Is getting a tattoo in the summer a good idea?

Bridget Reid

Summer is the season for adventure as people emerge from their winter hibernation mode to enjoy the nicer weather.

It’s also the season for spontaneous outings with friends, and what better way to celebrate the energy of summer than by getting matching tattoos with friends while traveling to a beach town, a cross-continental road trip, or somewhere new?

Unfortunately, summer may not be the best time to get a tattoo, unless you’re willing to temporarily sacrifice some of the freer activities of the season.

When it comes to summer tattoos, there are a few things to consider. Let’s take a look at some key points before deciding what’s best for you.

Summer Tattoo Concerns

Getting a tattoo in the summer seems like a great idea, maybe it’s the day to escape the cold winter days and spring rainstorms and head out into the world for the first time in a while.

If you plan on going to a walk-in tattoo studio or booking a tattoo appointment in the summer, there are a few things to consider.

Here are some key reasons why summer may not be the best time to get a tattoo.

Exposure to the sun

The onset of summer gives everyone renewed energy and makes them look forward to the best season of the year. But the source of that energy – the sun – can have a negative effect on your fresh ink.

When you first get a tattoo, it’s basically an open wound. Your body fights hard to combat the trauma of the new ink, so as the healing process progresses, you’ll experience pain, swelling, and itching. These issues are a given, and they’re not even before you factor in sun exposure.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can make all of these symptoms worse and increase your risk of infection. Plus, the sun can have a major impact on how your tattoo heals.

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can quickly fade the pigments and ruin the original beauty of your item.

Swimming in the pool

While a dip in the pool is a cool feeling in the summer heat, it’s not a good friend to a fresh tattoo.

One big concern is the chemicals found in swimming pools. Chlorine is the main culprit, which can slow down the healing of your tattoo and cause inflammation, irritation, and dryness, which can make your tattoo blur or become distorted. Hot tubs have the same problem.

Additionally, we highly recommend waiting at least a month before submerging your tattoo in water for an extended period of time, as this can cause the scabs to fall off faster and leave scars.

Beach trip

Many of us can’t wait for the first day to hit the beach with friends. We spend the winter dreaming of adventures on the boardwalk, sunbathing on the sand, and diving in the ocean.

As we’ve already mentioned, the sun can damage your new tattoo, but there are other things to consider when it comes to a beach trip.

If you tan, you may come into contact with sand and expose your new tattoo to physical irritation, which not only causes unnecessary pain but can also cause further skin irritation and introduce bacteria into your tattoo.

Diving in the ocean exposes your skin to salt water, causing it to dry out, scab, peel and peel – all of which can hinder the healing process and affect the final appearance of your tattoo. Wait until healing is complete before starting any tanning regimen.

sweat

You may have heard that strenuous exercise can be detrimental to your new tattoo – it can overwork the inked area and take away energy that should be used to heal your tattoo, and sweating is also a concern.

Sweat naturally contains water, salt, and bacteria, all of which are detrimental to the proper healing of your tattoo. When sweat comes into contact with your tattoo, it can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.

Humidity

Depending on where you live or visit during the summer, humidity may be an environmental factor you will have to deal with.

Humidity causes excess moisture in the air, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to breed and grow. Avoiding moisture is essential as your new tattoo is at its most delicate and prone to infection during the first few weeks of healing.

trip

Finally, getting away from home is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the summer. Whether it’s to a bucket list destination or just a quick day trip, traveling is fun.

Traveling to areas with different climates raises some environmental concerns, as your new tattoo may be exposed to high humidity and extreme temperatures that can cause dehydration, irritation, and sunburn.

Additionally, the dry air and changes in air pressure inside the cabin can cause your skin to become excessively dry during flight.

How to get a tattoo right in the summer

Tattooing is a year-round activity, and no one’s saying you should avoid it completely during the summer, but it still takes a bit more planning and intention than other times of the year.

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo this summer, here are some tips to help you get it done right.

Keeping your tattoo clean

Right after getting a tattoo, your body is adapting to the pigments in your tattoo while also dealing with the trauma caused by the tattoo gun. You’re still healing, but the wound remains open, so proper hygiene is essential.

The risk of infection increases in the summer due to the increased activity of exercise, swimming, and other sweating. Washing your new tattoo regularly with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap can help reduce the chances of infection.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is important for our bodies all year round, but even more so in the summer when we are exposed to extreme temperatures. Drinking enough water is not only important for your overall body health, but it’s also important for the healing process of your tattoo.

Your body will need extra nutrients and fluids to heal the trauma caused by your new tattoo, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids when out in the summer sun.

cover up

No one wants to be bundled up in the hot sun. In fact, most people do the opposite and want to relax. However, if you want your tattoo to heal properly and maintain its vibrant color, you need to cover it from the sun.

Loose-fitting clothing is preferred, as it allows the tattoo and skin to breathe while reducing irritation caused by a tight fit.

Use sunscreen

Once your tattoo has healed, be sure to use a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect it from the sun. Sunscreen helps protect your tattoo and the skin around it from the damaging effects of harsh UV rays.

Reapplying sunscreen during sun exposure can help reduce the risk of your tattoo fading or discoloring prematurely.

Keep your tattoo moisturized

Moisturized skin is happy skin, and your new tattoo is no different. The problem is, during the summer, many environmental factors threaten to dry out and dehydrate our skin.

Keeping your tattoo moisturized helps speed the healing process and soothes dryness, redness and inflammation. The nutrient-rich botanical oils in our Daily Tattoo Lotion help lock in moisture all day and can be reapplied as often as needed.

Do not scratch or rub

There’s no avoiding it. Healing a new tattoo means some itching and discomfort. Add in the heat of summer, sweat, and dryness, and you’ll have even more irritation. And then there are the mosquitoes.

Whenever possible, resist the temptation to scratch or rub your tattoo as this can increase swelling and inflammation and slow down healing.

Consider waiting until fall or winter.

This is advice that a lot of people don’t want to hear, and we get it: While this summer’s reunion may be your friend group’s only chance to get the matching tattoos of their dreams, consider waiting until at least fall or winter to get any new inked pieces.

As the weather cools in the fall, start layering up. Clothing creates a barrier between your new tattoo and the sun, reducing UV exposure, sunburn, and the chance of pigment damage.

As humidity levels drop during the fall and winter, your tattoo is exposed to less moisture and bacteria, all of which are good for healing.

Time your tattoo session wisely

Although summer isn’t the best season to get a tattoo, it’s not all doom and gloom: with some preparation and the always-important proper post-tattoo care routine, there are plenty of ways to get your tattoo done right.

Mad Rabbit sunscreen and other aftercare essentials will help protect your tattoo from the elements this summer so you don’t miss out on any summer fun if you do decide to get a tattoo. And don’t forget to work with your tattoo artist to plan the perfect tattoo.

source:

12 preventable summer skin problems | AAD

I got a new tattoo, when will I be able to swim again? | Byrdie

What happens if your healing tattoo gets wet? | Bustle

Infectious complications of tattoos | JSTOR