Can I jump in the ocean with a new tattoo?

Author: Libby Purdy  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Swimming should be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed, which usually takes about two to four weeks. Submerging a fresh tattoo in water can increase the risk of infection and affect the ink's vibrancy.

Can I go in the ocean with a new tattoo?

“You should wait for your tattoo to fully heal — which can take at least 2 to 4 weeks — before swimming in any kind of water,” says Adrienne Santos, a writer for Healthline.

Will salt water ruin a new tattoo?

After a new tattoo heals, submerging it in water will not hurt it. HOWEVER, avoid full immersion in any hot water, salt water or water with other chemicals for the first 2-3 weeks, as it can do alot of damage during this sensitive time, particularly salt water.

How long after a tattoo can I surf?

The waiting 2-3 weeks thing is a blanket recommendation. If you go surfing after a few days you might be just fine, or you might get an infection and ruin your tattoo and be out of the water for longer. Your choice but I'd play it safe.

How long after getting a tattoo can I get it wet?

Wait 24-48 Hours: After getting your tattoo, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before showering. This allows the initial healing process to begin and reduces the risk of infection.

How Soon Can YOU Swim AFTER Getting A NEW TATTOO?

Can I go swimming 1 week after a tattoo?

Swimming should be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed, which usually takes about two to four weeks. Submerging a fresh tattoo in water can increase the risk of infection and affect the ink's vibrancy.

How long after a tattoo can you fully 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. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing.

When can I go in the sun after a tattoo?

It's recommended that tattoos remain out of direct sunlight for at least the first month, but that doesn't mean you're in the clear once that time is up. Sun exposure can still cause colors to fade, which is why it's always best to protect your tattoo from sun exposure whenever possible.

Can you sunscreen 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.

What happens if water touches a new tattoo?

Do not soak or submerge your tattoo in water following your tattoo. You risk irritation and bacterial infection and swimming is even more destructive to your tattoo than a bath because of chlorine or salt water. Regardless, it's the soaking you should be concerned about here.

Does Vaseline mess up a new tattoo?

What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).

Does salt draw out tattoo ink?

Soaking your tattoo in salt water, in fact, will only cause the ink to disperse, run, or possibly fade. It won't cause your tattoo to magically vanish. It's likely your tattoo will look worse after you soak it in salt water if your tattoo is newly inked.

How do I protect my tattoo at the beach?

"During this time, protect the tattoo from sun exposure with protective clothing or a bandage," Dr. King says. "Once the skin has fully healed, use sunscreen daily because UV radiation can lead to tattoo pigment fading. The right sunscreen is the sunscreen you will wear regularly.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

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.

How long after a tattoo can you go in the ocean?

It is advised to wait for your tattoo to fully heal, which can take at least two to four weeks before swimming in any kind of water. Going into the pool or ocean before then may put you at risk of infection due to bacteria or germs that can enter an open wound.

Can I tan with a new tattoo if I cover it?

It's best to wait at least 2-3 weeks (or as long as your tattoo artist advises) before going near a tanning bed. If you absolutely must tan, cover the area with a bandage, wrap, or medical tape to shield the tattoo from UV exposure.

Do tattoos affect vitamin D production?

There is also a chance that a blackout tattoo could affect vitamin D synthesis, Leger says, i.e. your body's ability to get and break down vitamin D from sun exposure.

Should I cover my tattoo when I sleep?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

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.

When can I get my tattoo wet?

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.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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