Tattoo Removal and the Sun

Protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun during all four seasons is very important, and even more so while getting laser tattoo removal.  Tanning during the course of treatments can increase your risk of either hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, or even the development of scar tissue.  

We recommend physically covering the treated area when out in the sun (duck tape works like a charm, as do Hyde Ink tattoo covers) but sunscreen with an SPF 75+ with broad spectrum protection works pretty well too.  For an explanation of what that broad spectrum protection does, see below from Dr. Lawrence Gibson, MD at the Mayo Clinic:

"There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin — UVA and UVB. A broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum, sunscreen is designed to protect you from both. 

UVA rays can penetrate deeply into your skin and suppress your immune system. This increases the risk of wrinkling and age spots. UVB rays can burn your skin. Too much exposure to both UVA and UVB rays raises your risk of skin tumors, including a form of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. The best sunscreen offers protection from all UV light."

image via www.luuux.com