HOW TO TAKE CARE OF TATTOOED SKIN

Prof. Luca Valgimigli, BeC's Technical Director 

A tattoo is a form of communication, an art form in which one’s skin becomes the canvas, a way to express oneself and share one’s identity—just like clothing or body care.
This form of visual art has seen exponential growth in popularity over the past 20 years, raising important questions—chief among them: how should tattooed skin be cared for?

Of course, our skin is not actually a canvas—it is living and constantly changing. As such, it inevitably interacts with the pigments it hosts, with two key consequences:

1. The pigments may trigger inflammatory or allergic reactions.

2. The pigments may spread, fade, or gradually disappear, damaging the “painting.”

What skin reactions can occur after getting a tattoo, and how should they be treated?

In an educational article, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) outlines several possible skin reactions following a tattoo.

• The most common is a skin infection, which may occur shortly after getting the tattoo. This is generally preventable with proper hygiene by a skilled tattoo artist and responsible aftercare by the individual. If issues arise, it's best to consult a doctor.

• An allergic reaction to pigment components can be more insidious and may appear years later. Severe cases require medical attention, but mild reactions may be temporary and managed with gentle soothing-protective products like lino-dÉrmA, originally designed for infant dermatitis and suitable as a natural alternative to corticosteroid creams.

• Photosensitization, or “sun allergy,” is another potential reaction. Though tattoo pigments are not inherently toxic or irritating, they can absorb sunlight and transfer energy to the skin, causing sunburn-like reactions. During the first weeks after tattooing, it's crucial to protect tattooed areas with very high sun protection, preferably with a gentle, photostable, allergen-free product like SPF50+ Sunscreen. Even after healing, regular use of SPF30 Sunscreen is strongly recommended, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

• In rare cases, tattoos may trigger inflammatory or autoimmune skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or lichen planus—not necessarily because of the pigments, but as a trigger for a latent disorder.

• Very rarely, certain pigments can cause skin burns during MRI scans due to interactions with the strong magnetic fields involved.

How can tattoos become damaged? What should be avoided?

The AAD’s top advice: avoid petroleum-based products on tattooed skin!
Petroleum derivatives can cause pigment spreading, fading, and blurring of the tattoo design.

Another key recommendation is sun protection.
Besides the skin’s photosensitivity, tattoo pigments can undergo photodegradation from UV rays, causing fading or discoloration. Overexposure to sunlight can irreversibly damage your tattoo.

Lastly, it’s crucial to prevent dryness and dehydration of the skin.
The skin naturally loses moisture through evaporation, though this is slowed by its protective hydrolipidic film. Frequent washing, although hygienically necessary, strips away this protective layer, increasing dehydration.

To counter this:

• Use gentle cleansers like Shampoo & Doccia, which respect the skin’s protective barrier.

• Regularly apply suitable moisturizers. This is essential for both men and women, and especially critical for tattooed skin.

Poor hydration leads to flaking (even if not visible) and pigment loss, causing tattoos to fade over time.

How to keep tattooed skin healthy and protect your tattoo?

• Keep the skin well-hydrated using gentle products that respect skin physiology.

• Avoid petroleum derivatives and products that contain them—they can damage tattoos and cause fading.

• Choose a natural cream that soothes irritation, protects the skin, and preserves elasticity.

BeC recommends two formulations ideal for tattooed skin:

• SE’: a fully natural body cream rich in antioxidants, also with a toning effect on microcirculation.

• BodyBi: a certified organic, ultra-gentle, light-textured cream suited for various skin types.

And finally, always protect your tattoo from the sun.
Apply SPF30 Sunscreen whenever you’re exposed to sunlight, ideally 15 minutes before exposure to allow full absorption.