Is it OK for tattoos to be in the sun?

Author: Ms. Kali Keebler  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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.

How long after a tattoo can you go in the sun?

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 much sun is too much for a new tattoo?

It's generally best to avoid direct sun exposure on a new tattoo, especially within the first few weeks of healing. A minute in the sun is unlikely to cause significant damage, but it can still lead to fading or irritation. To protect your tattoo:

Is it okay to get a sun tattoo?

Sun tattoos are classic, timeless, and deeply symbolic. Regardless of the type of design you choose, you should always do your research to make sure that the design you select will best represent who you are as an individual.

How long should you stay out of the sun before getting a tattoo?

We recommend doing this for 4 weeks leading up to your appointment if possible. We cannot tattoo on sun-burnt skin and sometimes even 2 weeks after having a sunburn can make getting a tattoo more difficult for me, and potentially more painful for you.

Protecting tattoos from the sun?⚡CLIP from The Tat Chat (7)

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.

Does sun tanning ruin tattoos?

UV light can cause tattoos to fade over time, meaning that those looking to gain a golden glow either in the sun or with a sunbed could be risking their works of art without proper care.

What does a snake tattoo mean?

It can be a reminder not to let down your guard. Snake tattoos can also mean the guardian of treasures. In many cultures, the snake is a symbol of wisdom. So, a snake or cobra tattoo can mean wisdom, ancient knowledge, and even power. In most cases, a snake coiled around another can mean sexuality or even healing.

Is indirect sunlight ok for tattoos?

For new tattoos and sunlight protection, we recommend staying out of the sun altogether.

Can I shower after getting a tattoo?

In conclusion, you can shower after getting a tattoo, but don't submerge the tattoo in water for any prolonged period of time. Follow the instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and if you're bandaged with Saniderm, you can keep the covering on your tattoo while you shower because it is waterproof.

How do I protect my tattoo from the 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.

What happens if your tattoo is in the sun too long?

UV rays from the sun will fade your tattoos if exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. When you leave your ink out in the sun, those UV rays are absorbed and essentially break up the pigment in your design.

How to protect a 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.

Why do I have small bumps on my healed tattoo?

Excess sebum can trap dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside hair follicles and form pimples on the skin's surface. Newer tattoos are especially vulnerable to bacterial infections during the healing process. However, people who have acne-prone skin can also develop pimples on older tattoos.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

How often should I moisturize a new tattoo?

How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.

How to speed up tattoo healing?

7 Hacks To Help Heal Your New Tattoo
  1. Relax and Stay Calm. First things first, relax. ...
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging. ...
  3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed. ...
  4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs. ...
  5. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now) ...
  6. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

How long after a tattoo can I go in the sun?

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.

Does the sun break down tattoo ink?

The trouble is that those inks fade. Unfortunately, the sharp lines, detail and colours blur over time. Nothing speeds up the fading process faster than ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays penetrate the skin and break up the pigment particles of your tattoo.

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.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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