One of the most unsightly aspects of tanning are the white marks left by clothes and accessories on the skin, but thanks to this article you can finally take advantage of that play of light and dark to create a tattoo of the desired shape. From now on, it will no longer be just the swimsuit that decides which shape to give to your tan. By cleverly placing sunscreen or stickers, you can create a unique and personalized tattoo, for example in the shape of a heart, star or any other figure. Since these tattoos are formed thanks to the sun's rays, many like to call them "sun tattoos". This summer, instead of using ink, play with your tan.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Get a Tattoo with a Sticker
Step 1. Look for a sticker of the shape you want to give the tattoo
The best thing is to look for one that is already shaped, to make sure it has a perfect profile. The tattoo will take exactly the shape of the sticker, so it is important that it is accurate and recognizable. Among the most common shapes are hearts, stars, crosses, mouths and any other subject defined enough to leave a recognizable silhouette.
- Alternatively, you can make your own sticker. Buy a sheet of sticky paper, then draw your preferred shape on the back of the card or use a stencil if you're not good at drawing. Now cut out the shape precisely.
- If you have a laser cutting card and paper machine at home, you can use it to make your own sticker. In this case, follow the instructions contained in the instruction manual.
Step 2. Wash and dry the area of skin where you intend to attach the adhesive
At that point the skin must be perfectly clean and dry, so that the adhesive can adhere completely and evenly. Remember that it will have to stay attached long enough for you to tan, so make sure it sticks perfectly, it will have to stay in that position for some time. You certainly don't want to risk it coming off after work is not finished.
Step 3. Attach the sticker to the skin
Peel off the paper on the back of the sticker, then orient it in the desired direction. The way you stick it to the skin is the same way your new tattoo will take on. Once you have decided how to orient it, stick it to the skin with the sticky side facing your body. Now, run your finger across the sticker, squeezing it firmly to get rid of any air bubbles.
Step 4. Leave it on your skin for as long as possible while you expose yourself to the sun or tanning lamp light
The rays will darken all bare skin, except for the area hidden by the adhesive. The area around it will tan and that's exactly how your sun tattoo will form. Basically, the tattoo will be the light skin that is left protected under the sticker.
Since ultraviolet rays can cause premature skin aging and in some cases even serious diseases, including cancer, you can choose to get a tattoo in a safer way: using a self-tanning cream. In this case, all you have to do is distribute it precisely and evenly over the entire skin surrounding the adhesive
Step 5. Remove the sticker
After leaving it on your skin long enough to get a tan, you can finally peel it off and see the result. If you have decided to expose yourself to natural sunlight, you will need to give your skin enough time to darken. Each person tans in different ways and times, so the length of time needed varies from individual to individual.
- If you have a dark complexion, you may need to stay in the sun longer because your already brown skin guarantees greater resistance to the sun.
- If you want to use a self-tanning cream, follow the directions on the package to determine the number of applications and days needed. If you have decided to use an instant product, such as a spray, you may have to wait a while before you can peel off the adhesive even after washing off the self-tanner. Once the sticker has been removed, the skin that is still clear because it is protected by the sticker will have assumed the shape of the tattoo you have chosen.
Method 2 of 4: Get a Sun Cream Tattoo
Step 1. Choose a shape or design for your tattoo
Make sure it is a shape that you can reproduce with a creamy substance, such as that of sun lotions. You can draw it freehand directly on the skin or you can use a stencil. If you don't have a stencil of the shape you want, you can create it yourself. Simply draw the outline of the object on a sheet of paper, then use a utility knife or a different type of blade to cut it out.
Step 2. Apply the sunscreen giving it the shape you want to give your tattoo
You have to do this before you expose yourself to sunlight or tanning bed, so that the skin underneath remains as clear as possible to be able to stand out. If you are skilled in manual work, you can apply the cream with a brush, but your fingers are fine too. Whichever method you choose, be sure to apply a fairly thick layer of cream to create an effective barrier against the sun.
The advice is to use a sunscreen with a high SPF, not less than 30, especially if you know you need to expose yourself to the sun for a long time to be able to tan. This way you won't have to reapply it frequently
Step 3. Leave the area undisturbed
Go outside or lie on the tanning bed for as long as it takes to darken the skin around the cream. Be very careful not to spill it. If the cream smudges, the tattoo will most likely be damaged as its shape may change. If you happen to accidentally spread it, don't be discouraged, reproduce the initial shape right away.
Step 4. Reapply the cream as accurately and as often as possible
Since the skin is like a sponge, it will gradually absorb the sunscreen. Furthermore, over time, it will itself tend to spread. For this reason it will be necessary to reapply or fix it several times until you are tanned.
Reapply the cream with precision so as not to risk ruining the design. When you feel you have been in the sun long enough to tan, remove the sunscreen
Method 3 of 4: Get a Tattoo with a Photo Negative
Step 1. Find the negative of a black and white photo you like
Cut out only the dark section where the images appear, you will need to get a rectangular shape that will act as a template or stencil for your tattoo. In practice you will have to use it in a similar way to the adhesive used in the first method, however the tattoo will take the shape of the image imprinted in the film rather than that of the negative.
Step 2. Attach the negative to the skin using the clear adhesive tape
Try not to cover the section that contains the photograph, otherwise it will be impossible to transfer it clearly to the skin. It is precisely the characteristics of the negative film that allow you to transport the image, covering it with adhesive tape would obtain a poor or even zero result. Just place small pieces of clear tape over the edges of the negative to keep it attached to the skin.
Step 3. Lie outside to get a tan, as you normally would
Make sure that the rays hit the photographic film hard and directly. Let the UV rays penetrate through the negative. Once detached from the skin, you will see the image imprinted on your body as well.
Method 4 of 4: Get a Nail Polish Tattoo
Step 1. Wash and dry the area of skin where you intend to draw the tattoo
In the initial phase of this method proceed as if you wanted to apply an adhesive, the first thing to do in fact is to clean the skin well. Also in this case, as well as cleansed, the part must be perfectly dry to allow the enamel and the adhesive to adhere. Before moving on, be sure to wash and dry your skin thoroughly.
Step 2. Create your design on the skin with nail polish
If you need it, you can use a ready-made stencil or you can make your own with a sheet of paper, as explained in the first method of this article. Try to give a precise and clean outline to the design as the sun tattoo will take on its exact same shape.
Do not use transparent nail polish because it will not oppose any barrier to light, which will still be able to penetrate and tan the skin underneath. Likewise, avoid colors that are too dark so as not to risk staining the skin. A matte dye that does not stain the surface of the nails is ideal. Hopefully, it won't stain your skin either
Step 3. Let the nail polish dry before going out in the sun
You don't want the rays to penetrate through the design and tan the area intended to accommodate the tattoo. Stay indoors until the nail polish is perfectly dry.
Step 4. Get out and tan
While waiting for your sun tattoo to take shape, relax under the sun's rays. Read a magazine, sit by the pool or sleep for about twenty minutes. Do not touch the nail polish if it is sticky, otherwise it will spread on the skin and ruin the design. When you are sure that you have a tan, remove the nail polish from your skin and, as if by magic, you will see your new tattoo appear.
Warnings
- Most nail polishes contain toxic substances. Look for a product that does not have it if you intend to apply it directly to the skin.
- The skin darkens because there is an increase in the production of melanin in cells exposed to ultraviolet rays. This pigment is produced by cells called melanocytes and serves to protect the body from direct and indirect damage to DNA. Based on their genetic profile, each person tans in different ways and times.
- Excessive UV exposure can cause premature skin aging, blemishes and even skin cancer.
- Self-tanning products are a safe alternative to sun exposure.
- Do not stay in the sun for too long or in the middle of the day, otherwise you risk getting burned.
