Take steps this summer to keep tattoo ink looking crisp

A tattoo represents a major investment both in time and money and as people head outdoors this summer, it is important to take steps to protect that investment.

“The sun is the biggest destroyer of tattoos over time,” said Tyler Budimlija, owner of Imperial Tattoos in Medford and Wausau.

Planning ahead is key to successfully getting new tattoos during the summertime. Budimlija stated, “Knowing that there is a timeframe of two weeks where you have to baby your tattoo a little bit is the biggest thing. Typically in summer, there are a few things you have to be a bit extra careful with prior to getting tattooed. You don’t want to come in with a sunburn. If you do get a sunburn, your skin would be peeling before we put the tattoo on. If you put the stencil on the skin, it’s only going to wipe off.

After someone gets a tattoo in summer, Budimlija recommended, “You have to steer clear of pools, hot tubs, and lakes for a couple weeks while the tattoo is healing. Usually, it takes two weeks for a tattoo to heal to the point where you are safe go in pools and hot tubs.”

Important to anyone with a tattoo, whether new or old, is regular application of sunblock in the summer. Budimlija said, “Repeated sun exposure does break tattoos down faster. It’s important to use a higher SPF. If you are going to be out on the lake, in a boat, at the beach, or outside for extended periods of time, either cover it or keep it covered in sunblock.”

One caveat to applying sunblock is that people with tattoos less than two weeks old should not use any product aside from plain, white lotion on their tattoo. Because they can not use sunblock, they should avoid sun exposure and wear clothes that cover the tattoo area.