Quick answer
You can, but UV light can fade tattoo ink over time, so cover tattoos or use a lotion designed for tattooed skin. Never put a new tattoo under a sunbed: wait until it has completely healed and follow your tattoo artist's aftercare advice. If a tattoo becomes red, raised, itchy or sore after tanning, stop and get it checked.
Why tattoos need protecting
UV light can break down tattoo pigment over time, so tattoos that get a lot of UV can fade or blur sooner. That's why many tattoo artists advise covering tattoos in strong sun and on sunbeds.
New tattoos
A new tattoo is a healing wound. Keep it completely away from sunbeds until it has fully healed, and follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions on when it's ready for UV.
How to protect healed tattoos
- Cover them with a sticker, plaster or clothing during your session.
- Use a lotion designed for tattooed skin. Browse our lotions for tattoos.
- Moisturise afterwards to keep the skin comfortable.
Signs to stop
If a tattoo becomes red, swollen, raised, itchy or sore after a session, stop tanning and speak to a pharmacist or GP. Some tattoo inks can react to light.
For other ways to look after your skin, see how to avoid burning on a sunbed and how to apply sunbed lotion.
