Protecting Your Ink This Spring - Tattoo and Piercing Care

Protecting Your Ink This Spring
April 10, 2011
By Jacob Crawford
Oak Creek Patch

Spring is here, and it won't be long before summer weather starts to kick in.

T-shirts and shorts will start to make their way back into our wardrobe rotation, as will swimming trunks and bathing suits. There's a lot of fun to be had, but we must be mindful of how much we're exposing our skin to the elements. This is good advice for anyone, but those with tattoos and those interested in acquiring new tattoos should be especially vigilant.

I spoke with Dave Garner over at Skin Candy Tattoo,and he had some helpful tips on how to treat your body art this spring and summer.

First and foremost, sunscreen is important. Sunscreen has numerous health benefits for any human, but it's great for preserving your exposed tattoos in sunny months. If you don't apply it, Garner warns, you run the risk of fading or damaging your tattoo, which could amount to unnecessary and expensive touch-ups.

Those with freshly-applied ink are going to want to avoid sun exposure altogether for a period of two weeks, Garner said. So even though you might be excited to show off your new tattoo outdoors or at the beach, having patience will increase the quality of your ink in the long run.

People should also be mindful of when they're getting new tattoos as well, according to Garner.

It would be unwise to get one immediately before going on a warm-weather vacation, such as one that might find you near the ocean or in a swimming pool. Salt water and chlorine are both harmful to fresh ink, potentially dulling it, and should - like sun exposure - be avoided for a two-week healing period.

Hopefully, these helpful tips will keep your tattoos and skin healthy as the days get warmer and sunnier.