Here’s the thing, being out in the sun after getting a new tattoo is a bad idea but its not the end of the world.

Upon receiving your tattoo you should have been informed of a few things if your artist was aware of the basics and cared to inform you.

Wherever you received the tattoo, you have an open wound. It’s important to keep the area clean, sanitized, and out of any form of irritation.

This means you will want to avoid long periods in the sun at all costs due to the irritation and burn that could result. This doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit for the next month while you are going through the tattoo healing process. It simply means you have to be aware of the aftercare that your tattoo requires.

I typically avoid long periods in the sun for 1-2 weeks as the tattoo recovers, peals, and sets into its place.

After the tattoo has healed and is in overall good shape I may spend more time outside than usual. However, I am always cautious about my behavior and time outside and I will always apply sunscreen to the area that may be affected by the sun.

I believe it is important to cover all of my tattoos old and new in a strong sunscreen.

From my experience, the primary effect that the sun will have on your tattoo is the fading of color and detail.

This way I am always protected and the pain, money, and time I spent on getting the art I enjoy printed on my body does not go to waste.

Sunburning a new tattoo

If you have sunburnt a new tattoo you are most likely experiencing a fair bit of pain, this is like heating an open (like a cut) on your body.

You may be experiencing a very dry tattoo that may form bubbles due to the burn occurred. While I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advise I speak from my own personal experience and thoughts and believe that applying an unscented lotion/ ointment to the affected area would be wise.

While applying the lotion to moisturize the area I would be sure to not pop, scratch, or irritate any blisters that may be forming. Any intense irritation could potentially affect the design of the tattoo depending on how bad the burn is.

Whenever I get a blister from the heat or irritation I like to get an ice pack or cold water and apply it to the affected area for relief, this may be something you choose to do as well.

If you are extremely concerned with what has resulted please realize that I am not a medical professional and that I speak from my experience. My advice for you would be to seek out a doctor, or go speak with your tattoo artist as both professions would have experience and guidance in the subject.

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