Can a tattoo be exposed to sun after 2 weeks?

Author: Cathryn Emard  |  Last update: Friday, June 13, 2025

DO NOT expose tattoo to sun or a tanning bed until completely healed (At least 4 weeks). Note: After tattoo is healed, use sun block whenever exposed to the sun.

Can I go in the sun 2 weeks after a tattoo?

After getting a tattoo, it's generally recommended to avoid direct sunlight on the tattooed area for at least 2 to 4 weeks. This waiting period allows the skin to heal properly and helps prevent fading or damage to the tattoo.

Can I go to the beach 2 weeks after getting a tattoo?

You should wait at least 2 WEEKS before being in the ocean or a pool. Not just for the potential bacteria, salt or cholrine, but you want to keep the tattoo as dry as possible. Unless kept dry, it will heal poorly.

Is it normal for a tattoo to fade after 2 weeks?

Yes, it's normal for a tattoo to show some fading within the first month after getting it. During the healing process, the outer layer of skin sheds, which can cause some of the ink to appear less vibrant. Factors such as sun exposure, skin type, and tattoo care can also influence how quickly a tattoo fades.

Can I go on holiday 2 weeks after a tattoo?

Two weeks should be plenty of time, but it all does depend on how quickly you heal and how much, if any, the artist tears up your skin. A small tattoo should heal quickly. Just keep it covered with sunscreen, even if you have it covered with clothes. Most clothing doesn't block a lot of UV.

Can You Put Sunscreen On A Tattoo After 2 Weeks? - Skin Savvy Dermatology

Can a tattoo be fully healed in 2 weeks?

On average, a tattoo takes two to four weeks to heal. However, it takes about three to six months for the skin underneath the tattoo to fully heal. 12 This time depends on specific skin reactions, tattoo size, and ink colors used.

What should a tattoo look like after 2 weeks?

Tattoo Care After 2 Weeks (Days 15 to 30):

This is the last stage of the healing process. Most, if not all, of the scabs will have fallen off by this point. If your tattoo looks dry and dull, continue to moisturize to rehydrate the skin.

Do tattoos fade in the sun?

Too much sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration of tattoos when the skin is unprotected. To protect tattoos from sun damage, always apply sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed. New tattoos should be completely covered while in the sun for at least four weeks.

Why is my tattoo still rough after 2 weeks?

It's normal for a raised tattoo to go down after one to two weeks with proper aftercare. If it's taking a lot longer than that or if the situation is getting worse, you may have an infection. The best way to avoid an infected tattoo is to follow your artist's aftercare instructions down to the letter.

Can you shower with a tattoo after 2 weeks?

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it.

When can I put sunscreen on my tattoo?

When to Put Sunscreen on a New Tattoo? It's best to wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying SPF on your new tattoo. Essentially, you want a fully healed tattoo before using sunscreen. Give your freshly inked skin time to heal.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

How long after a tattoo can you sun bed?

In fact, you shouldn't tan after your tattoo until it has fully healed past the scabbing phase. The recommendation of how long this time period is differs, depending on the tattoo studio's advice, with the most common recommendations being anywhere from 8 weeks to 3 months.

Will one sunburn ruin a tattoo?

With the exception of getting an infection, too much sunlight is the worst thing that can happen to a new tattoo. At best, a sunburn on a new tattoo will extend the time needed for the tattoo to fully heal. In extreme conditions, it can distort the lines and coloring of the tattoo.

Can I wear tight clothes after 2 weeks of tattoo?

During the first two weeks of healing, you should avoid wearing anything tight. Think of it like having a scrape or burn—you wouldn't want clothing to be rubbing against it all day.

How do I keep my tattoo off the sun?

Do's:
  1. Keeping your new tattoo out of the sun for the first four weeks.
  2. Cover your tattoo with clothing (e.g. long sleeves)
  3. Once you can go out in the sun, apply sunscreen.
  4. Use a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 30.
  5. Check the ingredients of your sunscreen.

Where do tattoos last the longest?

Areas less likely to fade
  • Ribs.
  • Torso.
  • Upper thigh.
  • Butt.
  • Back.
  • Back of neck or behind your ears, if you have long hair.
  • Any areas exposed to sunlight less often.

Can you put fake tan on a tattoo after 2 weeks?

It's best to avoid fake tanning for a few weeks after having a new tattoo, as you need to let it heal.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Why is my new tattoo fading after 2 weeks?

Sometime between two to four weeks after getting a new tattoo – when your tattoo scabs and/or peels - your new ink may appear more faded and duller than expected. Don't worry, this is completely natural.

Can a tattoo get infected after 2 weeks?

How fast can a tattoo get infected? Some infections occur shortly after getting a tattoo. Others develop over time, and you might not notice them until months later.

Previous article
Who has higher pain tolerance, male or female?
Next article
What will soften scar tissue?