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

Author: Damion Johnston  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

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.

Can I cover my new tattoo and tan?

Anything that covers should suffice. The main thing you should focus on is avoiding a tan. Depending on where your tattoo is they sell UV protecting arm and leg sleeves, this'll assure it is 100% protected from any melanin production. But bandages (ace bandages work well for limbs), KT tape or clothing will also work.

Can I cover my new tattoo in the sun?

Cover your tattoos to prevent the loss of details and tones. The best option is to wear light clothing layers, but SPF is also a great alternative. ✨ If you have a new tattoo, make sure you let it FULLY heal- TWO TO THREE WEEKS- before submerging in water or using any kind of sunscreen.

How do I protect my new tattoo at the beach?

Apply a quality sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin from UV damage, a waterproof dressing, and ensure your tattoo does not come in contact with sand. Chlorine is drying for the skin, but applying barrier creams or ointments and a waterproof bandage can help divert chlorine from affecting your new tattoo.

Will self tanner mess up a tattoo?

Nope. Sunless tanners work by dyeing your skin; the dye from a sunless tanning lotion will not 'overtake' or 'change' the look of a colour or black line tattoo.

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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.

Can I go to the beach 1 week after a tattoo?

Swimming a week after getting a tattoo is not recommended. It's best to wait at least 2-4 weeks for proper healing to avoid infections, irritation, and damage to your new ink.

Will Vaseline protect a tattoo from water?

There is no way to fully waterproof a tattoo, but there are some methods swimmers have tried: waterproof bandages that can fully wrap and cover the tattoo, heavy layers of Vaseline, or even plastic press n' seal wrap.

Can I cover a new tattoo with gauze?

Apply aftercare cream twice a day for 1-2 weeks (amount of application will vary due to skin type). You do not need to re-bandage the tattoo unless you work or play in a dirty environment. If this is the case, use clean, dry gauze to cover the tattoo. DO NOT USE SARAN WRAP!!

How to protect a new tattoo on vacation?

Limit sun exposure: Fresh tattoos should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. UV rays can cause significant damage, including fading the ink and increasing the risk of sunburn on the sensitive skin. Wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, and cover your tattoo with a breathable bandage if needed.

How long does it take for sun to damage a new 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.

What tanning bed lotion protects tattoos?

  • Products highlighted as 'Overall Pick' are: ...
  • Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz. ...
  • Ed Hardy INK Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender 18.75 Ounce. ...
  • More like this.

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.

Which health risks may result from tattoos?

Skin infections.

A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. An infection might be due to contaminated ink or equipment that isn't sterilized correctly. Getting a tattoo at a studio that doesn't follow good safety steps also can raise your risk of a skin infection.

How to protect a new tattoo at the beach?

If you can't avoid the beach or prolonged sun exposure, there are several things you can do to protect your new ink. First, wear clothing that offers UV protection over the tattooed area. If there's no way to cover the tattoo, you'll want to apply heavy-duty sunscreen (we're talking 60 SPF or more).

What is the best aftercare for a new tattoo?

Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

How to protect a tattoo from sun?

Cover your tattoo

However, if you've had your new tattoo for over four weeks and it has healed, sunscreen is a great way to protect it in summer. Another way to protect your fresh tattoo against sun exposure is by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants. Most clothing has the equivalent protection of SPF5.

How long after a tattoo can you tan?

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.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

Can I self tan over a new 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.

How to protect a tattoo in a tanning bed?

Sunscreen is going to be your best friend when it comes to protecting your tattoo in the tanning bed. 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.

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.

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