How to Fake Tan Around a New Tattoo

Written By :

Jane Hubbard

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Tattoo

Written By

Jane Hubbard

Expert Author

Applying a fake tan can be tricky on its own, but adding a new tattoo into the mix presents additional challenges. It’s essential to protect your fresh ink while still achieving an even, sun-kissed glow.

How to Fake Tan Around a New Tattoo

This guide on how to fake tan around a new tattoo will walk you through the best practices and steps to fake tan safely around a new tattoo, ensuring both your tan and your tattoo look their best. Whether you’re new to self-tanning or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Why is It Important to Protect Your New Tattoo?

Applying a fake tan over a new tattoo can potentially cause damage and affect the healing process. It’s crucial to protect the area while also achieving an even tan.

When getting a new tattoo, your skin undergoes trauma, causing it to become more sensitive and prone to infection. Adding chemicals from fake tanning products can irritate the area, leading to potential complications.

Additionally, exposing a new tattoo to UV rays can cause fading and distortion of the design. As a general rule, it’s important to avoid any sun exposure on a new tattoo until it is fully healed.

Needed Materials

Fake Tanning Lotion or Mousse:

Choose a high-quality self-tanning product that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrance. These types of products are less likely to irritate the skin around your new tattoo.

Barrier Cream:

A barrier cream acts as a protective layer between your fake tan and your new tattoo, preventing any unwanted color transfer or irritation.

Gloves:

Wearing gloves while applying fake tan will not only keep your hands from getting stained but also prevent any potential contamination on your new tattoo.

Moisturizer:

Having a moisturizer on hand can help to blend and soften any harsh lines around your tattoo, creating a more natural and even tan.

It Soften Any Harsh Lines

10 Steps on How to Fake Tan Around a New Tattoo

Step 1: Wait for Your Tattoo to Heal

Before you even think about applying a fake tan, it’s critical to ensure that your new tattoo is fully healed. This process typically takes about 2-4 weeks, but it can vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as individual healing rates. During this period, follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and moisturized.

Step 2: Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin before applying fake tan is vital for achieving a smooth and even application. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a body brush to remove any dead skin cells from the areas around your new tattoo. Avoid using the exfoliant directly on the tattooed area, as it can still be sensitive and may cause irritation.

By prepping your skin in this way, you help to ensure that the fake tan absorbs evenly, preventing patchiness and streaking. Pay special attention to rougher areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. Once you’re done exfoliating, rinse off any residue thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Barrier Cream Around the Tattoo

Once your skin is prepped and dry, it’s important to apply a barrier cream around your new tattoo. This step provides a protective shield that prevents the fake tan from coming into direct contact with the sensitive, healing skin. Use a generous amount of barrier cream and carefully apply it to the perimeter of your tattoo, ensuring that you cover all the edges thoroughly.

The goal is to create a buffer zone that will keep the tanning product away from the tattoo while still allowing you to tan the surrounding areas. Take your time with this step to ensure that you have coated the tattoo’s outline evenly without missing any spots. After applying the barrier cream, allow it to dry slightly before proceeding with the application of the fake tan. This precautionary measure will help safeguard your tattoo and preserve its vibrant colors and details while you achieve your desired sun-kissed look.

Step 4: Put on Gloves

Before you begin applying the fake tan, it is crucial to put on a pair of gloves. Wearing gloves is essential for a few reasons. Firstly, it prevents the tanning product from staining your hands, which can be difficult to wash off and may result in an uneven tan. Secondly, gloves help maintain hygiene and prevent any potential contamination, especially in the area around your new tattoo.

Choose a pair of disposable or reusable gloves that fit snugly to ensure better control and precision during the application process. Make sure the gloves are free from any powders or residues that could interfere with the tanning product. With your gloves on, you are now ready to continue with the next steps of the fake tanning process, ensuring your hands remain clean and your new tattoo remains protected.

Step 5: Apply Fake Tan to the Rest of Your Body

With your gloves on, apply fake tan to the rest of your body, avoiding the area around your new tattoo. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, ensuring that you blend and buff the fake tan evenly for a natural-looking finish.

Apply Fake Tan

Step 6: Blend Around Your Tattoo with Moisturizer

Once you have applied the fake tan to the rest of your body, it’s important to ensure that the area around your tattoo blends seamlessly with the surrounding skin. To achieve this, use a moisturizer to gently blend the edges of the tanned skin with the untreated tattoo area.

Take a small amount of moisturizer and carefully apply it to the border of your tattoo, using light, circular motions to create a smooth transition between the tanned and untanned skin. This step not only helps to soften any harsh lines but also adds an extra layer of protection to the tattooed area, keeping it hydrated and preventing potential irritation.

Step 7: Allow the Fake Tan to Develop

After completing the application process, it’s important to allow the fake tan to develop fully. This typically takes anywhere from 2-8 hours, depending on the product’s instructions and your desired level of tanning. During this time, avoid getting your skin wet or engaging in activities that may cause excessive sweating.

If you are unsure about how long to leave the product on, it is always better to err on the side of caution and wait longer rather than wash off too soon, which can result in an uneven or patchy tan.

Step 8: Rinse Off the Fake Tan

Once the fake tan has developed, it’s time to rinse it off. Use lukewarm water and a gentle body wash or shower gel to remove the tanning product from your skin thoroughly. Avoid using any harsh exfoliants or scrubbing tools that could damage your new tattoo or cause irritation.

After rinsing off all traces of fake tan, pat yourself dry with a clean towel and admire your newly bronzed skin!

Step 9: Moisturize Daily

To maintain your fake tan and protect your new tattoo, it’s essential to moisturize daily. Keeping your skin hydrated will help prevent the tan from fading too quickly and also promote the healing process of your tattoo.

Choose a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your newly tanned and tattooed skin. Apply liberally to your entire body, paying special attention to the area around your tattoo to keep it looking vibrant and healthy.

Step 10: Repeat as Needed

If you want to maintain your fake tan, you can repeat this process as needed. Be sure to allow enough time between applications for your skin to fully recover and for your new tattoo to heal. With proper care and precautions, you can enjoy a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without compromising the quality of your new tattoo.

Maintain Your Fake Tan

Remember to always consult with your tattoo artist and follow their aftercare instructions for the best results. With these steps on how to fake tan around a new tattoo, you can confidently rock your fake tan while protecting and preserving your beloved body art! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Use Any Fake Tanning Product on My New Tattoo?

A: It is highly recommended to consult with your tattoo artist before using any tanning products on or around your new tattoo. Some ingredients in the tanning products may be harsh and could potentially damage the healing tattoo or cause irritation. Always err on the side of caution and choose products that are safe for use on a new tattoo.

Q: How Long Do I Need to Wait Before Applying Fake Tan on My New Tattoo?

A: It is best to wait at least two weeks before applying any fake tan on a new tattoo. This time frame allows for the tattoo to heal properly and reduces the risk of damaging the ink or causing irritation. If you are unsure, always consult with your tattoo artist for their recommendation.

Q: Can I Still Get Sun Exposure While Using Fake Tan Around My New Tattoo?

A: It’s important to note that even with fake tan, it’s essential to protect your skin from sun exposure. While some fake tanning products may contain SPF, they are not enough to rely on for prolonged sun exposure. Be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply frequently, especially around your new tattoo.

Protect Your Skin From Sun Exposure

Conclusion

Maintaining a beautiful fake tan while protecting a new tattoo is entirely possible with the right approach and careful attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to fake tan around a new tattoo, you can achieve a seamless and natural-looking tan without compromising the integrity or appearance of your newly inked skin.

Remember to always prioritize the health and healing of your tattoo, stay patient, and choose high-quality tanning products that are gentle and safe for your skin. With consistent care and mindful practices, you can enjoy a radiant, sun-kissed glow and showcase your new tattoo with confidence.

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