How to look after your tattoos in summer?
Although many people believe that summer is a good time to get a tattoo and show it off on the beach or at the pool, it is not actually the most suitable time of year. Exposure to the sun can harm our skin and fade our tattoos, and sweating can cause irritation and infection. Moreover, swimming in pools, rivers, lakes or the sea can also harm our skin due to exposure to chemicals such as chlorine and bacteria, thereby hindering the healing process. In short, we should not forget that tattoos are open wounds.
That is why looking after our tattoos in summer is important, and we should be especially careful if they are fairly recent, but without neglecting any others that we may have had for some time. The following is a step by step guide to looking after our tattoos in summer:
Proper cleaning: Wash your tattoos with mild soap and warm water. Make sure you dry them well with a soft, clean towel.
Hydration: Apply some specific moisturising cream or tattoos, preferably fragrance free and without any colourants, to ensure your skin remains moisturised.
Sun cream: Use a high SPF sun creamand apply it frequently to protect the tattooed area.
Avoid saltwater and chlorine: Avoid submerging your tattoo in the sea or swimming pools in the first few weeks after you get it. The salt and chlorine can irritate your skin and hinder healing.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Avoid saunas, Jacuzzis and prolonged exposure to the sun, since heat can harm sensitive skin.
Which sun cream to use for tattoos?
Sun cream is essential to keep our tattoos healthy, particularly during the summer, since, as mentioned earlier, UV rays can fade the ink and harm tattooed skin. But we also know it is sometimes hard to know which sun cream is the right one. That is why we recommend following these tips to choose the product that your skin needs:
High sun protection factor (SPF): Choose high SPF sun cream, at least SPF 30, although we recommend using SPF 50. This will create an effective barrier against UV rays.
Water resistant: You will probably spend some time at the pool or on the beach in summer. Therefore, a water resistant sun cream will provide constant protection even after swimming.
Fragrance-free and no strong chemicals: New tattoos can be sensitive, so choose fragrance-free hypoallergenic products to avoid irritation.
Apply often: Apply sun cream every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to cover the tattooed area completely.
Tips for tattooed skin in summer
In addition to using sun cream, you should also bear in mind other considerations during the summer period such as keeping your skin hydrated using fragrance-free creams, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight or wearing light, breathable clothing over it. It is also fundamental to avoid scratching or rubbing new tattoos, since this can lead to scarring and can spoil the design. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the summer and proudly show off your tattoos.
