Hey there, tattoo lovers! So you’ve just gotten inked, and you’re ready to show off your new piece. But hold up—it’s summertime, and the sun’s shining. Don’t let those rays ruin your fresh art. Taking care of a new tattoo during summer is no joke. You need to take special measures to protect it from heat, sweat, and UV rays so that it heals properly and stays looking awesome for years to come. Lucky for you, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know to keep that tat in tip-top shape!
Steer Clear of Direct Sunlight
It may be hard to hear during the peak of summer, but the sun is not your friend when it comes to taking care of a new tattoo. Direct sunlight is one of the main things to avoid if you want to prevent your tattoo from fading. Extended sun exposure can cause your ink to fade, scab, and peel, which means your tat will look less than fresh very quickly. If you’re planning on spending time outdoors during the summer months, make sure to cover up your new tattoo with clothing or a bandage. After a few days of healing, you can protect your new tat with sunscreen (you should do this for existing tattoos, too).
Avoid Swimming With Your New Tattoo
We all know that swimming is a beloved summer pastime, but if you have a fresh tattoo, you need to stay out of the water for a while. Submerging your new ink in a pool, ocean, or even a bathtub can cause serious damage to the healing process. The water can carry bacteria that could infect your tattoo, and the chemicals in pools and hot tubs can also irritate your skin and cause your ink to fade. Stick to showers for a few weeks after you get inked and wait until your tattoo heals before taking a dip.
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your new tattoo moisturized is key to ensuring that it heals properly and looks vibrant for years to come. But you can’t just slather on any old lotion! Make sure to use a tattoo-specific moisturizer that is fragrance-free and gentle on the skin. Apply the moisturizer at least twice a day and rub it in gently to avoid damaging the tattoo.
Protect Your Tattoo While Exercising
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and get active, but if you have a new tattoo, you need to be careful while working up a sweat. Tight-fitting clothing and excessive sweating can cause irritation to your tattoo, so make sure to wear loose, breathable clothing while exercising. And, of course, avoid any activities that may put your tattoo at risk for injury or infection.
Follow Your Tattooer’s Aftercare Instructions
Your tattoo artist is the expert when it comes to taking care of your new ink, so make sure to follow their aftercare instructions to a T. They know what products work best on fresh tattoos, how often you should be moisturizing, and what activities you should avoid. If you have any questions or concerns about how to take care of a new tattoo in the summer, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice. They want your tattoo to heal properly and look fantastic for years to come—you can trust their guidance.