Getting a tattoo can be an exciting time, especially if it’s your first one. Choosing the right design is, of course, the most important part of the process. However, not many people realize that the time of the year can make a difference to the experience too. Aftercare is important after you get a fresh tattoo, and some experts suggest that the weather and the lifestyle you lead can make a huge difference in how a tattoo heals.
Here are a few considerations to help ensure your tattoo experience is a positive one:
- Layering Up in the Winter
If you live in a place where you need to layer up to keep warm in the winter, you should consider getting a tattoo outside of the colder months. It doesn’t matter how good the tattoo artist is or what type of tattoo guns they use at the studio. All tattoos need time to heal. Tattoos are basically open wounds that need room to breathe and heal. Warm, thick clothes can suffocate a tattoo and prevent it from healing properly. Not to mention, when certain textures rub against a tattoo, it can cause irritation. In turn, this can lead to infection.
Although ‘second skin’ aftercare products can help protect your tattoo from your clothes, avoid contact altogether if possible.
- Avoid Sunbeds
Those who love topping up their tan in the winter months should avoid doing so for at least a few weeks after getting a fresh tattoo. Not only can the artificial rays damage your skin, but they can also affect the color of your tattoo.
- Sunbathing in the Summer
Hot summer months are the perfect opportunity to show off new tattoos. However, it isn’t actually the best season to get a new tattoo. In the same way, sunbeds are bad for fresh tattoos, natural UV rays from the sun can burn the skin and have a negative impact on the healing process of your tattoo. Your brand-new tattoo can peel, scab, and fade in excess sunlight. Not to mention, the hot weather will cause you to sweat more. In turn, your tattoo is more likely to get infected.
Furthermore, you should always protect your skin with good-quality sunscreen when spending time in the sun. However, you should wait at least three weeks for your tattoo to heal before applying sunscreen to it. Therefore, it is a good idea to simply wait three weeks before going out in the sun. Once the three weeks are up and your tattoo is healing properly, you can apply sunscreen without the worry of infection. Applying sunscreen to your tattoo will help prevent the ink from fading.
- Love to Swim in the Warmer Months?
Another thing to consider if you’re thinking about getting tattooed in the summer is whether you plan to cool off with a swim. After getting a tattoo, it is essential that you avoid going for a swim for at least four weeks. This includes swimming pools and natural water. Chlorinated water can irritate and dry the skin, while the bacteria in natural water can cause infection.
- Reduced Sun Exposure for the Win
The mild temperatures in spring and autumn make them the best seasons to get a new tattoo. However, you still need to watch out for excessive sun exposure when the weather unexpectedly spikes.
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