Guide on how to take care of tattoos in summer What to do and especially what not to do
Some people come back from vacation with a cap, others with a souvenir or a postcard, and others with a new tattoo. Getting tattooed while on holiday has almost become a ritual for many: a way to make a memory permanent, to celebrate a solo trip or a getaway with friends, or simply to take advantage of the summer mood to finally do something you’ve been putting off for a long time. The downside is that sun, heat, UV rays, swimming pools, and salt water don’t exactly get along with a fresh tattoo. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of one.
Guide to caring for tattoos in summer
The sacred 15 days
During the first fifteen days, a new tattoo is essentially an open wound. No sea, no pool, no direct sun, and ideally no intense workouts, saunas, or anything that turns your body into a small fountain. The urge to show it off immediately at the beach is understandable, but the skin is still healing and needs time. Water, whether salty, chlorinated, or from lakes, can introduce bacteria and microorganisms that increase the risk of irritation and infection. In particular, chlorine tends to dry out the skin and can also affect the brightness of the ink. In short: you wanted it, now you’ve got to deal with it. A few weeks of patience, and you’ll be able to show off your tattoo properly.
Sun? Obviously protection
The sun is the number one enemy of any tattoo, new or old. Without proper protection, colors fade, outlines lose definition, and in fresh tattoos healing can slow down. Colored tattoos are the most vulnerable, but even black ink fades over time, so no one is safe. The rule is SPF 50 at minimum, applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, without exceptions. It’s best to choose formulas that are water-resistant, alcohol-free, and enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe or vitamin E. In short, this is not optional.
Hydration and clothing
One often overlooked fact: a beautiful tattoo starts with healthy skin. When the skin is dry or stressed by the sun, the tattoo also loses brightness and definition. Even after full healing, after a shower, a day at the beach, or simply whenever the skin feels tight, continuing to apply moisturizer to the area makes a difference over time: it keeps the skin soft, elastic, and the colors more vibrant. You don’t need fancy products or complex formulas, most of the time, something gentle, nourishing, and suitable for sensitive skin is enough. One last often-neglected point: clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics, at least while the tattoo is healing, they trap sweat and don’t let the skin breathe. Cotton and linen are the most sensible choice, keeping both skin and tattoo cool and ventilated.