Tattoos

RE: sunlight

What are some bad things for my new tattoo?
SUNLIGHT
Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tattoos will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Try and keep them out of bright sunlight and use sunblock.
Did you know that your tan is your skin's way of dealing with the damage caused by the sun? It's like the formation of a scab when you have a cut. You will pay for your years of sun exposure when you are in your 40s and 50s. Leathery, wrinkled, dry skin with freckles and liver spots. Melanoma. Skin cancer. Regular visits to the dermatologist. Be cautious!
Tanning booths are not good for you! They are not regulated by the FDA, and the staff that work at these salons have been known to give out patently false information. Many salon operators will suggest dosages far exceeding industry recommendations, and the FDA would actually prefer that these booths be banned altogether. Do not believe the salon operators who tell you there is NO damage caused by their UV rays. There are indications that tanning booths emit rays that cause the type of damage that only shows up years later, when it is difficult to fault any one operator. Their industry motto is "tan safe." There is no such thing as a SAFE tan, folks. Sorry.
The following is information about suncare and sunblock, as well as some specific brand recommendations by RAB readers:
Use products that do not clog your pores. If your sunblock
makes you break out or feel itchy, this may be the cause.
Avoid sunblock containing PABA, apparently found to be carcinogenic.
"SPF" stands for Sun Protection Factor. If you can normally stay out
for ten minutes without getting sunburnt, then an SPF 2 should protect
you for 20 minutes, SPF 6 for 60 minutes, etc. HOWEVER, this
does 'not mean an SPF 30 will let you stay out for five hours with
just one coat. Keep your exposure limited to the minimum amounts,
and always use an extra strong sunblock with at least SPF 30 for your
tattoo.
"Waterproof" and "sweatproof" sunblocks protect you while in water.
However, reflections from the water add to your exposure. Make
sure you use a high SPF number, and always re-apply your sunblock when
coming out of the water.
Sunblock is not just for the beach! Make it a habit to carry one with
you during the sunnier months so you can protect your tattoo always!
The Watermelon Stick from the Body Shop is nice and portable, but in a
pinch, a tube of lip balm (Blistik, etc.) will work, as long as it has
an SPF. Dab a bit on your tattoo whenever you will be outside.
Products recommended by some RABbits:
Banana Boat for Kids - SPF 50.
Banana Boat's SPF 50, for Extra Sesitive Skin
"Deep Cover" Super Sunblock
Body Shop's Watermelon Stick
Bullfrog Moisturizing Formula - Body Lotion (not the Gel Formula).
Neutrogena's Senisitive Skin SPF 17
Schering-Plough's "Shade Sunblock" in various SPFs.

I personally wouldnt swim, wear a wetsuit or go in the sun so soon, surfer or not. But it's postponed and you'll know you did everything to make sure your new tattoo is epic