Wondering, can you tan after getting a tattoo? The answer depends on how much time has passed. If your tattoo is fresh, tanning is a hard no. If it is fully healed, you can tan, but you need to properly protect both your skin and your ink. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and exposing it to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds too soon can cause burning, blistering, infection, and permanent fading.
- Most artists will recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks, or maybe even longer, before tanning again or having any intense sun exposure at all.
- Even on healed tattoos, UV rays slowly break down ink pigments, making lines blurrier and colors duller over time.
- Make sure to always protect your tattoo with high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen if you are spending time outdoors.
- Sunless options like spray tans and self-tanners are generally better for tattoos, as long as the skin is fully healed first.
Why UV and Tanning Are Tough on Tattoos
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to tanning with tattoos is fading.
Your tattoo ink sits in the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis. UV rays, whether they come from a tanning bed or the sun, easily reach that layer. As your skin is exposed, those UV rays begin to break down the ink. From there, your body naturally flushes out the pigment, which can leave you with a faded tattoo.
Another issue that can happen is dryness. UV exposure can dry out your skin, which makes even newer tattoos look dull and rough. The good news is this can be managed by properly hydrating your skin and using the right lotions when tanning or spending extended time in the sun.
Pro tip: If your tattoo includes bright tones like red, blue, pastel, or yellow, apply extra protection before tanning. These colors are more prone to fading than traditional black ink, so they require a little more care.
Tanning With a New Tattoo (First Few Weeks)
If you just got a tattoo, here is everything you need to know about tanning during this healing phase.
Is It Safe to Tan With a New Tattoo?
No, you should not tan if your tattoo is new. A tattoo is basically an open wound, and your skin is already very sensitive because of the tattooing process.
If you add intense heat in the form of UV rays, the area can develop burns and blisters. This can lead to ink loss and improper healing.
In the worst-case scenario, you could even develop an infection. Since the skin is still open and vulnerable, it requires a careful and smart aftercare approach.
Can you get a spray tan with a new tattoo?
No, even a spray tan is not recommended if your tattoo is fresh. The issue here is not UV exposure, but it is still best to avoid applying anything to a tattoo that is essentially an open wound.
How Long After Getting a Tattoo Can You Tan?
How long you should wait depends on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks for smaller tattoos. For larger pieces or tattoos with a lot of color, waiting 8 weeks to 3 months is often advised.
Keep in mind, these are general guidelines, not medical advice. Healing time varies from person to person. Factors like your skin type, overall health, aftercare routine, and the style of tattoo can all affect how quickly you heal.
You should only consider tanning once your tattoo is fully healed. That means no scabs, no flaking, no open areas, no shiny new-skin appearance, and no lingering redness.
What to Do If You Can’t Avoid the Sun With a New Tattoo
Life does not stop just because you got a new tattoo. Work, travel, and daily responsibilities still happen, and sometimes sun exposure is unavoidable. If you have to be outside, here is how to protect your healing skin the right way.
- Keep the area completely covered. Choose breathable, loose-fitting fabric so it does not cause friction or irritation. For arm or leg tattoos, lightweight long sleeves or loose cotton pants work well. For shoulder or upper back tattoos, a relaxed-fit t-shirt made of tightly woven cotton is a good option. For ankle or wrist tattoos, longer socks or soft fabric wraps can help provide coverage without rubbing the skin.
- Ask your tattoo artist which lotion you should use for daily aftercare, and check whether sunscreen is appropriate yet. In some cases, sunscreen can cause irritation on very sensitive or freshly healing skin, so you do not want to apply it too early without guidance.
- If possible, avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If that is not realistic, make sure full coverage is your first line of protection.
Tanning After Your Tattoo Has Healed
Tanning after getting a tattoo is only acceptable once the skin is completely healed.
Signs Your Tattoo Is Healed Enough for Tanning
Here are a few signs that your tattoo is ready:
- No more scabs or flaking.
- No oozing, warmth, or tenderness.
- The skin feels smooth when you run your finger over it, even if the tattoo looks slightly settled or dull.
It is important to be realistic here. Whether you have an upcoming event or are planning a trip to a sunny beach, if your tattoo is still fresh, you should avoid any tanning.
How to Tan Without Ruining Your Tattoo
Your approach to tanning with tattoos depends on the method you choose.
In the sun:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher directly over the tattoo. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Whenever possible, cover the tattoo with clothing or a physical barrier during long days outdoors.
- Start with shorter sessions and avoid getting burned. A sunburn can blister the skin and distort the ink.
In tanning beds:
- Treat tanning beds as equally or even more intense than the sun. UV exposure is concentrated and powerful.
- Apply a tanning lotion that includes tattoo protection. For example, the tanning lotions at SunsUp are designed with skin protection in mind.
- Begin with shorter, less frequent sessions, even if you are a seasonal tanner. Gradual exposure helps maintain your tattoo’s vibrancy.
- Always consult with staff for recommendations. A reputable salon should have experienced team members who understand how to handle tattoos at different stages of healing.
Tanning Beds vs Sun vs Sunless Options
If you want a beautiful glow, UV tanning beds or outdoor tanning are not your only options. Spray tanning is another choice, and when it comes to tattoos, it may even be the better one.
Tanning in the Sun After a Tattoo
Pros:
- Affordable
- Convenient, especially if you are in a sunny location
Cons:
- It is harder to control the intensity, which is important, especially if you have a newer tattoo.
Tanning Beds With Tattoos
Pros:
- Controlled environment
- Consistent sessions
Cons:
- You still get strong UV exposure, which can cause tattoo fading if you are not careful.
Spray Tan Over Tattoos
Pros:
- No UV exposure
- One session delivers noticeable results
Cons:
- Results typically last 4 to 7 days
Based on this, spray tanning is one of the easiest ways to get a beautiful glow while protecting your ink from fading.
The best part, you do not have to worry about outdated myths that spray tans look orange or smell strange. High-quality, organic formulas have solved those issues.
If you are looking for an organic spray tan in the Portland and Vancouver metro area, make sure to visit SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa.
How to Protect Your Tattoo When You’re in the Sun Anyway
Whether it’s a beach vacation, a summer job, or just life happening, here is what you can do to protect your tattoo.
- Cover first, sunscreen second: Hats, long sleeves, and tightly woven fabrics are ideal for protecting tattoos, especially during peak sun hours. Even under clothing, applying sunscreen underneath can add an extra layer of protection.
- Use the right sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30, though SPF 50 is even better for tattooed areas. Apply generously and do not forget to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Moisturize after sun exposure: Keeping your skin hydrated helps your ink appear more vibrant and allows your skin to recover more smoothly after time in the sun. Use a simple, fragrance-free lotion or a tattoo-safe moisturizer. Avoid heavily scented products, especially if your tattoo is newer or your skin is sensitive.
Don’t Make These Mistakes With New Tattoos
Here is what you definitely don’t want to do when you get a new tattoo and still want to get tan.
- Tanning with a new tattoo “just for a few minutes”: Even brief UV exposure on a healing tattoo can cause burning, blistering, and fading.
- Using tanning oil or regular lotion on fresh ink: These can irritate the skin, clog pores, and interfere with proper healing.
- Not applying sunscreen on healed tattoos during long outdoor events: This leads to faster fading and increases the risk of sunburned ink.
- Picking scabs or over-scrubbing to even out tan lines: This can pull ink out and cause patchy spots or scarring.
- Treating tattoo aftercare like generic skincare or piercing care: Tattoos heal differently and require tattoo-specific aftercare guidance.
FAQ
Can you tan after getting a tattoo?
Yes, but only after it is fully healed. Even then, UV exposure will slowly fade your ink over time. There is no way around that part. That’s why you need to make sure you are doing proper care to prevent and minimize damage.
How long after getting a tattoo can you tan in the sun or a tanning bed?
It’s usually recommended to wait at least 4 weeks. Ideally, you should extend the wait to 6 weeks or even longer, especially for larger or more detailed pieces.
Can you tan with a new tattoo if you cover it?
If you are intentionally tanning, it is best to avoid it completely until the tattoo is healed. Covering it while laying out or using a tanning bed is not reliable protection. If the exposure is unavoidable, like being outdoors for work or travel, fully cover the tattoo with tightly woven clothing and keep it out of direct UV as much as possible.
Can you use a tanning bed after getting a tattoo if you put sunscreen on it?
For fresh tattoos, no. Sunscreen is not enough to protect healing skin from the intensity of a tanning bed. For healed tattoos, sunscreen or even better, tanning lotion with tattoo protection, can help reduce fading.
Can you get a spray tan or use fake tan over a tattoo?
Yes, but only once the tattoo is fully healed. Keep in mind, they may temporarily tint the tattoo slightly darker. And never use this method for healing or peeling skin.
Will tanning ruin my tattoo?
One tanning session will not destroy your tattoo. But years of regular, unprotected UV exposure can fade colors and blur fine lines. Protection and moderation make the difference. The better you protect your skin, the longer your tattoo will look fresh.
Talk to Your Tattoo Artist and the Team at SunsUp
Your tattoo artist understands the details of your skin and the specific piece you just had done. Their aftercare timeline should always be your first reference point, especially when it comes to tanning.
Before you tan, ask your artist how long you should realistically wait. If you are considering UV tanning or sunless options, talk to our team at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa. We can guide you on safer sunless alternatives and help you protect tattoos while using tanning beds.
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