What a great time of the year. School is out, the weather is getting nicer (sometimes a little bit too hot), and it seems like everything slows down to enjoy the summer season.
Generally, this is when people tend to stop getting new tattoos so they can enjoy the tattoo without having to worry about the potential issues that might come up from sun exposure or spending time in the lake or pool.
But if you’re like me, no season is off limits and that is why we have to break down the 8 tattoo healing tips for summer to help you heal your tattoos without sacrificing quality.
1. Be conscious of the sun
This is no joke. If you’re living in a location with 100+ degree weather that is consistent throughout the week you want to be aware of whether or not the sun is making contact with any part of a new tattoo. Even 15 minutes in the sun can cause damage. So, before even stepping out into the sun ensure that you have covered the tattoo with a form of sunscreen or clothing (both can’t hurt).
2. Ensure Proper Footwear
Obviously we don’t always want to be wearing socks with heavy shoes especially when the sun is out and you’re heading out to spend time with the friends or family. It’s pretty common to switch into some flip-flops or sandals – but be self aware.
If you recently got a tattoo done on your foot or around your feet (which I wouldn’t recommend near summer) you will want to make sure that the type of footwear you choose is not constricting your tattoo and at the same time isn’t going to expose your feet to the sun too much.
My preferred choice of shoe is something light and athletic that go really well with some light socks.
3. Keep Your Tattoo Moisturized
It’s hard enough to keep your tattoo moisturized in normal weather, but being in a hot environment can cause your tattoo’s to dry out quite quickly. This is why I recommend keeping some form of miniature tattoo lotion with you so that you can carry it with you whether it is in your car, bag, or purse you want to ensure you are not caught without it.
4. Avoid Contact With Water
This is probably one of the hardest things for people to deal with and mitigate. Your friends are going to want to go swimming, boating, or spending time at the lake or river and that is all fine. You should definitely enjoy your summer but I would highly stress that you not expose your tattoo to any form of water exposure.
Here is what I do: I’ve had tattoos numerous summers in a row and I’ve always been able to participate (with caution) in water related activities. I am always just aware of my surroundings and I don’t expose whatever body part has been tattooed to the water.
5. Invest In Products That Will Protect Your Tattoo
I always find it funny that most people are willing to spend a large amount of money getting something that means a lot to them tattooed onto their skin and they skimp on their tattoo aftercare products. In fact, many tend to disregard the overall tattoo healing process in total.
It makes sense to me to invest in what you are putting on your tattoo so that your ink recovers quickly and with the highest quality possible. Generally, if I am going to be out in the sun I enjoy having access to Tattoo Goo’s sun stick (I apply it whenever I am out in the sun) that comes in their aftercare kit that is very effective for all stages of the tattoo healing process.
6. Bug Beware
Depending on where you live you will want to protect yourself from getting mosquito bites on your new tattoo. There are a few things you can do when it comes to making sure you don’t run into this issue.
- Don’t be outside or in areas you know where mosquitos are (Obvious, but you’d be surprised)
- Cover your tattoo with clothing and ensure mosquitos cannot get to it.
- Utilize a bug spray whenever you are outside.
I can only provide what I have used before. I wouldn’t recommend applying bug spray directly to your tattoo but by having it on your body you shouldn’t have issues with mosquitos and your new tattoo.
7. Have a Back Up Plan
Most likely you or someone you know will end up not heeding advice given and you might find yourself with water damage, a bad sun burn, or bug bites on your new tattoo. I always recommend having a back up plan and contact phone numbers so you can handle the problem before it gets bad.
If you did in fact do something to your tattoo I would start at the source and speak with your tattoo artist and gather whatever advice they can provide you.
If their advice cannot or will not help the situation and you believe it may be infected or have further issues I would consult with your doctor or a medical professional. The advice on this blog is purely for education purposes and is not to be considered medical advice. I can only offer you opinions based on my own personal experiences.
8. Enjoy Yourself
Just because you have a new tattoo does not mean that you need to stop everything you want to do to allow your tattoo to heal and it doesn’t mean you need to continue looking for tattoo healing tips. If you haven’t already I would ensure that you have the proper after care products and you have briefed yourself with our complete guide to tattoo aftercare.
From there, you should be well equipped and aware of the issues that can come up. So stay prepared and be aware but don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your summer.