Can I tan 2 weeks after getting a tattoo?

Author: Loy Predovic  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

New tattoos are essentially open wounds, so blasting them with UV light will not only fade the ink prematurely but could also cause scabbing, irritation, or even infections. It's best to wait at least 2-3 weeks (or as long as your tattoo artist advises) before going near a tanning bed.

Can I tan with a 2 week old tattoo?

You need to wait at least 6--8 weeks before you actively sunbathe and even longer to go into a tanning bed, especially if you have light colors on the tattoo. Conversely you can use a tattoo safe tanning lotion that will darken your skin without having harmful UV rays pierce your tattoo and break down the ink.

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.

How long after getting a tattoo can I put tan on?

Avoid fake tanning over healing tattoos. Allow 2/3 weeks for tattoo to heal before applying any fake tan or having a spray tan. The chemicals can cause reactions to the skin and healing tattoo, leading to touch ups being needed or worse case scenario infection in the tattoo. After 3 weeks fake tanning can be done.

How do I protect my tattoo when tanning?

Apply sunscreen

Visiting a tanning bed will fix your paleness, but it may also cause your healed tattoo to fade. Taking a cotton swab and applying sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, on the tattoo can help prevent it from fading. You can also use indoor tanning lotions that offer tattoo protection.

How Long After Getting a Tattoo Can You Go Swim? | Sorry Mom

How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

Do tattoos affect tanning?

Tanning after getting a tattoo can cause fading and pigment damage. A new tattoo has sharp lines and beautiful bright colours. If you want to keep it that way, ensure that your tattoo does not have exposure to UV light.

How long after a tattoo can I shave?

Eaves recommends allowing your new tattoo anywhere between two weeks to a month to fully heal before shaving (you can find his tattoo aftercare tips here) — this means no scabbing, peeling or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo. Once your tattoo is fully healed, however, shave as your heart desires.

Can I put fake tan on a week old tattoo on Reddit?

At MINIMUM two weeks but three is ideal. If it's still peely I would not reccomend tanning.

How long after a tattoo can I exercise?

“A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours after getting a tattoo before engaging in any physical activity,” shares board-certified, New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, who offers laser tattoo removal at her practice.

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

Tattoos are essentially open wounds, and exposing them to water too soon can lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, and even damage to the tattoo design. Therefore, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before submerging your new ink in swimming pools, hot tubs, or open water.

Can I tan with a new tattoo if I cover it?

It's best to wait at least 2-3 weeks (or as long as your tattoo artist advises) before going near a tanning bed. If you absolutely must tan, cover the area with a bandage, wrap, or medical tape to shield the tattoo from UV exposure.

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 do I protect my 2 week old tattoo from the sun?

Sunscreen is your partner in the fight against the sun's rays and helps protect your tattoo ink from fading. Taking the time to apply sunscreen to your ink can help you avoid unnecessary touch-up visits from your tattoo artist.

Can I shower normally with a 2 week old tattoo?

Avoid abrasive soaps or loofahs and hot showers, and allow your tattoo to fully heal for 3-4 weeks before swimming or taking a bath. If you make sure to gently clean and rinse your tattoo and avoid submerging it in the bath, pool or ocean, you'll keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come and avoid bacterial infection.

Can I fake tan 2 weeks after getting a tattoo?

Avoid fake tanning over healing tattoos. Allow 2/3 weeks for tattoo to heal before applying any fake tan or having a spray tan. The chemicals can cause reactions to the skin and healing tattoo, leading to touch ups being needed or worse case scenario infection in the tattoo.

Can you go tanning a week after getting a tattoo?

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.

Can you Nair over a tattoo?

No. Depilatories will not affect tattoos. Where on my body can I use Nair™ products? Our products are designed for use on different areas of your body.

Can I shave my 2 week old tattoo?

Both Dr. Rabach and Otsuji agree to wait at least two weeks (four on the safe side) to shave after getting a tattoo.

When can I sunbathe after a tattoo?

Sun Protection for New Tattoos

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.

When can I tan after a tattoo on Reddit?

Black ink is robust vs colored ink but they are both susceptible to sun exposure/damage. TLDR; cut out tanning until your artist suggests (like 1 month possibly) and after sunscreen your tattoo if you want the longevity out of your work/want to get your money worth.

Previous article
Is 4 sets of 3 reps good for strength?
Next article
What am I lacking if I have puffy eyes?