Summer Care Tips for Healed Tattoos
Summer’s the perfect time to come in and get tattooed! More skin showing, more chances to show off your fresh ink, but only if you protect it.
1. Wear Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sun exposure is one of the quickest ways to dull your tattoo — especially if it’s fresh or has vibrant color. UV rays break down the pigments in your skin over time, causing tattoos to fade, blur, or lose their sharpness. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps protect your ink and keep the colors looking bold and crisp for years to come. Once your tattoo is fully healed, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine — not just a beach-day thing.
2. Cover Up When You Can
While sunscreen is essential, physical protection is even better. A soft t-shirt, hat, or hanging out in the shade can shield your tattoo more effectively than sunscreen alone — especially during peak sun hours. Clothing acts as a barrier helping to preserve your tattoo’s detail and color for the long haul. If your ink is new or you’ll be out in the sun for a while, covering up is the safest move.
3. Moisturize Daily
Tattoos look their best on healthy, hydrated skin. When your skin gets dry, your ink can start to look dull or patchy. A quick layer of lotion daily can make a big difference — it keeps your skin smooth and your tattoos looking fresh and bold. Stick to simple, fragrance-free options to avoid irritation, and keep your tattoos looking their best all year round.
4. Stay Hydrated
Great skin—and great tattoos—start from within. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin soft, clear, and resilient, which means your ink looks smoother and more vibrant too. Dehydrated skin can make tattoos appear dry and faded, so make hydration part of your daily tattoo care routine. Your body (and your artwork) will thank you.
5. Reapply Sunscreen Often
One layer of sunscreen won’t last all day—especially in the heat. Whether you’re swimming, sweating, or just soaking up the sun, your protection fades fast. To keep your tattoo safe from UV damage, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or right after any water or sweat-heavy activity. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in keeping your ink sharp and vibrant longer.
Conclusion
Taking care of your tattoo doesn’t stop once it’s healed—especially during the summer. From sunscreen and shade to hydration and moisture, a little daily care goes a long way in keeping your ink bold and your skin healthy. We recommend Mad Rabbit’s Tattoo Sunscreen — it’s made for all skin types and packed with soothing, skin-loving ingredients that are perfect for summer protection. Keep celebrating your tattoo all season long by giving it the care it deserves.
