Is it ok to have the sun on a tattoo?

Question

I had it done yesterday and was advised not to go on sunbeds or swim. So would sunrays do any harm?

Answer 1

Hi there,
Do not get any sun on your new tattoo as it will fade/bleach the colour. Also I wouldn't until the tattoo is completely healed (approx 4 weeks) remember just because the scabbing has come off doesn't mean that the skin has completely healed as you treat a tattoo as an open wound for the first few days, but it can take months for the skin to re-condition underneath, Even after the tattoo has healed I would not get that much sun on it and when you do use a high factor sun cream as exposing a tattoo to sunlight will increase the risks of skin cancer.

Also do not swim with a new tattoo as the colour with literally fall out (it does happen and looks mad) either in the sea or in a pool. This is due to the chemicals that pumped into the sea and your local pool.

I would just use an old favourite such as savlon or anything vitamin E based three times a day until the scab has completely come and your new tattoo will last a life time (Literally)

Hope this helps and enjoy your new tattoo

Answer 2

Stay clear of the sun for at least 2 weeks if you have a new tattoo. Do not put any sunscreen on it until it has fully healed. If you must be in the sun, then keep the tattoo covered with clothing or with a lightly applied bandage. Also stay out of the water. It is ok for the tattoo to be lightly wet, but it should not be saturated. This will cause the tattoo to peel too soon and could cause the ink to fade.

Answer 3

Its all about care , you don't want to dry it out to fast it will crack the crust that is forming ,it is also a fact that the pigment in colors today are more UV tolerant than the older inks so fading is an issue but unlikely.
Treat your tattoo like you would a graze on your skin, keep it clean and dry if you go out in the sun for extended periods keep it covered while it heals , and apply the cream the tattoo artist would have recommended.

Answer 4

You want to keep it out of the sun for at least 2 weeks but probably a month. The sun's rays will fade the ink, especially in the first few weeks because the ink is still raised and hasn't settled into the skin yet.
Also if you get it sunburned right now it can actually pull the ink out of your skin. That would be a huge wast of pain and money.

Answer 5

Your tattoo is one big open wound. They ask you not to submerge your tattoo in water because your tattoo needs fresh air to heal, it needs to breathe as much as possible. And theres also the factor that you don't know what kind of germs are in the water. Tanning isn't the best thing for your tattoo if you want it to look good in the future. To much exposure to sunlight will cause the tattoo to fade. If you can't stay out of the sun, apply sunscreen to your tattoo.

Answer 6

no. Do not let sun hit the tattoo after you have just gotten it done. And after it does heal, make sure anytime you go out to use sunscreen, it helps to keep the tattoo colorful and more vibrant through the years.

You shouldn't swim, tan, or let the tattoo be in direct sunlight for at least 2.5-3 weeks.

Answer 7

How to Care For Your New Tattoo

The life of your tattoo is dependent upon the care it receives within the first few days... it takes about two weeks to heal, and two more weeks to settle in.

Keep your tattoo bandaged from 2 to 10 hours. Remove gauze and wash tattoo gently with cool, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly, lightly pat dry with a clean towel. You may wish to, with clean hands, apply a THIN layer of Bacitracin 2 to 3 times a day for thew first day; after that, switch to lotion.

DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo
DO NOT use Vaseline or petroleum jelly
DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide
DO NOT pick or scratch tattoo
DO NOT soak tattoo in tub or shower- get in, get clean, get out!
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. for two weeks
Keep tattoo out of direct sunlight and/or tanning beds

You may, instead, prefer to use a good fragrance free lotion such as Lubriderm, Jergens or Eucerin. Apply a THIN layer and work in well 5 to 6 times a day for the entire healing process. DO NOT over lubricate your tattoo; however, don't let it dry out, either. Should any seepage occur, gently dab off excess with a clean paper towel.

Answer 8

Healed or not the sun is your tattoos worst enemy. I always keep sunblock in my car and at home and apply everyday. If i'm going to be in the sun for more than two or three hours I bring something to cover up my work.

Answer 9

As a general rule (if you want your tattoo to continue to look good for the rest of your life) you should keep your tattoo out of direct/strong sunlight for 6 months to 1year.
This is advised in most tattoo magazines and by most tattooists of good reputation.

Certain colours fade in sunlight faster than others. Black, red and yellow are most succeptable to fading, but it does depend on the quality of the ink used.

Answer 10

Best to keep it out of the sun for a few weeks. Where are you to have sun?