Getting a Tattoo in the Summer
Imaginations run wild in the summer- dreaming up new tattoos, and finding spaces to fill. For our artists, summer is often the busiest time of the year for booking tattoos. However some of our favourite things about the summer months also makes it the most challenging season to care for a brand new tattoo. We’ve summed up the main obstacles here, along with the most effective ways to ensure your new tattoo heals well in the summer.
Sun Exposure
One of the first things your artist will warn you about is protecting your new tattoo from the sun! During the hot summer months, clients are more tempted to wear less protective layers- exposing their tattoos to the sun, but there are some important reasons why this should be avoided;
Firstly, a new tattoo is very much like an open wound. As with all sensitive and open areas of the skin, sun exposure could lead to blistering, burns, and itchiness. These types of skin irritation can hinder the healing process and distort your tattoo.
Secondly, unlike a regular wound, a tattoo contains pigments that are affected by the UV rays of the sun. The sun’s UV rays can fade and distort tattoos by displacing and breaking down the particles of pigment that are held in the dermis. This can happen to both new and old tattoos. Newer tattoos are particularly susceptible to being altered by the sun since the protective epidermal tissue above the tattoo has become broken in the process of needling the skin- leaving the fresh tattoo more vulnerable. While the new tattoo is still settling in, these changes due to sun exposure can be drastic and permanently alter the appearance of your tattoo.
Damage due to sun exposure can be prevented by wearing a sun shielding garment over your tattoo. Long sleeves or pants for example can provide a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. It is not recommended to apply sunscreen to a tattoo that is still healing, however sunscreen can be used on mature tattoos to prevent UV damage.
Swimming
Another key rule to healing your new tattoo is to avoid submersion in water. Swimming is a common way that clients may submerge their bodies underwater in the summer. Although the summer is a great time to jump in the pool, there are some reasons that this could be dangerous for your new tattoo and your overall health.
Your new tattoo is an open wound and therefore prone to infection. The water in lakes, oceans and pools are not sterile environments for your vulnerable skin. These bodies of water are home to various bacteria, microorganisms and pollutants that can use your tattoo as an entry point into your body. Once your tattoo becomes infected, the normal healing process is impaired. Your body will attempt to rid itself of the infection, often to the detriment of your crisp new ink. At best, you may experience a prolonged, red and gooey healing process with a damaged tattoo. At worst you may contract a serious illness that could require medical attention!
Chemicals and salts present in the water can also have a negative impact on your tattoo. They can cause ink to be leeched from the skin, and chlorine in particular is known to fade fresh tattoos. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a fresh colour tattoo that becomes permanently faded for the sake of a swim!
Staying out of the water is absolutely imperative when healing a new tattoo. This means hot tubs and water sports too! If you are planning a beach trip, or a day at the lake or water park, you may want to schedule around your healing window of 2-3 weeks.
Best Time For New Ink?
With so many challenges during the summer months, many people still choose to get tattooed during this time. Although it may be tempting to show off your new ink right away, keeping these guidelines in mind will ensure that your tattoo heals well and looks great for many summers to come.
If all that sounds like too much of a challenge for you, autumn, winter, and spring are all great times to book your tattoo instead. Cooler weather means more layers of clothing for sun protection, and less of a temptation to go swimming.
Many clients also book their tattoos around trips to tropical or beachy destinations. Booking your tattoo at least a month or more before or after your trip can provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that you can enjoy your time in the sun and in the water without risking the longevity of your tattoo.
These guidelines apply to all types of tattoos, like colour tattoos, fineline tattoos, and bolder traditional style tattoos. Each tattoo, as well as each individual body will react differently to these hazards. It is best to notify your artist if you have any health conditions that may affect the healing of your tattoo, and seek medical attention if you think you are at risk for an infection or illness.
With all that said, summers in Toronto fly by in a heartbeat! It’s a short time to be cautious for a piece of art that will be with you for a lifetime of sunny adventures. Feel free to ask your artist for more information on aftercare and how to heal your tattoo most effectively.
