I thought sun block and sunscreen were the same thing.

I use SPF 50 spray on, drug store brand. (being sure to cover evenly, as a windy day may fuck up the application)

After some quick research:
Sunblock does not block UVA rays only UVB.
Sunscreen is an application that gets absorbed into your skin. This is what makes it water resistant.
Sunblock is like a paste (zinc oxcide) that covers your skin.

Personally, I’ll stick with sunscreen.

I use a 30 sunscreen everywhere else, but a 45-60 on any tattoos. I really like the continuous spray as well, but I apply it indoors so no wind. I am so pale that if I applied it outside I would start to burn before it could even start to take effect. Melanin deficient I guess. I’ve never had a tan in my life, if I try really hard I can get to a colour that I like to call ‘dark white’. Or I can do a very nice shade of lobster.

I use a lotion on the tattoos, because I want to be completely sure that I got 100% coverage on them. I even keep some lotion in the car in case I want to open the sunroof. But then I only do the artwork, unless it’s going to be a bit of a drive I risk the burn. CRAZY I know, but that’s just how I roll.

I have never tried a sunblock, but if anyone ever finds a sunscreen dip or sunscreen shower please let me know!

Minimally, you need to be using SPF 30 on your skin if you’re going to be out in the direct sun more than hour. However, I’ve been told by three different tattoo artists now, to keep the tattoo from extensive fading, at least 50 is necessary.

30 will protect you from increased skin cancer risk.

50 prevents increased fading.

Oh, I missed the point of the thread. Good for me.

The answer is sunscreen.

@harlem shake 126284 wrote:

butt wheat don’t you know that the sun is bad for the skin. so what do you use then if not sun lotion to protect your tattoo from fading

of course he does. basically anything higher than spf 30-45 everything else is just marketing hype. the key is to apply liberally and often. and stay away from oxybenzone. i dont use sunscreen daily, i wear spf clothing. much easier and a lot safer for your body.

Nope! Only thin upf 50 jackets!