Question: “Are there any sunblocks that are to harsh or harmful to the pigment of color tattoos? I use a spray sunblock that has an SPF of 70 and the brand name is Aveeno.
Also, Are there any sunblocks that you would stay away from that could possibly hurt colors?” – Michael

Answer: Sunscreen/sunblock is extremely important for both your tattoos and the rest of your skin! Once your tattoo has healed – meaning that any scabs are gone and your body has grown a protective layer of skin over the ink – lotions, ointments, and sunscreens applied to the surface of the skin cannot harm the tattoo itself. Quite the opposite when it comes to sunscreen, because it is the only thing that can protect your tattoo from fading due to sun exposure.

The level of SPF required to effectively protect your skin and ink is still debatable, though. Vincent Iannelli, M.D. explains this: “Does a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provide twice the protection as one that has an SPF of 15? No, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 provides protection against 93% of UVB rays, while one with an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection…Many experts question whether using a sunscreen with an SPF above 30 provides much more protection, since you are already blocking 97% of UVB rays.”

That being said, if wearing an SPF 70 sunblock makes you feel safer, it certainly won’t do any harm. Aveeno is a great product and I would trust it to protect me and my family.

Read More: Tattoos & Tanning – What Are the Risks?

“I’m thinking of moving to Chicago this summer, and will be out there next week for a few days, looking for a job, as I dont want to move without one. I havent been there since I was a kid, so I dont know anyone there that tattoos. I’ve been tattooing for 13 years, and have pics on myspace (www.myspace.com/bigjoshtattoo) so if anyone knows of a good shop looking for a good tattooer, any help would be appreciated!” – Big Josh

New World Record

Oliver Peck – former husband of Kat Von D – from Dallas, Texas has inked his way into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most tattoos in a single day. He set the record on Friday the 13th and tattooed the number 13 on 415 very lucky customers that day.

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