How to Care for Your Tattoo in the Summer: Sunscreen & Clothing Tips

Tiggy
May 24
5 min read

Summer’s nearly here, and it's the perfect time to show off your tattoos now that we don’t have to hide them under a million layers! It’s always so exciting when the weather warms up, and we get to enjoy those three glorious days of British summer. But, as much as we love shaking off that seasonal slump, it’s also super important to take extra care of your tattoos now that the sun’s out.

Yes, I know it's hard to believe - but the sun in England can actually fade your tattoos!

The last thing you want is for your favourite tattoo to lose its vibrancy or get damaged just because you forgot to protect it properly. So, let’s chat about why sunscreen is your new best friend, and why covering your tattoo with some clothing can actually work wonders in keeping your ink looking fresh and flawless!

Why Sunscreen is Essential for Tattoo Care

Yes, the British sun might not be as relentless as the ones abroad, but trust me, it’s still sneaky enough to fade your tattoos over time. A quick spritz of SPF (ideally 50+ to be safe) is all it takes to keep those colours a little brighter and the lines sharp.

Why do I need sunscreen?

Protects against fading: UV rays can break down ink particles, leading to colour loss and a duller look.
Stop imperfections occurring : direct sun exposure can actually cause some odd pigmentation issues in tattoos. If you’re not careful, those pretty hues can shift into weird shades, and you could end up with blotchy, uneven patches that make your tattoo look more like an abstract piece than the masterpiece it’s meant to be.
Prevents premature aging: The sun doesn’t just age your skin; it can also age your tattoo - resulting in blurred lines and faded details.
Prevents scarring: If you’ve got a fresh tattoo (or even one that's in the process of healing), exposing it to the sun is a definite no-go. Direct sun exposure can irritate the skin, causing redness, inflammation, and even scarring.

Can Sun Exposure to a Fresh Tattoo Cause Infection?

While the sun’s UV rays don’t directly cause infection, they can irritate the healing skin. When your tattoo is fresh, it’s essentially an open wound. The sun can dry out the area, leading to cracking or flaking, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the skin. Additionally, the heat from the sun can cause inflammation and increase the risk of skin irritation, which can disrupt the healing process and create an environment where infection could develop.

The more direct the sun exposure, the higher the risk of sunburn, which can be painful and damaging to the fresh tattoo. Sunburned skin can lead to blisters and peeling, which increases the likelihood of infection as bacteria might enter through broken skin.

When should I not be using sunscreen?

If your tattoo is still in the healing process - whether it’s scabbing or peeling, it’s way too soon to apply sunscreen. During this time, your skin is fragile, and anything you put on it could interfere with the healing process. Instead, your best bet is to keep that tattoo fully covered with clothing when you’re outside to protect it from the sun. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to keep it safe!

What happens if I put sunscreen on a healing tattoo?

Unwanted Reactions: Most sunscreens are packed with ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, or chemicals that can be too harsh on your healing skin. These ingredients can slow down the healing process, causing irritation, dryness, or even breakouts.
It can trap bacteria:A healing tattoo is essentially an open wound, so if you slather sunscreen on it, you risk trapping bacteria under the layer of product. This could easily lead to an infection—which, let’s be honest, no one wants when you're trying to enjoy a fun day out. Keeping the tattoo covered with clothing (and letting it breathe, of course) is the best option until it's fully healed.

Covering with Clothing: An Extra Layer of Protection

This is and will always be the most effective way of protecting your tattoo from harmful UV rays. If you are able to keep it covered, this will keep your tattoo looking beautiful for a long old time.

Why is clothing better than sunscreen?

Shields tattoos from UV exposure: Lightweight fabrics, can block UV rays effectively, providing your tattoo with a solid shield. Sunscreen is great, but nothing beats the physical barrier that clothing can offer. Plus, it’s a hassle-free way to ensure your tattoo stays safe!
Keeps tattoos safe while healing: It’s crucial to avoid sun exposure completely to ensure it heals properly. Even though sunscreen can help, it's still no match for full coverage. Clothing provides that extra layer of protection, especially if you’re out in the sun for extended periods.

Pro Tips from a Sun Lover!

Wear a thin, light oversized shirt (or something loose and flowy). It’s the perfect way to cover your tattoos while still staying cool and comfy. I love oversized t-shirts because the sleeves come really far down and protect a lot of my arm while not making me too hot.
Get creative with your accessories! If I’m sitting down and need to protect my leg tattoos from too much sun, I’ll use my handbag or hoodie to cover them up. It’s a simple, quick fix to ensure your tattoos don’t get damaged.
Seek shade whenever you can. While the sun might be tempting, staying in the shade is always a better option. The less direct sunlight on your tattoo, the longer it stays vibrant and healthy. (And it helps with wrinkles too!)

Conclusion:

The sun may be great for your mood, but too much exposure can wreak havoc on your tattoo, fading its vibrancy, blurring the lines, or even causing irreversible damage. But don’t worry, keeping your tattoo looking fresh doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all summer long!

By protecting your tattoo with the right precautions - whether it’s with sunscreen, protective clothing, or simply staying out of direct sun - you can ensure that your tattoo continues to shine for years to come.

Sunscreen acts as a shield against harmful UV rays, while clothing offers an extra layer of protection when you're out and about. And remember, the first few weeks of healing are crucial, so take the time to care for your tattoo as it heals, with protective clothing being your best friend during that fragile phase.

With just a little extra effort, you can enjoy the summer sunshine without risking the health of your tattoo. Your tattoo deserves the best care - you've paid enough money for it, not to mention the pain of getting it!

Stay safe, and let your tattoos continue to be the vibrant works of art they were meant to be!