or on WhatsApp. We will tell you honestly what is possible.
This guide gives general aftercare advice and does not replace medical advice. Your artist’s instructions always come first.