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Tattoos have become increasingly popular, with 1 in 5 men and 1 in 4 women in Australia choosing to get inked. Chances are, if you are reading this you have at least one tattoo somewhere on your body.
It is a common myth that due to their darker colours, tattoos create additional sun protection. In fact, when your body becomes the canvas, there are additional risks involved when it comes to skin cancer. Tattoos are here to stay, so it is important to educate yourself on how to protect them…and your skin!
Tattoos can make skin cancers and melanomas more difficult to detect. Before getting your next design, check the area of your skin to ensure there are no current abnormalities.
If you do have any moles or irregularities, we recommend having a skin and mole check before proceeding. It is usually best to have any moles removed first to minimise the risk, and this will also mean you won’t be detracting from the look of your new tattoo. 2 out of 3 people will receive a diagnosis of skin cancer before they are 70, making this a health concern which cannot be ignored.
When you have a tattoo on your body, you will need to examine the skin more carefully. Make a conscious effort to have regular skin checks, and where possible keep an eye on your moles to flag any changes.
While we recommend everyone be proactive when it comes to skin cancer, it is even more crucial when there are areas of the skin which are disguised. Some of the most common places skin cancers are found, are also the areas many people choose to get ink. Tattoos do not cause skin cancer, they just make it more difficult to spot them, thus potentially delaying lifesaving treatment.
Sun protection should be a priority for all Australians, and those with tattoos should take extra care to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. That means cover up, put on sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30+, wear a hat, look for shade and don’t forget the sunnies!
The sun can cause your tattoo to fade, so wearing adequate sunscreen will not only protect your skin but will keep your ink looking fresh.
If the time comes when you have tattoo regret, you may consider getting laser tattoo removal. This can be a timely and costly exercise, but if you have a mole it can also be painful.
It is recommended that any moles are removed prior to starting treatments on your tattoo. The process for mole extraction is relatively simple and will make the tattoo removal experience much more comfortable.
At My Skin Centre we are experienced in skin and mole checks. We can advise you on the right steps to take with any moles prior to getting a tattoo and remove them if necessary.
If you would like to book an appointment at one of our nine clinics throughout Western Australia, please contact us today.
With multiple locations throughout Perth and the South West there is a clinic near you!