Model Em Tattoo shares: “Tattoos are a way to express yourself, it's not a religion or a group. I don't think we stand out as a group, we're just like everyone else with a bit of spice.”

Model and Twitch streamer Em, 24, from Canada, loves to tan, but as she’s 55% covered in ink emphasises how important sunscreen is when on holiday – she also wants to travel for new tattoos.

An inked up influencer has explained how it’s important that she cares for her tattoos when on holiday in the sun.

Tattoos are becoming more and more popular – and a survey even shows that a fifth of all British adults are inked.

And, we all know that holidaymakers from the UK love to jet off to sunny climes and get a tan.

But, did you know that sun and sea can affect your ink?

If you’ve just had a tattoo then your skin is extra sensitive as the needle has created tiny injuries in the skin.

This means you’re more susceptible to burning and scarring and you should avoid too much sun exposure on holiday, according to dermatologist Matthew Lin.

Em always gets a tan when on holiday (Image: emisguilty/Instagram)

Additionally, chlorine can introduce infections and even leach the ink from your skin – and sea water will dry out the skin and lengthen your healing time.

So avoid sunshine and swimming for six weeks after getting a tattoo.

Luckily, after this time you can head off on holiday once again just as influencer Em, 24, from Canada does.

Em is a full time Twitch streamer, model and tattoo obsessive with over 105,000 followers, @emisguilty.

The stunning brunette got her first tattoo at 17 and now has 55% of her skin covered in designs – and she’s careful to protect her skin when on holiday.

Em would love to travel to Japan (Image: emisguilty/Instagram)

Speaking to the Daily Star, Em said: “I go on holiday once a year with my mum, we go south (Mexico, Cuba).

“I always get a tan, but I always protect my ink dearly with sunscreen.

“I use 60SPF, every three hours approximately.”

The model lovingly cares for her tattoos for good reason.

She noted: “My tattoos are inspired by my past experiences, lessons, people I love dearly, things I love, my way of thinking.”

But, Em acknowledges that there are some holiday destinations that ink makes more difficult.

Em warns to use suncream when tanning (Image: emisguilty/Instagram)

The streamer said: “I dream of going to Japan, but there are some places where having tattoos is really not a good thing and can get me in trouble.”

Tattoos are less common in Japan with ink being very rare and tattoos are covered for work and social reasons.

It’s common to see tattoos banned in swimming pools, spas and traditional bathhouses in the country.

However, despite some countries frowning about ink there are others that are destinations for tattoo lovers thanks to their artists.

Em commented: “I’ve never travelled for a tattoo but I know tattoo artists worldwide, and plan on doing so one day!

“There are some conventions (weekends mostly) where you can get tatted from the most prestigious tattoo artists.

“Tattoos are a way to express yourself, it’s not a religion or a group I don’t think we stand out as a group, we are like everybody else with a little spice.”