Have you recently added some permanent art installments to your body? If so, you may want to be careful and follow a few steps to take care of them. The processes needed to take care of your tattoo change with the seasons, especially as summer arrives!
First, if you have a relatively new tattoo, you should avoid soaking in the pool or ocean for too long. Prolonged immersion can draw the ink out of your skin, fading the tattoo (so this goes for bathtubs, too!). In addition, pools and oceans carry bacteria and dirt, which could infect a new tattoo. Treat it like you would any other open wound. You can still show off your body art with a skimpy bathing suit – just make sure to limit the swimming time.
Second, new tattoos can crumple and fade in direct sunlight within a month of their application. After the grace period, you should still care for your tat with high SPF if you are going to be exposed to summer rays. This will preserve the colors and keep it popping visually.
The third rule of summer tattoo care is to avoid working out for at least the first 10 days. Yeah, we are all working for our ideal beach bod, but the combination of vigorous movement and tight-fitting clothes can rub the new tattoo away.
Finally, give it some love! Make sure you are washing the tattoo a few times a day and moisturizing (but not over-moisturizing) with an odorless, colorless cream after you wash, or after being in the sun. This will prevent it from drying out.
A tattoo only needs such intense care for the first few months, so just look at it as a small investment for a lifetime having that beautiful ink! Ultimately, if you mess up the tattoo a little or it fades this summer, it can be retouched and made even better – no sweat!