What Causes Tattoos to Fade? Experts Explain How to Avoid It

There's a special excitement associated with getting a new tattoo. Once you've made all the major decisions—like the design, placement, and artist—all you want to do is show off your new ink. But the work isn't done just yet. If you want to keep your tattoo looking fresh forever, you have to care for your tattoo and the skin around it.

While tattoos are permanent, your ink will fade over time. This is a largely uncontrollable, natural occurrence, but there are ways to minimize fading. "Tattoo fading is somewhat in our control," tattoo artist Koral Ladna explains. "If we take good care of our skin, our tattoos will look better."

So, what does that look like in practice? Keep reading to learn more about what causes tattoos to fade and how to slow down the process.

What Causes a Tattoo to Fade? 

To understand why tattoos fade, it's first important to know how the ink is deposited into your skin. Tattoos are applied using needles, which embed pigment particles into the second layer of skin (also known as the dermis). Your immune system recognizes these particles as foreign bodies that it needs to get rid of, which is where the problems begin.

"When tattoo ink is deposited into the layer of skin called the dermis, our body then naturally produces macrophages, which are cells from our immune systems that gradually absorb the ink, leading to fading," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman says.

This, combined with the fact that your skin cells are constantly regenerating, means that any tattoo will inevitably start to fade, no matter how diligent you are about keeping it fresh. "Over time, all tattoos are essentially a photocopy of the original tattoo," Ladna says.

That said, certain things can speed up the fading process even further. One of the biggest, according to both experts, is sun exposure. Simply put, UV rays break down the pigment in your skin, which can cause the ink to become discolored. Additionally, sun exposure breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin, which can result in sagging that makes your tattoo look wonky over time.

The quality of the ink used for your tattoo is also a factor. High-quality inks tend to use a higher concentration of more stable pigments than their lower-quality counterparts, making them better suited to stand up against your body's natural defenses. Additionally, a good tattoo artist will ensure that the ink is applied evenly and at the correct depth, which will help maintain the integrity of the tattoo. "As artists, we have to account for fading, and it's important to make choices that will make the tattoo more time-resistant," Ladna says. 

Does Tattoo Placement Matter?

Yes, tattoo placement matters. As you already know, sun exposure can cause tattoos to fade, so any area regularly hit with UV rays—like the hands, forearms, shoulders, neck, and face—may fade faster. Additionally, Dr. Engelman notes that any areas that experience high levels of friction—namely your hands and feet—tend to regenerate more quickly, meaning that finger and toe tats are more likely to fade. Ladna notes that it’s critical to keep these spots moisturized using a product like Butter London’s Hand and Foot Cream to prevent this. 

How to Prevent Tattoo Fading

Practice Proper Aftercare 

Though it may take years before you notice fading, starting the prevention process immediately after your appointment is important. "Proper aftercare is the best way to ensure that your tattoo will last long-term," Ladna says. The better the tattoo heals, the longer it will last.

In addition to following the practices outlined by your artist, Ladna notes that keeping the area well-moisturized for at least two weeks after your appointment is critical. "It’s important to use a cream for the first two weeks of the healing process to ensure that there’s no scabbing so that the maximum amount of pigment stays inside your dermis," Ladna says. You can use a product like IVID Gel, which creates a moisture barrier on the skin that quickly enhances the color of tattoos. 

After your tattoo is fully healed, Dr. Engelman recommends pairing your moisturizing cream with a quality exfoliating cleanser. She’s a fan of Reuzel’s Buff Exfoliating Wash ($18)—which removes dead and dry skin but will keep your tattoo vibrant—and the brand's Vivid Gel ($18), which creates a moisture barrier on the skin and enhances the color of your tattoo. "Using them in tandem will deliver the best long-term results," she notes.

Wear Sunscreen

"[Caring for your tattoo] doesn't end after the three weeks of initial aftercare," says Ladna. After those first few weeks, sunscreen is—unsurprisingly—the most crucial weapon in your fade-prevention arsenal. "The best way to address tattoo fading is to keep skin out of the sun as much as possible," Engleman points out. 

Tattare covered by clothing is less likely to degrade in the sun, but you should slather any regularly exposed ink with SPF any time you step outside. Opt for a mineral formula—or, better yet, one specifically designed to protect tattoos—to help block UV rays before they can damage them. As Ladna puts it, "Your ink costs a lot; you should protect it." 

Invest in Tattoo-Specific Skincare

Sunscreen isn't the only skincare product worth keeping on hand for your tattoo. "Skincare is also tattoo care, so taking care of your skin is taking care of your tattoos," Ladna says. "In doing this, you'll see that your tattoo will hold up differently."

While keeping the area well-moisturized is a must (even after those first few weeks), you may also want to invest in a tattoo enhancer, like Mad Rabbit's Tattoo Balm. These products create a protective seal over your tattoo to hydrate the skin and defend against environmental stressors (you'll still need to use sunscreen, though) while protecting the vibrancy of your ink. 

How to Treat a Faded Tattoo

If your tattoo has started looking less-than-fresh despite your best efforts, booking a touch-up appointment with a professional artist is the only real fix. They’ll be able to infuse your skin with new pigment to compensate for the discoloration and fading. Keep in mind that you’ll have to keep up with those initial aftercare practices after this session, too.

The Final Takeaway

According to our experts, a few key practices can extend our tattoos' longevity and vibrancy. While some discoloration is inevitable due to factors like skin regeneration and our body's immune response to the ink, we can control certain elements. By avoiding excess sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and maintaining a thorough moisturization routine, you can minimize the amount of fading. Overall, the message is simple: Take care of your skin, and your tattoos will be all the better for it.