Tattoos in the Sun - A Timeline

Tiggy
May 24
3 min read

In the last post, we talked about why sunscreen and protective clothing are essential for keeping your tattoos safe in the sun. But how do you know when it’s actually safe to go out in the sun or start using sunscreen on your tattoo? The healing process isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, so let’s break down the timeline of when you should avoid the sun, when you can start using sunscreen, and when you can fully enjoy the sunshine without worrying about your tattoo!

Timeline for Sun Exposure and Sunscreen Use on Tattoos

The First 2–3 Weeks: Keep It Covered

What to do: During this time, your tattoo is still healing and essentially an open wound. It’s crucial to keep it out of the sun and away from any sunscreen.
Why? Direct sunlight can mess with your tattoo by fading it, causing irritation, or even scarring. Sunscreen might irritate the delicate skin, clogging the pores and slow down the healing process.
How to protect it: Keep your tattoo covered with loose, breathable clothing. If you can’t avoid sun exposure, try to stay in the shade to keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.

3–6 Weeks: The Skin’s Still Healing, No Sunscreen Yet

What to do: It's likely that your tattoo looks healed, or more or less healed at this point. But it's way too soon to show it off outside. It’s in it's most fragile state right now with a lot of the healing carrying on beneath the surface.
Why avoid the sun? Even though the tattoo might look mostly healed, it's still at risk of fading, scarring, and becoming uneven in pigment if exposed to too much sun. Sunscreen is still a no-go while your tattoo is in this stage.
How to protect it: Keep covering your tattoo when you’re outdoors. Opt for clothing to block the sun, stay in the shade when you can.
NO HOLIDAYS (yet): Listen, it’s way too early for that sun-soaked beach holiday. I know you’re dying for a tan, but your tattoo is still pretty fragile. Even though it’s healed, it can get obliterated in the sun without proper protection. So, hold off on the full sun exposure until it is fully healed.

6 Weeks onward: Tattoo is fully Healed

What to do: By now, your tattoo should be fully healed. The skin’s back to normal and there are no more scabs or peeling, but it still needs protection from the sun forever!
Why sunscreen? It’s time to start protecting it from the sun. UV rays don’t just fade your tattoo - they can also blur the details and cause the colours to become dull. Regular sunscreen use will keep your tattoo looking fresh for years to come.
How to protect it: Make applying sunscreen a regular part of your outdoor routine, just like you would with any other part of your skin. SPF50+ is the most ideal sunscreen to use on your tattoos. But keeping it covered with clothing is the optimal way to ensure your tattoos stay bright and healthy forever.

Conclusion:

It's important to treat your tattoo delicately in the first few months of its life. It’s so fragile for a while after it’s been done, and honestly, the longer you can keep it out of the sun, the better. If your lifestyle prevents you from staying inside, then at least try and cover it with clothing as much as possible. Whether it’s a loose shirt, leggings, or even a hat - just keep it covered! And if that’s not really an option either, then make sure to use sunscreen.

But please be aware of the damaging effects of harmful UV rays and take extra care to protect your tattoo. After all, a little extra effort now means your tattoo will stay looking its best for years to come!