For many people, summertime is about going out and getting sun. Many pale individuals want to shed their winter skin and trade it in for a bronze body. However, if you have a tattoo, the combination between your ink and the sun may not be a good one. Additionally, those hoping to get a new tattoo may want to take a couple of factors into consideration if they plan on being a sun worshipper during the summer months.

So what’s the big deal about having tattoos and sunbathing? Well, if you love your tattoo, the last thing you would want to do is cause it harm right? You’ve paid for it and you’ve been wearing it proudly for some time now, but if you aren’t careful, your time spent absorbing the sun’s rays can work against your skin art. The more sun you expose your tattoo to without any protection, the quicker it will start to fade in color. The solution? Anytime you plan on being out in the sun for a certain period of time, you should apply a generous amount of sun block to your tattoo (and the rest of your body!). However, if you’re trying to get tan, then choose a good sunscreen and apply more of it to your tattoo. Regardless of whether you choose sun block or sunscreen, the key is reapplication. Never assume that one application is all you need to properly protect your tat. A good rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours.

If you think you and your tattoo are safer in a tanning bed, you’re wrong. Many consider tanning beds worse than laying out in the sun because the UV rays are much more concentrated, making for more damage caused long-term. This doesn’t mean you can never go to the tanning booth again but if you must subject your skin to a tanning bed, follow the same procedure with sunscreen.

When you don’t plan on tanning or being out in the sun, you should still be cautious of your tattoo and when it is exposed to the sun. If you’re simply going out for the day but don’t plan on staying out in the sun, still apply sunscreen or sun block to your tattoo if you know it will be exposed, wear protective clothing and stay in the shade whenever possible.

So what happens if you want a new tattoo for the summer? The best thing to do is make sure you follow all your directions for the after care routine. Keep your new tat covered for the first couple of weeks and wait until it is completely done peeling and has a fresh layer of skin over it before applying anything like sunscreen, sun block or sunless tanning lotion. Never apply these products to a fresh tattoo! Remember that most tattoos fully heal after about three months. Don’t get your tattoo if you know you’re going to be too eager to show it off prematurely during the summer. Plan wisely and get your tat in the winter or summer when you don’t have to worry about exposing it to the sun and by the time summer comes around, it will be good to go.

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