Summer Tattoo Show off
Summer is getting underway and the weather is getting warmer, time to show off those tattoos!
Keep the following things in mind when it’s summer and you have tattoos!
Summer Tattoo Care
Shorts, tank tops, bare feet, bikinis! We are not hiding our tattoos in summer, even if we wanted to! But, unfortunately, there is nothing worse for the health of your tattoo (and your skin) than the sun! Keep these summer sun tips in mind when preparing to take your tattoos outside!
Fresh & Healing Tattoos (Weeks 1 to 4)
A new tattoo is an open wound. Improper summer care can lead to fading, blurred lines, or severe infections.
Zero Sunscreen: Do not apply sunscreen to a healing tattoo. The chemical or mineral blocks can trap bacteria and irritate raw skin.
Cover Up: Shield your fresh ink using loose, breathable clothing. Opt for light materials like linen, cotton, or specialized UPF 50+ apparel.
Stay Out of Water: Dermatologists strongly warn against submerging your healing tattoo in oceans, pools, lakes, or hot tubs. Water contains bacteria and chlorine that ruin ink absorption and cause infection. Stick strictly to quick showers.
Manage Sweat: Excessive sweat breeds bacteria. Avoid strenuous outdoor workouts during the first two weeks. Wash your tattoo gently twice a day with an unscented, mild soap.
Use Lightweight Moisture: Avoid heavy petroleum jellies that smother the skin in hot weather. Instead, use a lightweight, formula using ingredients like aloe to calm peeling skin without blocking airflow.
Fully Healed Tattoos (4+ Weeks Old)
Once your skin is fully regenerated, the sun becomes your tattoo's biggest enemy, causing fading and blurring over time.
Apply Heavy SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 to SPF 50+ directly to your tattoo 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply Constantly: Reapply your sunblock every two hours, or immediately after sweating or swimming.
Keep Skin Hydrated: Sun, sand, and pool chlorine dry out your skin, making tattoos look dull. Use a deeply hydrating daily cream or balm using shea butter and/or hemp seed oil to lock in a moisture barrier.
Avoid Tanning Beds: UV rays from tanning lamps degrade tattoo ink just as severely as direct sunlight.
