Tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular form of self-expression, but many people wonder how long after a tattoo can you go tanning?
While tattoos should be properly cared for regardless of whether you plan on tanning or not, understanding the exact timing and best precautions can ensure that your tattoo heals properly while still allowing you to enjoy some time in the sun.
I’ll let you know how long after a tattoo it is safe to start tanning and the steps you should take to protect your new ink.
How Long After a Tattoo Can You Go Tanning?
Maintaining healthy skin is important for everyone, but for individuals with tattoos, some extra care must be taken. Tanning after getting a tattoo is not recommended since it poses a risk of damaging the artwork and altering its composition.
Because tattoos can fade over time from exposure to sunlight, as well as lose their crisp lines and saturation of color, keeping the tattoo out of direct sunlight should be a top priority. The question then becomes: How long after a tattoo can you go tanning?
The answer depends on several factors, such as the healing process and type of ink used in your design.
Generally speaking, it’s advisable to wait at least 4–6 weeks before exposing your new tattoo to UV rays or lying in a bed or booth tanning system.
During this time period, while the wound is still healing—which can take up to 3–4 weeks depending on size and complexity—it’s best that you protect your tattoos while tanning by covering them with clothing or specific sunscreen designed for those with sensitive body art.
Be sure to nourish your skin daily with moisturizer so that you promote good health without sacrificing the quality looking of your body art.
In terms of protecting pre-existing tattoos from sun damage when tanning, heed all warning signs and pick products specifically designed for tattoos that provide maximum protection from harmful UV rays.
Wear sunscreen each time you are exposed to the sun even when tucked away indoors; also remember to reapply regularly if necessary – especially if swimming or sweating heavily, which may decrease effectiveness quicker than expected.
How Can a Tanning Bed or Sun Exposure Impact My New Tattoo?
Tanning beds are especially dangerous for a new tattoo because they use intense UV rays that could cause damage.
If you notice that exposing your tattoo to the sun or tanning bed causes discomfort or skin irritation, then it’s best to avoid this activity altogether until the tattoo has healed properly.
Sun protection should be used on all exposed skin when going out in the sun with a new tattoo.
It’s also important to make sure that moisturizing products are being used on the area of newly applied ink after patting it dry with a clean cloth so as not keep it entirely covered while outside in direct sunlight.
Although protecting newly applied ink is necessary, some fading of color may still occur as time goes by due to sun exposure, regardless if sunscreen is being used or not.
Therefore, if your goal is to retain its original vibrant look and feel, limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays is essential during the healing process and afterward as well.
What Precautions Should I Take when Tanning with A New Tattoo?
If you simply can’t resist the temptation to tan after getting a new tattoo, make sure you use proper precautions to protect your tattooed skin.
This includes a high-quality sunscreen that is designed specifically for tattoos. Make sure to apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours to ensure maximum protection.
Also, be sure to avoid wearing tight clothing or other objects that could rub up against the top of your tattoo, until you have a 100% healed tattoo.
The friction could also affect the scabbing on the tattoo, which will affect the condition of your tattoo also.
Should I Put Sunscreen on My New Tattoo Before Tanning?
When you get a new tattoo, your skin is extra sensitive, especially when it comes to the sun. Before hopping into a tanning bed, you should always put sunscreen on your new tattoo.
Not only will this protect your skin while tanning, but it will also protect your fresh ink! The sun can cause fading and damage to your tattoo, so putting sunscreen on before tanning is essential.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for the best protection. Sunscreen will also reduce the risk of burning and scars, keeping your new tattoo looking bright and beautiful.
Can I Use Regular Sunscreen on A New Tattoo Before Tanning?
You should absolutely put sunscreen on your new tattoo before tanning if you want to protect it. However, regular sunscreen may not be the best option for this. Look for a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for use on tattoos.
These products will not only help to protect your tattoo from the sun’s harmful rays, but will also help to keep the ink vibrant and prevent fading.
How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen on A New Tattoo when Tanning?
When applying sunscreen on a new tattoo, it is important to make sure sunscreen is reapplied every 1–2 hours when tanning.
Sunburns and exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause permanent damage to tattoos by fading or blurring the colors.
It can slow down the healing process and delay the tattoo’s full completion. Depending on how much time you plan to spend in direct sunlight and what kind of sunscreen you’re wearing, taking proper care of your new tattoo when tanning should involve reapplying sunscreen every 1–2 hours.
Not only will this help ensure that your tattoo won’t become damaged from prolonged exposure to UV rays, but it will also improve your chances of a successful healing process.
Can I Use Spray Tan or Tanning Lotion with A New Tattoo?
No, you should not use spray tan or tanning lotion on a new tattoo. Tanning lotions and sprays contain harsh chemicals that can damage your fresh ink, causing it to fade prematurely.
These products often contain oils and fragrances that can irritate the delicate skin around the tattoo and delay healing.
Sun exposure is also discouraged during the healing process, as it disrupts the balance of pigment in the skin.
Therefore, even after your tattoo has healed, you should protect it from UV rays with sunscreen before applying any self-tanner product.
Although following these guidelines may mean that your new tattoo will remain hidden until it heals completely, following them carefully will ensure that your artwork looks vibrant for years to come.
How Can I Protect My Tattoo While Tanning?
When it comes to tanning with a fresh tattoo, taking precautions and protecting your new ink is key. If you’ve just gotten a tattoo, make sure to follow the advice of your tattoo artist around both the healing process and how to handle sun exposure.
When your tattoo is still in its early stages, it’s recommended that you keep it out of direct sunlight unless necessary.
If exposure is unavoidable, put sunscreen on the area at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours while in direct sunlight.
Once your tattoo has healed, you then have more options when it comes to tanning with tattoos (although some of these may depend on the position/location of your body art).
You can look into investing in clothing items designed with UV protection or use longer-lasting forms of sunless tanning such as fake tans or spray tans.
For those who opt for natural tanning methods, using a high SPF sunscreen and applying over all exposed areas including the one containing their fresh ink can help avoid permanently damaging their artwork.
Another helpful trick is exposing only certain parts rather than having them all exposed at once, so you can minimize any potential harm.
What Are the Best Sunscreens to Use on Tattooed Skin?
Protecting a tattoo is an essential part of the healing process and maintaining its color and quality. The best way to do this is by using sunscreens designed specifically for use on tattooed skin.
When exposed to the sun, these special formulas create a protective barrier that helps protect the tattoo from UV rays, allowing it to heal properly.
An SPF of 30 or higher is best for covering tattoos in the summer months, when tanning in the sun may be unavoidable.
Always cover your new tattoos with clothing or bandages if possible before exposing them to the elements – especially during peak hours when UV rays are strongest.
For those who prefer having a nice tan along with their great new tattoo pieces, ensure that it has healed entirely before exposing it to any direct sunlight.
How Can I Keep My Tattoo Safe from Too Much Sun Exposure?
To keep my tattoo safe from too much sun exposure, I need to take certain precautions. First, when I’m outside in the sun, I should use a high SPF sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays to help protect my tattoo.
Wearing clothing that covers the area will also provide sun protection. It is also important to try to limit my time outdoors during peak sunshine hours (10am-4pm) and find shady spots to rest while outside.
Another great way to ensure that my tattoo doesn’t fade is by avoiding swimming pools or soaking it in hot tubs, as the chemicals found there can damage tattoos.
What Should I Do if My Tattoo Gets Sunburned?
If your tattoo gets sunburned, it is important that you take steps to reduce the fading of your tattoo. To do this, keep your tattoo well hydrated by applying cream or a moisturizing lotion at least twice per day.
Avoid situations like sun tanning, which can damage the tattoo and make it fade more quickly. Whenever you go outside in sunny weather, be sure to cover the tattoo with sunscreen and clothing to provide added protection from UV rays.
If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and hats while out in direct sunlight to protect your skin.
How Can I Keep the Colors in My Tattoo from Fading?
When it comes to keeping the colors of your tattoo from fading, there are some steps you can take that will help protect your design and make sure it stands the test of time.
First, be aware that tanning after a tattoo may cause it to fade faster. While you don’t have to forgo all sun exposure, try to keep your skin covered and wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun.
When spending time outdoors, seek out areas with plenty of shade, so you can tan safely.
Be mindful of the type of clothing or material you wear over your tattoo, such as wool or polyester fabrics, which can also cause premature fading.
If possible, stick to more breathable materials such as cotton and silk when covering up any fresh tattoos.
If you do decide to get a tan while still healing after getting a tattoo, make sure not to expose yourself directly to sunlight without protection – even if only for a few minutes.
As intense sun rays draw away vital dyes from within your skin cells before they have been able to settle into the design on its surface properly.
Summary
Getting a tattoo is a big investment, and it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure that it stays looking great for years to come.
Avoid exposing a new tattoo to the sun or UV rays until it has fully healed, and always use proper protection when tanning, including high-quality sunscreen, protective clothing, and gear.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!