It is generally not recommended to submerge a new tattoo in water, including taking a bath, for at least 2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo. This is because a new tattoo is essentially an open wound that needs time to heal and seal.
If you can keep the tattoo out of the water then go for it, but otherwise it's best to just stick to showers for the first two weeks. Technically tattoos take about a month to fully heal but you'll be fine to get in the bath or go to the pool after two weeks.
Ideally you should wash your NEW tattoo at least 2--3 times a day for 2--3 weeks using lukewarm water and an antibacterial, cleaning it with pears or dove soap is highly recommended. After wash, you can clean dry the tattoo (dab-dab) and apply the aftercare cream to help the tattoo heal.
The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues. A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed.
Tattoos are essentially open wounds, and exposing them to water too soon can lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, and even damage to the tattoo design. Therefore, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before submerging your new ink in swimming pools, hot tubs, or open water.
Can You Shower After Getting a New Tattoo? Yes, you can shower after getting a new tattoo, but it's important to follow a few key steps to protect your new art. It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower.
Avoid hot tubs for the first two to four weeks to allow your tattoo the time it needs to heal properly. And after this period, use caution by limiting your exposure and ensuring that your hot tub water is clean and balanced.
Skin irritation – New tattoos can be painful and irritating while they heal regardless, and submerging them in water–especially salt or chlorine–can cause stinging, burning, and even contact dermatitis. Tattoo damage – Water can cause fading and discoloration for new tattoos.
Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.
Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.
Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.
Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub. Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.
“The time it takes will depend on the location of the tattoo and other factors, but expect it to take at least three weeks,” she says. In the meantime, she advises avoiding submerging a new tattoo in bodies of water including swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and rivers.
It's recommended to wait at least 2–4 weeks before taking a bath, or until your tattoo is fully healed. By this time, the scabs should have fallen off naturally, and the skin should no longer appear raw or irritated. However, healing times can vary depending on the size, placement, and individual skin type.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
At the very least, make sure not to expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for the first month of having it—especially the first two weeks. Not only will sun exposure cause the tattoo's colors to fade, as previously mentioned, but it may also burn your skin and scar it from sun damage.
Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.