Although many people think tattoos are something to do for fun and creative expression, getting a tattoo is serious business. No matter where they are located on your body, whether big or small, tattoos must be properly cared for to look their best and stand the test of time. Depending on the time of year you get the tattoo, there are often other maintenance and care instructions to take note of. With that in mind, here is a list of things you should know when getting new ink in the summer.
Can Heat Mess Up a Tattoo?
The answer is yes. This is especially true for the first 24-hours after you get the tattoo. No matter if the sunlight is real or artificial (i.e., a tanning bed), allowing your tattoo to be exposed to the sun can cause blisters. Moreover, this can also cause the color of your tattoo to fade and otherwise become damaged by the UV rays. Therefore, if you got your tattoo in the summer, you will want to make sure it is covered by loose-fitting clothing for at least the first 1-2 days.
Tattoo Care in The Summer
If you need more tips for caring for your new tattoos in the summertime, please consider the following:
- Get Fresh Air: One of the best ways to care for your tattoo in the summertime is to get fresh air. Although you definitely want to keep your tattoo out of the sunlight, exposing it to fresh air can help speed up the healing process.
- Stay Hydrated: While it’s important to stay hydrated all year round, this is especially the case during the summer months. Moreover, since keeping your skin naturally hydrated can help speed up the healing process, you may want to drink a few more cups than normal during the first few days. However, you will want to steer clear of swimming in a pool with a new tattoo to avoid potential infections.
- Try Not to Exercise or Sweat Too Much: This might be easier said than done, but you should try to sweat as little as possible. This is because excessive sweat can irritate or even damage your tattoo. Therefore, you should try to take it easy for at least a few days.
Therefore, the recommended aftercare for getting a summertime tattoo involves protecting it from sunlight and heat while staying hydrated and trying to sweat less.
Is it Better to Get a Tattoo in The Winter or Summer?
Given the fact that tattoos can become damaged by sweat and sunlight, getting a tattoo in the winter is much better than getting one in the summer. During the summer, you may not be able to stay out of the sun or prevent yourself from sweating. This means that your tattoo may be at risk from the very beginning. By getting your tattoos in the winter, you can avoid most of these issues.
Key Takeaways:
- You may experience more or less challenges depending on the time of year you get your tattoo.
- Heat, sweat, and sunlight can irritate or damage your tattoo.
- It’s better to get tattoos during the winter to avoid these issues.
Overall, if you are someone who may be getting a tattoo in the summertime, you should take heed to the information presented in this article. Rather than trying to ignore the fact that summertime tattoos may require special maintenance, embracing this information is one of the best ways to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and looks great. If you are a tattoo artist interested in finding out more about tattoo insurance, contact your friends at the Marine Agency Insurance to help. Contact us today for a quote and more information.
