Belly button piercing in summer: can it be done? Risks, advice and healing times ☀️🏖️

Pippo Piercer Artist
Mar 13
5 min read

The navel piercing is one of the most loved, especially in the summer. But can it be done just before or during the hot season? Yes!, as long as you follow some rules to avoid infections and irritation caused by the sun, sand, sea and swimming pool.

Here's everything you need to know to protect your piercing and ensure it heals perfectly!

Navel piercing performed by Centro Piercing Pippo - Detail of a client's navel with a new jewel applied, perfect for the summer. Performed with safe materials and professional hygiene

🌊 Belly button piercing and the sea: what to know before diving in?

Seawater is rich in minerals and microorganisms , some beneficial, some potentially harmful to an open wound such as a healing piercing.

Why do you have to wait at least 2 weeks before diving?

Presence of bacteria and pathogens : even if the sea is less contaminated than the swimming pool, it can contain bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus , responsible for skin infections.
Osmotic effect of salt : Sea salt can dehydrate and irritate the skin around the piercing, causing redness and slow healing .
Possibility of contamination by algae and sediments : some seabeds are rich in organic substances that can alter the balance of the skin microbiota.

💡 What can you do?

Walking along the shore with your feet in the water is safe.
After 2 weeks , you can swim in the sea, but rinse the piercing immediately with sterile saline solution to eliminate any salt residue or bacteria.

🏊 Belly Button Piercing & Pool: Why Wait At Least 1 Month?

Unlike the sea, pool water is treated with chlorine and chemical disinfectants , which can be more harmful to the healing of a piercing.

Negative effects of chlorine on piercing:

Alteration of the skin's pH : chlorine destroys the skin's hydrolipidic film , making the hole more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Dryness and flaking : Chlorine can cause dry skin , slowing down the healing process.
Risk of allergic reactions : Some people develop contact dermatitis due to disinfectants in pool water.

💡 What to do?

Avoid the swimming pool for at least 1 month .
If you swim regularly, consider getting your piercing out of season , when you can give it more time to heal.

☀️ Sun and piercings: what are the risks?

The sun can alter the healing process of a piercing through photoinflammation and skin dehydration .

Negative effects of the sun on a freshly made piercing:

Free radicals and inflammation : UV rays increase the production of free radicals, which can delay healing .
Risk of hypertrophic or keloid scars : Sun exposure in the early stages can alter collagen production, causing thickening of the scar tissue .
Dehydration of the tissue : The skin around the hole can dry out and crack, promoting small lesions that facilitate infections .

💡 How to protect yourself?

After 2-3 days , you can expose yourself to the sun but in moderation .
Use SPF 50 around the area (without applying it directly to the hole).
Avoid the hottest hours to reduce the risk of inflammation.

Pippo Piercing Center - Close-up of a client's abdomen with a new belly button piercing just done. The jewelry shines on the skin, highlighting the precision and care of the application.

🏖 Why is sand a risk for piercings?

Sand is made up of microfragments of minerals, organic debris and bacteria , which can scratch the skin and contaminate the hole .

🔹 Main dangers of sand:

Scratches and microlesions that can inflame the skin.
Pathogenic bacteria that increase the risk of infection.
Accumulation of debris in the hole that slows healing.

💡 Solution?

Avoid direct contact with the sand. Always use a clean towel to lie down.
Wash your piercing with sterile saline solution immediately after a day at the beach.

❌ Why NOT use waterproof plasters?

Many people think that a waterproof patch will protect the piercing from water. In reality, it is counterproductive .

🔹 Reasons to avoid them:

They are not really 100% waterproof : water can seep in and create an environment favorable to bacteria.
They block perspiration : they prevent the correct oxygenation of the skin, promoting irritation and infections.
Greenhouse effect : the skin under the patch sweats, increasing the risk of inflammation.

💡 Better to avoid water altogether for the necessary time!

Flat lay photo of belly button piercing care products: saline solution, cotton pads, a new piercing and soothing cream on a pastel background. Perfect for a blog about summer piercing healing.

🔎 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Belly Button Piercing in Summer

Can I get my belly button pierced in the summer or is it better to wait?

Yes, you can do it even in summer, but you must take some precautions to avoid infections due to the sea, swimming pool and sweat.

After how long can I fully immerse myself in the sea?

Wait at least 2 weeks before bathing.

After how long can I go to the swimming pool?

It is best to wait at least 1 month to avoid irritation due to chlorine.

Can sweat irritate your belly button piercing?

Yes, sweat contains salt and bacteria that can cause irritation. After sweating, clean the area with sterile gauze and saline .

Can I lie on the sand with a recent piercing?

Better to avoid it in the first few days and always use a clean cloth .

What happens if sand gets into your piercing?

Wash the piercing immediately with sterile saline solution .

Can I sunbathe with a fresh piercing?

Yes, but after at least 2-3 days and with SPF 50 protection applied around the hole.

Can I put sunscreen directly on the piercing?

No, sunscreen may contain ingredients that can irritate the wound. Apply it around the piercing area , avoiding the hole.

How should I take care of my piercing when I'm on vacation?

Always carry sterile saline solution , sterile gauze , and a gentle cleanser with you to clean the area if necessary.

📌 Conclusion

You can get your belly button pierced even in the summer , but it is essential to follow the healing rules and avoid premature contact with salt water, chlorine, sand and intense sun.

👉 By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your new piercing without any problems and with perfect healing!