Welcome to the forum! I’m a relative newbie here so I am sure the experienced folks will also chime in. I just had the last work done on my first tattoo this afternoon – timed the completion for the upcoming swim season since we love to use our pool. Your artist’s recommendation jives with what I was told and what I found in my research. My initial work was done just a few days over a month ago and I am pretty well healed – but everyone heals differently. By week 2 I was already looking really good but it took the month to get full black/gray back as the skin healed. I was told to stay out of hot tubs, pools, the ocean, lakes (in other words, no immersion) for 2 to 3 weeks. A month should be fine.

In terms of sun block, my artist recommends a minimum of SPF 35, but I have seen many who recommend at least SPF 50. Just make sure you reapply frequently and after going into the water.

Enjoy your first tattoo! What are you having done?

@T1m35 147547 wrote:

Hi all, New member here!

I have done a lot of research for my upcoming tattoo and are getting mixed answers on some questions I am have. I am looking to get a tattoo located on my back shoulder blade at the end of May. My concern is that I start working as a lifeguard at the end of June. During my job I swim almost daily and am guaranteed to be in the sun everyday. My artist said I should be mostly healed after a month and as long as I use SPF lotion and apply constantly then I shouldn’t see any fading or irregularities. Should I have any concerns about fading or are their any other precautions I should take.

Thanks for any help!

yep ! once it’s healed start using sunblock,I use SPF 50 and 70,I work outdoors as well.I also lotion up everyday with fragrance free Aveeno.

I have always heard to never use sunscreen/sunblock on a unhealed tattoo. Tattoos can take months to heal. That being said I have never heard a good reason why not use sunscreen on a fully healed tattoo.