We are already in the last week of August and in summer we take advantage of it to show more skin and to show off those tattoos that were hidden during the rest of the year. There are also people who decide to get one at this time and the same doubt always arises, is it possible to get tattoos in summer? what measures do I have to take to avoid it losing colour or getting infected? Today we are going to answer these questions on this subject and according to that you decide if it is the best moment, but as an answer to the main question: YES it is possible to get a tattoo in summer, but with some nuances.
First of all, we must know what a tattoo is. A tattoo, from the clinical point of view is a wound that is going to take some time to heal, that is why we have to carry out all the preventions and extreme precautions to avoid infections, swelling and loss of colour intensity.
We have to choose a place where all the hygiene measures are fulfilled, and it would be particularly good to ask for an ink test before in a not very visible area if you have any skin disease. Some colours tend to give more problems to the skin than others, specifically the red colour gives more allergic reactions so if the tattoo you are planning to get has this colour, you should pay special attention to all these recommendations.
What should I do with a new tattoo in summer?
If you get a tattoo at this time of the year you should know that it will need a minimum of 15 days to heal, that means, during two weeks you will have to avoid some situations. For example, we should not expose that part of the skin to the sun, this recommendation is especially important since the incidence of the sun on a new tattoo can result in the loss of colour intensity. Therefore, we must use full-screen sunscreens, use cotton clothes, and stay in the shade.
A new tattoo is also the enemy of the beach and swimming pools (also the private ones). We must avoid submerging the tattoo in water as it can become contaminated and infected. In relation to water, we should also avoid prolonged hot water baths during these 15 days since they are also a good breeding ground for bacteria.
We must also avoid excess heat and sweating as they can irritate the tattoo and the colour will lose intensity and, with it, details are lost.
In addition, at this time we are more exposed to bites from mosquitoes, spiders, jellyfish, wasps … and if we are stung in the area of the tattoo, will lead to inflammation of the area making it difficult to heal, and of course, apart from inflammation, we will feel itching in the area and we should not scratch as that would irritate the area and would be easier to be infected.
However, if you do not like to sunbathe or be at the beach or in the swimming pool, there is no problem with getting a tattoo, always following the hygiene rules. The professional will cover the area with a bandage or film to protect it and after a few hours you can remove it and clean the area gently with water and soap with a neutral pH. Depending on the extension, the tattooist may recommend some healing or antibacterial cream to avoid infections. And try not to touch it, not to remove the small scabs that come off when the wound is closed.
What if I already have a tattoo, how do I take care of it?
Already healed tattoos should also take special care to keep them in perfect condition. An already healed tattoo will not be able to get infected, but it can lose colour, lose clarity, fade…
To avoid all this we must protect the drawing from the sun with factor 50 cream or full screen, since sunburns make the tattoo lose quality (if you want to know how to apply the cream correctly, take a look at the previous post).
And when you get home, after the shower it is particularly important to moisturize with an emollient cream or oil.
These two steps are important to protect your tattoo from the sun and to keep it perfect for as long as possible.
As a conclusion, the main thing is to be aware that a tattoo is an injury and that implies a series of specific cares, but if you are willing to carry them out, go ahead with your new tattoo. Let me know in the comments which picture, sentence, or word you want to get tattooed and I will be happy to read it to you.
