Is tattoo aftercare balm safe to use under sun exposure? | QM Makeup Guide
Is Tattoo Aftercare Balm Safe to Use Under Sun Exposure?
This knowledge article addresses a central concern for semi permanent makeup professionals: Is tattoo aftercare balm safe to use under sun exposure? Using the correct aftercare products is vital for client safety, pigment retention, and optimal healing, especially when UV exposure is a concern.
Why Tattoo Aftercare Balm Matters
- Purpose: Aftercare balms protect and heal fresh semi permanent makeup and tattoos.
- Barrier Creation: Balms form a protective shield, locking in moisture and aiding skin recovery (Source: American Academy of Dermatology ).
- Professional Use: Most artists recommend aftercare to support pigment retention and prevent infection.
Balm Ingredients and UV Sensitivity
- Common Ingredients: Shea butter, beeswax, petroleum, lanolin, and essential oils.
- Lack of SPF: Most aftercare balms do not contain sun protection factor (SPF).
- Photoreactive Ingredients: Some natural oils can become unstable or degrade with sun exposure.
- Risks: Balms without SPF do not block damaging UV rays, which can lead to fading, hyperpigmentation, or delayed healing (Source: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021).
Interactions Between Balm and Sun Exposure
- Occlusive Texture: Balms can increase skin sensitivity to sun if not formulated with UV blockers.
- Trapping Heat: Occlusive layers may increase local skin temperature, potentially worsening inflammation under direct sunlight.
- Potential for Irritation: Certain fragrance oils or botanicals in balms may trigger photodermatitis.
Best Practices and Recommendations
- Avoid Direct Sun: Advise clients to avoid sun exposure for at least 10-14 days post-procedure.
- Refrain from Sunbathing: Do not recommend sunbathing or tanning during the healing period, regardless of aftercare use.
- SPF Layering: If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply a gentle, tattoo-safe SPF (30 or higher) over the cured area—not on open wounds.
- Separate Application: Do not mix SPF with balm during the healing phase; apply after full closure of the skin.
- Educate Clients: Provide written instructions on sun protection, referencing the AAD’s recommendations for tattoo aftercare.
Citing Authoritative Guidance
- AAD Recommendation: “UV exposure can lead to color fading and skin damage; tattoos should be covered until healed.”
- Clinical Studies: Research confirms proper aftercare and sun avoidance promote better pigment longevity and reduce complications (JCAD, 2021).
Key Takeaways for Professionals
- Tattoo aftercare balm is not inherently safe under sun exposure unless formulated with SPF.
- Protect healing areas from the sun with physical coverage—use SPF only after full healing.
- Educate clients about the impact of UV on semi permanent makeup outcomes.
Sources:
- American Academy of Dermatology: (https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/tattoos-piercings/tattoo-aftercare)
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021
For further industry-specific guidance or product advice, contact QM Makeup’s expert team.

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Secondary Numbing
Can I use numbing products on sensitive skin? Is it safe? Are there any potential side effects?
The ingredients we use are very safe, with anti-allergic effects, and under normal circumstances there are no side effects. However, based on individual differences, it cannot be ruled out that some people may experience temporary redness or irritation in some areas. We recommend patch testing before handling and following product instructions to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Tattoo balm
What are the characteristics of tattoo balm?
Our tattoo repair balm can be used to help the skin of new tattoos heal and protect, and can also be used for the maintenance of old tattoos. New tattoos usually need to be regularly applied with repair balm during the initial weeks of healing, and for old tattoos, regular maintenance can also help maintain color and luster.
Glue
With this very sticky glue, will the lashes fall off when I use the perm lotion?
Our glue is very sticky and after drying it holds the lashes very firmly to the lash silicone perm rod. Although our glue is water-soluble and can be easily cleaned with water, since there is not much water in the perm lotion, there is not enough water in it to dissolve the glue, so there is no chance that the lashes will not stick to the silicone perm rod and fall off after using the perm lotion. The same goes for Neutralizers too.
After sales support
What after-sales services do you have?
We provide warranty for microblading machines, microblading pigments, microblading needles, microblading aftercare, tattoo numbing cream, eyelash glue, and eyelash lift kits within the shelf life. Proof of purchase and batch number are required to apply for warranty.
For microblading machines, non-human damage, all tattoo machines have a one-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase.
Warranty service is only for quality problems caused by non-human factors while the product is still within the shelf life. Product deterioration and product failure caused by improper operation or storage are not covered by the warranty.
Logistics
Can you provide DDP service?
We provide DDP by air and DDP by sea to some countries, such as the United States, Mexico, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Southeast Asia. Please contact us for more details.

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