February is finally nearing its last days, and with March around the corner, we are all looking forward to more sunny days and higher temperatures. If you’re thinking about getting tattooed in the next month or two, the sunny days could affect you more than you think.

Just like your skin, the tattoo also requires proper protection against UV light, especially if you’re planning to show it off, proudly as you should. But, things may not be as smooth as you’d expect them to be. Putting sunscreen on a new tattoo could either make it or break it, depending on the tattoo’s healing process and whether it is fully healed or not.

So, because we’re nearing the tattoo show-off time in spring and summer, we’ve decided to tackle this important topic on time. So, if you’re wondering about sunscreens and tattoos, then you’re at the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll talk about when and how you can put sunscreen on your fresh ink. Therefore let’s get right into it!

When Can I Put Sunscreen on My Tattoo: Aftercare and Sun Protection

Why Does My Tattoo Require Aftercare?

After getting tattooed, the most important thing in the following period is the very tattoo aftercare. All of the precautions and tattoo care rules are there to help you prevent potential tattoo infection. Any disruption to the healing process can potentially mess up the tattoo’s design and create health issues. So, it’s rather important, and every tattoo artist will agree and emphasize, to take care of your tattoo the best way you can.

Now, sun protection is one of the most important aspects of tattoo aftercare. The UV rays are pretty damaging to the skin, but they also contribute to tattoo fading (speed it up, quite significantly). But, one needs to know when the tattoo requires such protection.

Why Should I Not Put Sunscreen on a Fresh Tattoo?

If you get tattooed during spring or summer, your tattoo artist will advise you to keep the tattoo covered (by wearing loose, light clothes), and spend minimum time in direct sun for minimum UV exposure. Now, of course, all of this is required until the tattoo heals completely. A fresh tattoo should not be covered with lotions or sunscreens.