Going for a swim too soon after getting a tattoo can actually do more harm than good since salt water can cause the ink to fade.
Swimming after a tattoo is not recommended in the first few days after getting inked. This is because your new tattoo is still healing, and the water can slow down the process or even cause infection. In most cases, it’s best to wait at least a week before swimming.
If you can’t resist the water for that long, make sure to take some precautions. Avoid submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time and wash it with soap and water before swimming. If you will be spending time by the pool, sunscreen is also a must.
Swimming After A Tattoo
In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about swimming after a tattoo.
When Should You Go Swimming After Getting a Tattoo?
Having just gotten a new tattoo, you can’t wait to go swimming. Is that really a good idea?
In most cases, you’ll need to wait at least two weeks before being submerged in water. That’s because tattoo ink is applied deep into the skin, and if that gets wet, it can cause the ink to spread and fade.
An infection could also result if you aren’t careful. Make sure you check with your tattoo artist about the best way to care for your new tattoo before you take a dip.
Waterproof Your Tattoo Before Swimming
You cannot completely waterproof a tattoo for swimming, but you can prevent damage in a few ways.
Whenever you go swimming with a new tattoo, make sure it is covered with water-resistant bandages, Vaseline, or both. Remove the cover immediately after exiting the water, and rinse the tattoo with fresh water.
Additionally, your tattoo artist will have given you some aftercare cream to apply to the tattooed area. You can apply this cream once the tattoo has been washed after swimming.
What Risks Should You Be Aware Of?
So how long should you wait before taking a dip? The general rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks before swimming. But if you have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to check with your tattoo artist.
Unhealed tattoos can have serious consequences when swimming
1. Contracting an infection or bacteria
Having a tattoo is like having an open, unhealed wound, putting you at risk of infection many times over.
There are many ways to get infected, such as swimming in salt water, using chlorinated water, or taking a long shower under running water. This not only causes inconvenience but also delays the healing process of the tattoo.
2. Inflammation of the skin
Swimming in chlorinated water is especially problematic. Itching, rashes, and other symptoms may persist for some time after tattooing due to the skin’s sensitivity.
3. Tattoo Fades After Swimming
As a result of taking a hot shower, the tattoo is steamed, the pores open, and pigment may come out, causing the tattoo to fade. Moreover, the high temperature of the water increases blood flow, which can discolor the tattoo and distort its contours. Discoloration and dullness of tattoos can also be caused by chlorinated and saltwater. When a fresh tattoo is in the water, the above consequences are most likely to occur.
Is Your Tattoo Healed Enough to Go Swimming?
You may experience itching and peeling as your tattoo heals. Is it safe to swim once it’s healed?
The following tips will help you:
1. Swim only after your tattoo has dried.
2. The colors in the pool should match the color of your tattoo. You might not be able to see your tattoo against the blue water if it is light.
3. Swimming in chlorinated water can cause your tattoo to fade and dry out.
How To Shower With A Fresh Tattoo
Shower around three or four hours after getting inked if your tattoo is wrapped in a waterproof bandage. Several factors can affect this, however.
You should seek advice from your tattoo artist. Their advice will help you determine how long to keep the bandage on and when to wash the area.
Taking a shower requires some consideration. Submerging or running water on a new tattoo should never be done for a long period of time. It’s also a no-no to scrub it with a sponge or loofah until it’s completely healed.
Cool or lukewarm water and fragrance-free, mild soap should be used to clean the area. Avoid products containing alcohol or other chemicals, as these can dry out your skin.
To remove your new tattoo, pat the area gently with a clean towel after you’ve taken a shower. After applying the aftercare cream your tattoo artist gave you, you should leave the area uncovered.
You can splash or wash off with fresh water, but stay away from pools and the ocean if you can.
