Tattoo aftercare and sunscreen recommendations?

So, I recently went out and got some new ink, which means I'm stuck applying Bephanten ointment for the next few days while it heals. It seems like every tattoo artist has a different take on how to handle this during the summer months. My artist told me I could probably get back into shorts after about two weeks, provided I’m being extremely diligent with a high-SPF sunscreen—so if anyone knows which brand offers the highest quality protection and where I can pick it up locally, please let me know. On the other hand, some other artists swear by staying completely out of the sun for at least three months.
I don't usually go out tanning in the summer anyway, but I am curious if there are any other tattooed folks here whose ink looks like something specific 😁 who might be able to advise me. For instance, if I apply plenty of sunscreen, would it be alright to go for a quick hour-long walk with my dog or maybe ride my bike around at 2:00 in the afternoon?
Thanks

If you’re planning on being out there at 2 PM when the sun is absolutely brutal, I’d honestly suggest just throwing a couple of bandages or some patches over it.

Or, you know, just take the dog for a walk once the sun actually goes down. ;-D

Even for me, seven years after getting my tattoo, the sun still messes with it. If I spend too much time baking under those intense rays, that patch of skin starts acting up and gets all swollen.

I have to admit, I don't actually use anything stronger on my tattoo than I do on the rest of my body. It’s probably just SPF 15, if I remember correctly... I try to stay out of the sun since I have pale skin and burn way too easily.
I can definitely feel the heat hitting that spot more intensely because the ink is dark.
It’s been about four or five years now, and honestly, it hasn't faded one bit.

So, just to make sure I've got this straight, even if it's still looking pretty fresh, once those first 14 days have passed since it was done, I can basically go back to wearing shorts like normal, provided I just make sure to slather on some sunscreen, right?

I mean, sure... especially if that's what the tattoo artist told you. Did you actually go here?

What did she get tattooed, and where, if you don't mind me asking? 🙂

So, I’ve got this pretty big tattoo on me, maybe 5 or 6 weeks old at this point... I’m still dodging the sun, staying far away from pools, and avoiding tanning beds like the plague. That’s how it’s gonna stay until the skin completely heals over and feels totally smooth again.

Gregory Smith8 said:Yeah, right... especially if that's what your tattoo artist told you. Did you actually come here?

If you don't mind me asking, what did you get tattooed and where on your body? 🙂

The link isn't working for me. Which website is it?

I got a black violet tattooed on my right calf.

It still has some texture to it, and it's currently day six. It started itching like crazy last night, though it's actually feeling fine right now. I'm honestly not sure if everything is healing correctly. I've been applying ointment every three hours after washing it with water and letting it air dry for about ten minutes.

Zele suggested I apply Bephanten constantly during those first two weeks—basically, the more airtime she gets, the better. If I’m wearing a shirt or just sleeping, though, I'd probably wrap her in plastic film to keep it contained.

The rule of thumb for the first fourteen days is also strictly no long soaking sessions in the bathtub, the pool, or the ocean... plus, staying far away from direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least the first three months!

I’ve been following all of those guidelines pretty closely 😁
As for high SPF ratings, the highest I've even seen was around 60, but honestly, it doesn't matter—I'm not stepping out into the sun regardless, just to be safe 😉

And how long did it take before it actually started melting into your skin? I'm curious about how intense that peeling sensation really gets. For me, I just ended up with maybe two or three tiny black specks left on my palm, but honestly, nothing else happened after that.

🤔 I suppose I should mention that my tattoo ended up looking slightly raised as well 😕

I can't help but wonder, though... why does that happen?

Man, everything seems totally fine from where I'm standing. By the way, William White2, how long has it actually been since you got your tattoo done?

Around 7 years 🤣

though I suppose it’s mostly because I got inked back when I was just some kid 😬 and since the tattoo is on my back, I probably had them pump in more ink just so it wouldn't fade away once I eventually bulked up a bit 😕

Mine’s got that raised, textured look too... kind of bumpy. It's totally normal though, it'll flatten out eventually.
But William White2, my first tattoo—I've had it for three years now—is completely smooth. You can't even feel it under your fingertips at all.

Ryan Ruiz said:And how long did it take before it actually absorbed into your skin? How intense was the peeling? On my palms, I just ended up with maybe two or three tiny black specks... nothing else really happened.

I'm honestly not sure how long it took to sink in—it was right under my neck, so I couldn't exactly stare at it too closely for long enough to tell... 😁

Same here regarding the peeling—absolutely nothing. Just a few stray black flakes here and there...

Hmm, now my friend is telling me that I don't even need to peel it and that having a protrusion is perfectly normal. Hmmm

Ryan Ruiz said:Well, now my friend is telling me I don't even need to peel it—that the swelling is just part of the process. Hmmm...

Everything you described sounds perfectly normal... 😁
After all, you're only six days out from the session, so it's still very fresh.

Melissa Cruz2 said:but William White2, my first tattoo, which I've had for three years now, feels completely smooth; you can't even feel it when you run your fingers over it.

I suppose I don't know, 😳>

In my experience, I can definitely feel the texture, and it's pretty obvious to the naked eye.😳>

Okay, so what happens if things are still looking exactly the same after the tenth day? Should I just keep applying the ointment and wrapping it in plastic, or is it time to call it quits?

William White2 said:you can just tell by looking 😳

what about scrambled eggs? 😁

I spent five days straight scrubbing away at this, and honestly, I was just over it 😬 so I finally called it quits. Everything seems fine now.