How to Prepare Your Piercings for Summer (Pools, Beaches & Sweat)

How to Prepare Your Piercings for Summer (Pools, Beaches & Sweat)

TL;DR: The Summer Piercing Survival Guide To protect a new piercing during summer, avoid submerging it in water for 4–8 weeks. If you must swim, use waterproof breathable bandages. Always rinse sweat away immediately using BodyMods H2Ocean Sterile Saline Spray, and never apply sunscreen directly into a healing piercing channel. 

1. Can I swim with a new piercing in the pool or ocean?

The short answer is: Avoid it if possible. Whether you’re hitting the local Surrey or Vancouver community pools or the beaches in Kitsilano, open water is a major risk for healing skin.

The Risk of Chlorine: Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can dry out the "fistula" (the piercing hole), leading to cracking and irritation bumps.

The Risk of Bacteria: Oceans and lakes are not sterile. They contain bacteria and microorganisms that can lead to rapid infection in a fresh wound.

The Solution: If you cannot stay out of the water, use a waterproof barrier bandage (like Tegaderm). Ensure it has a complete seal around the piercing. Immediately after swimming, flush the area with BodyMods  H2Ocean Sterile Saline Spray to neutralize any seeped-in contaminants.

2. How do I protect my piercing from sweat and heat?

In the 2026 summer heat, sweat is unavoidable. However, sweat contains salt and body oils that can trap bacteria against your jewellery.

The "Mist and Go" Method: Keep a travel-sized saline spray in your beach bag. After hiking, biking, or sunbathing, give your piercing a quick rinse to flush out salt deposits.

Keep it Dry: Moisture-loving bacteria thrive in the heat. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a disposable paper towel rather than a reusable cloth towel, which can harbor old bacteria.

3. Can you put sunscreen on a healing piercing?

No. You should never put sunscreen, tanning oil, or bronze shimmer directly on a healing piercing.

Why it’s dangerous: These products are "comedogenic" for piercings, meaning they clog the air circulation the wound needs to heal. This can trap bacteria inside and cause a painful "piercing pimple" or abscess.

Pro-Tip: Apply your SPF up to one inch away from the jewellery. To protect the actual piercing from UV rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat or stay in the shade.

4. When should I see a professional?

Summer infections can progress quickly due to the heat. If you feel like any of your most recent piercings are infected, stop by any of our Studio by BodyMods locations in Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Kelowna or Kamloops and have it checked by one of our professional body piercers. Symptoms to keep an eye out for:

  • Extreme Swelling: If your jewellery feels like it’s being "swallowed" by the skin.
  • Heat: If the area feels hot to the touch or throbs constantly.
  • Discoloration: Dark red or purple streaks radiating from the site.

The BodyMods Summer Survival Kit

To keep your healing on track through the heat, we highly recommend our Essential Piercing Aftercare Package. It’s designed to fight bacteria and save you money:

  • H2Ocean Piercing Soap: For a deep, post-beach clean.
  • H2Ocean XL Piercing Spray: Your portable, 24/7 defense against sweat.
  • 25% OFF Your Next Piece: Save on new jewellery to match your summer fit when you shop body jewellery at BodyMods.
  • Free Jewellery Changes: Valid for any piercing performed at BodyMods.

Expert Advice: Summer is the most popular time for "snags." Be extra careful with beach towels and sunglasses. If you snag your piercing, don't panic, clean it, leave it alone, and come see us for a check-up!

 

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