Sunblock

Can anyone recommend a good brand of sunblock? I have been reading about Tattoo Goo (stick and spray) and Protat. Can anyone recommend a specific brand? I have a dragon on the upper left side of my back and though I do not suntan, there are times that we are out in the sun and I do want to protect my investment as it has a special meaning to me.

I would suggest any SPF 30 or above sunblock that is water and sweat proof. Try one of the Coppertone sport ones. That one seems to work pretty well.

I tell clients the higher then SPF factor the better, the more ultraviolet rays it blocks and the more it will protect you/your tattoo. Don't know that there's much real diff in the brand names (but avoid the 'cheap' stuff, naturally) and as theval said, look for sweat/water proof type and again, Coppertone has some very good products and have a great rep. Protect your work, most folks don't really realize how bad sunlight can be, and/or how it can virtually RUIN a good tattoo. Good post, hope lots of people read/heed it. Doc

Well, Doc John, let me ask you this, or any of you artist guys too, but you know how they have different textures, like creams that are all thick and heavy, vs. sprays that are more like alcohol based, does it make any difference as long as the spf is the same to your knowledge? Like I'd prefer to use sprays if I could because I always feel like creams are plugging me up and dulling down my artwork because of the zinc oxide. To your knowledge, is one texture better than another?

Well, Doc John, let me ask you this, or any of you artist guys too, but you know how they have different textures, like creams that are all thick and heavy, vs. sprays that are more like alcohol based, does it make any difference as long as the spf is the same to your knowledge? Like I'd prefer to use sprays if I could because I always feel like creams are plugging me up and dulling down my artwork because of the zinc oxide. To your knowledge, is one texture better than another?

Daddy Rose, actually I did consult a dermatologist about that issue and was told that barring the really thick varieties that could, especially with daily/frequent and prolonged use, block the pores and themselves cause minor skin irratations, that most were pretty much equal in effectiveness. He did state most people don't re-apply it as they should when out for longer exposure times and that the water resistant/waterproof types were far preferable. As to the zinc oxide seeming to dull your work, I'm not sure on that one but I suspect that might be due to the properties which I suspect make the outer skin less 'translucent', use a good moisturizer and it re- gains it's clarity. My only concern with spray-ons is that you get good enough coverage over the tattoo (too thin mimimizes the effectiveness) and again, I can't overstate how very important it is to protect your tattoo from the damaging effect of the sun...Doc

The very best that I have ever used is Banana Boat Ultramist for kids. Well you ARE just a big kid AL!...Seriously...My skin is VERY sensitive to uv rays and I have tried everything...this Banana Boat ultramist is clear... you only have to put it on every two hours and it has an SPF (sun protection factor in case ya didn't know)of 50!!!! Thats right...FIFTY SPF!!!! and it doesn't clog up your skin pores....a bit pricey but , like tattoos, ya get what ya pay for!...Beats the HELL out of coppertone!...Walgreens has their own version of this stuff...not sure but I am thinking its probably manufactured by the same company and Walgreens just puts their label on it and its about the same money...@$10...and for ten bucks it lasts forever...I bought 2 bottles at the first of last summer and still have a half bottle! Hope I have helped!!!...T