You finally have that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for so long, or you’re considering getting one. But then comes that important question: how long should you actually stay out of the sun after getting a tattoo? It’s a question that concerns many people, especially if you get your tattoo in the summer. The relationship between sun and tattoos is crucial for preserving the color and quality of your tattoo.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about sunlight and tattoos, so you can optimally protect your new body art.
Why is the sun bad for a new tattoo?
A fresh tattoo is actually an open wound. The tattoo needle has made thousands of tiny punctures in your skin to place the ink in the dermis. Your skin needs time to recover, and sunlight can seriously disrupt this healing process.
Exposure to UV radiation on a fresh tattoo can lead to:
- Sunburn and extra pain on the tattooed skin
- Increased risk of infections due to damaged skin
- Fading of colors before the tattoo has properly healed
- Scarring and uneven texture
- Extended healing and complications
Even for healed tattoos, the sun remains an enemy: UV rays break down the tattoo ink, causing your tattoo to fade faster and lose its brightness.
How long should you stay out of the sun with a new tattoo?
The general guideline is clear: stay completely out of the sun for at least 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo. This is the period when your skin is most vulnerable and the healing process is in full swing.
But actually, it’s about more than just those first weeks:
The first 2 weeks: absolutely avoid
In this phase, your tattoo is still an open wound. Direct sunlight is absolutely taboo. Completely cover your tattoo with clothing if you have to go outside, and also avoid indirect sun where possible.
Week 3 to 4: be cautious
Your tattoo may look healed, but the skin is still recovering in the deeper layers. Short exposure is possible, but always with a high protection factor.
After 4 weeks: lasting protection
Even after full healing, sun protection remains essential. Want your tattoo to still look beautiful years from now? Then always use sunscreen with at least factor 30 on your tattoo.
Still unsure if you’re ready for this care routine? With a temporary tattoo from tatt4aweek.nl you can already experience what it’s like to have a tattoo, without the worries about healing and sun protection. This way you can test worry-free if you’re really ready for a permanent tattoo.
Tips for tattoo protection against the sun
Want to optimally protect your tattoo? Then follow these practical tips:
During the healing phase
- Wear covering clothing over your tattoo when going outside
- Schedule your tattoo appointment in autumn or winter if possible
- Avoid pools, saunas, and beach visits completely
- Do not use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo (this can disrupt healing)
- Avoid direct sun between 12:00 and 15:00
After the healing phase
- Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your tattoo
- Apply the cream 15 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming
- Choose mineral sunscreen without harsh chemicals
- Wear protective clothing during prolonged exposure
What if you accidentally have been in the sun anyway?
It can happen: you forget about your tattoo for a moment or a situation makes sun avoidance difficult. Don’t panic, but act quickly:
- Get out of the sun immediately and cool the tattoo with cold water (not ice cold)
- Apply a soothing, fragrance-free aloe vera gel
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Keep a close eye on the tattoo for signs of burning or infection
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe redness, swelling, or pain
These kinds of situations can be stressful, especially with a fresh tattoo. Want to first experience what it’s like to take a tattoo into account in your daily life? Then first try a fake tattoo from our collection. This way you discover if your lifestyle fits the care a real tattoo requires.
Frequently asked questions about sun and tattoos
Can I go to the beach with a new tattoo?
No, the first 2 to 4 weeks the beach is really not recommended. Not only the sun, but also salt water and sand can damage your healing tattoo. So don’t plan your beach holiday immediately after a tattoo appointment.
Can I use a tanning bed with a tattoo?
Absolutely not during healing, and even after that it is not recommended. UV radiation from a tanning bed is even more intense than natural sunlight and significantly accelerates the fading process of your tattoo.
Does sunscreen really help against fading?
Yes, definitely! Regular use of a high SPF can make the difference between a tattoo that still looks good after 10 years and one that has faded after just a few years.
Test first with a temporary tattoo
Taking care of a tattoo requires discipline, especially in the summer months. You have to consider the weather, adjust your clothing, and always be alert to sun protection. Not everyone realizes beforehand how much impact this has on your daily routine.
That’s why it’s wise to first experience what it’s like to have a tattoo. With a stick-on tattoo from tatt4aweek.nl, you not only test how a design suits you and whether the placement feels right, but you also experience what it’s like to take your tattoo into account in different situations.
Our temporary tattoos are waterproof, last up to 2 weeks, and are made from natural ingredients that are safe for your skin. The best part? You don’t have to worry about sun, healing, or long-term care. Just try it out and experience it.
Ready to test worry-free?
Whether you’re unsure about a certain design, want to try out the placement, or just want to experience what it’s like to live with a tattoo, temporary tattoos are the perfect solution. You experiment without permanent consequences and without the stress of healing processes and sun protection.
Check out our complete collection of temporary tattoos and find your perfect design. From small minimalist tattoos to larger eye-catching designs, we have something beautiful for every style. And the best part? You can enjoy the sun worry-free, because with our stick-on tattoos you don’t have to stay out of the sun for weeks. Tattoo without regrets – that is our promise.
