Sunscreen only damages freshly tattooed skin because the act of tattooing penetrates the epidermis and exposes the skin's sensitive dermis layer.. However, it is okay to use sunscreen after 4 to 6 weeks of getting a tattoo. It is crucial to use sunscreen after this period to protect and moisturize your skin.
It's best to apply sunscreen every few hours for optimal tattoo sun protection. Sunscreen can sometimes be the easiest way to cover your tattoo if your tattoo is located somewhere you cannot easily cover with UPF 50+ fabric, like your ankles, or feet—as long as you are diligent about reapplying.
You can protect your new tattoo from water with a waterproof bandage. There are a variety of clear, waterproof bandages specifically designed for tattoos that will keep the area sealed and (mostly) free from water exposure. Ensure the entire tattoo is completely covered and sealed before getting it wet.
At the very least, make sure not to expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for the first month of having it—especially the first two weeks. Not only will sun exposure cause the tattoo's colors to fade, as previously mentioned, but it may also burn your skin and scar it from sun damage.
The rule of thumb is to avoid sunscreen for the first two weeks or until your wound closes. It doesn't have to be a fully-healed tattoo yet, but sunscreen can be a big ouch if there is still an open wound.
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.
After a week, the redness and swelling should have subsided. At this point, the skin should begin to scab and flake. The itchiness may persist, but the tattoo should gradually appear more vibrant as it continues to heal.
Getting your tattoo wet is OK, but soaking it is not. Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo, as long as you don't completely soak it. Avoid swimming—whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean—and submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub for two to three weeks, though; this may cause serious damage.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
This lightweight sunscreen protects bare and tattooed skin alike without leaving behind an unflattering white residue. Not only is this chemical sunscreen transparent, but it's also fast-drying and won't clog pores, so it's a great pick for acne-prone skin types.
Knowing how long and when you should cover your tattoo plays a large role in effective aftercare. So, how long should I have my tattoo wrapped? Keep your tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop. If using protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil, keep the wrap on for 3-4 days.
- Wash your tattoo in warm water every day, and apply a thin layer of Bepanthen cream 2-3 times per day. Continue for at least 2 weeks or until fully healed. - If your tattoo is itchy, do not scratch it.
NO. You should cover your new tattoo while going outside at least until all the scales are removed. One should prevent your tattoo from water, dust, sweat and direct sunlight. It is very necessary to take proper precautions of the tattoo at least around 20 days.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says. "Keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
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.
The tattoo healing process is fairly straightforward. Swelling, pain, and oozing typically resolve by day three and are followed by itching and peeling for another week, in our experts' experience. Your tattoo may even look darker and duller than expected for the first month.
Tattoos technically start healing right away but it takes about four months for your tattoo to fully heal. The outer layers of your skin will heal in about two to four weeks, while the deeper layers where the ink sits will take about 4 months to heal. That's the short answer!
Weeks 5 and 6: completely healed
You'll know you're in this phase — and that your tattoo is fully healed — because all the dry skin and scabs have sloughed off to reveal new, smooth skin with a vibrant tattoo and you no longer feel the burning and itchiness because the body has repaired itself.
The cling film protects it from dust, dirt, pet hairs, clothing – it stops anything sticking to it. “Even rainwater getting into a new tattoo can cause problems!” says Liv.
It's not recommended to put sunscreen on a new tattoo until it's completely healed, which could take 4-6 weeks. Sunscreen can pose many problems for fresh ink, all the way from slight skin irritation to harmful infections and ink fade.