Can I go swimming with a week old tattoo?

Author: Jamir Ebert  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

It is generally not safe to swim with a new tattoo after just one week. Most tattoos require at least 2-4 weeks to heal properly. Swimming too soon can increase the risk of infection and damage to the tattoo.

Can I go swimming after a 1 week tattoo?

You should wait 4 to 6 weeks before jumping into any body of water. The chlorine in pools can irritate the tattoo and lead to color loss or possibly infection, and the bacteria in natural bodies of water have easier access to your bloodstream through your decorative, puncture wound.

Is chlorine bad for a week old tattoo?

You should wait 4 to 6 weeks before jumping into any body of water. The chlorine in pools can irritate the tattoo and lead to color loss or possibly infection, and the bacteria in natural bodies of water have easier access to your bloodstream through your decorative, puncture wound.

Can you get a week old tattoo wet?

You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo. If you're wondering just how long after getting your tattoo you can take a bath: the answer is only after your tattoo has healed completely which typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and in some cases longer.

How long after a tattoo can you fully submerge it?

Tattoos shouldn't be fully submerged in water (in the way they would be while swimming) until they are fully healed. This usually takes about 6 weeks.

Can you go swimming a week and a half after getting a tattoo?

How do I know if my tattoo is healed enough to swim?

Once your tattoo feels completely smooth to the touch, there is no scabbing, and it's no longer red, itchy, or flaking, it is likely healed enough to swim.

Can a tattoo heal in a week?

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.

How to cover a new tattoo for swimming?

Apply a waterproof bandage to cover your ink while in water: "If it isn't possible to wait until the tattoo is fully healed before swimming, then use a waterproof dressing such as Saniderm and limit the amount of time in the water and with the dressing on as much as possible," Dr. King says.

What if I accidentally wet my new tattoo?

If you get your new tattoo wet, it's not the end of the world. So, there's no need to panic if you get caught in the rain. As long as you're not soaking your tattoo, you're going to be just fine. Allow the tattoo to dry, apply a thin layer of aftercare moisturizer like Sanibalm, and get on with your day.

What happens if you swim with a new tattoo on Reddit?

You absolutely do not want to be putting a new tattoo in pool water. Sea, pool, hot tubs, baths, all absolute no-nos for new tattoos. It's a sure-fire way of getting an infection.

Can you swim after getting a little tattoo?

Your healing tattoo needs 2–3 weeks before exposure to chlorinated water. Ocean and saltwater: The salt and minerals can irritate healing skin that hasn't fully settled. Saltwater requires a minimum 3–4 week wait. Even after healing, limit your first exposure to 15 minutes.

Can you go in the hot tub 2 weeks after a tattoo?

The general recommendation is to wait at least two to four weeks before immersing your tattoo in water, particularly in a hot tub. This waiting period allows the outer layers of the skin to heal and provides a barrier against harmful bacteria, chemicals, and the water itself.

Can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?

Until your tattoo is fully healed, you cannot apply any type of sunscreen, and it's really best to just avoid exposing the area to any direct sunlight whatsoever. If you plan to be outside in the sun with a new tattoo, then your best and safest protection is to keep the area covered with loose clothing.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

How soon after getting a tattoo can I shower?

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.

When to start putting lotion on a tattoo?

According to tattoo artists, you should begin using lotion on a tattoo once it begins to dry. It is a waiting game, in a way. You don't want to apply lotion while the ink is still wet. How long it takes the ink to dry is dependent on your body, the size of the tattoo, and environmental factors such as humidity.

Does second skin heal tattoos faster?

Provided the wearer does not have an allergy to adhesives, second skin is arguably the greatest game-changer in the tattoo industry, making the healing process faster, safer and more efficient!

How long after a tattoo can I workout?

A minimum of two days and as much as a few weeks are generally recommended to hold off on more moderate and intense activity. Yet even yoga and other low-intensity exercises could be in risky territory if they lead to friction, sweating, or stretching the tattoo.

How should a tattoo look after 7 days?

By day six or seven, scabs should start to cover and thicken on the freshly tattooed area. During this week of your healing journey, the skin will be flaky and may start feeling a bit itchy. This is completely normal as the dry skin is getting ready to exfoliate itself away as the top layer of the skin heals.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

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.

Do black tattoos heal faster?

Colored tattoos take longer to heal, often 1-2 weeks longer than most. As an example, a black & gray chest tattoo normally heals in 3-4 weeks but a colored version of the same design will take 5-6 weeks.

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