You can go outside, but make sure to cover up your ink. Experts recommend using a lotion that is at least 30 SPF for the best results. Just make sure to wait until your tattoo is healed before applying this lotion. You don't want to disturb the scab.
Ideally, keep newer tattoos out of the direct sunlight for a few weeks or cover with clothing to protect the site. After the skin at the tattoo site has fully healed and is no longer reddened, scabbed, dry, flaky or peeling, a light covering of a natural based sunscreen block should be applied prior to going outdoors.
If you must go outside, be sure to keep your tattoo covered with a bandage or clothing. Second, your tattoo will also be more vulnerable to infection while it's healing. So, avoiding any activities that could expose your tattoo to dirt or bacteria is important. This means no swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in the sun.
At the very least, make sure not to expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for the first month of having it—especially the first two weeks. Not only will sun exposure cause the tattoo's colors to fade, as previously mentioned, but it may also burn your skin and scar it from sun damage.
If you must be outside, always keep your tattoo covered, for at least the first 40 days. Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing.
You should always apply sunscreen on your tattoos after they are past the healing stage to protect them from sunburn and fading. So, after your tattoo is past healing time, you must put sunscreen on it. The best option is to buy SPF 30 to 50 for your tattooed skin.
Getting your tattoo wet is OK, but soaking it is not. Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo, as long as you don't completely soak it. Avoid swimming—whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean—and submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub for two to three weeks, though; this may cause serious damage.
Cover the tattoo with clothing or a bandage, and use sunscreen, preferably with mineral screens. Indeed, unlike chemical filters, they block UV rays at the surface of the skin. As your skin has recently been damaged (by the tattoo needle, itching…) the sun can tarnish or degrade your tattoo.
New tattoos fade very quickly when exposed to sunlight. In addition, if your tattoo has not completely healed yet, exposing the area to sunlight could result in blistering. In general, you should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
Foods to avoid include those that promote inflammation – red meats, foods high in sugar, salt and additives, as well as overly processed foods. These can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. The same is said to be true for an excessive amount of dairy.
It's best to apply sunscreen every few hours for optimal tattoo sun protection. Sunscreen can sometimes be the easiest way to cover your tattoo if your tattoo is located somewhere you cannot easily cover with UPF 50+ fabric, like your ankles, or feet—as long as you are diligent about reapplying.
The rule of thumb is to avoid sunscreen for the first two weeks or until your wound closes. It doesn't have to be a fully-healed tattoo yet, but sunscreen can be a big ouch if there is still an open wound.
You can protect your new tattoo from water with a waterproof bandage. There are a variety of clear, waterproof bandages specifically designed for tattoos that will keep the area sealed and (mostly) free from water exposure. Ensure the entire tattoo is completely covered and sealed before getting it wet.
Knowing how long and when you should cover your tattoo plays a large role in effective aftercare. So, how long should I have my tattoo wrapped? Keep your tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop. If using protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil, keep the wrap on for 3-4 days.
Weeks 5 and 6: completely healed
You'll know you're in this phase — and that your tattoo is fully healed — because all the dry skin and scabs have sloughed off to reveal new, smooth skin with a vibrant tattoo and you no longer feel the burning and itchiness because the body has repaired itself.
In extreme conditions, it can distort the lines and coloring of the tattoo. Ink loss and distortion is most likely to occur as a result of a blistering sunburn. In these cases, the dermis may be harmed, causing ink to leak out or break down.
You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
What if I accidentally submerge my tattoo in water? Here's the thing, the first 24 hours are the most important in the healing stages. But if you do accidentally submerge your new work of art, don't worry. Wash it up, pat it dry and learn from your mistakes.
During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.)