Can you overwash a new tattoo?

Author: Amparo McDermott  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

Yes, it is definitely possible to overwash your tattoo. If you overwash your tattoo, this can lead to you accidentally washing away your body's beneficial bacteria, which will then prevent your tattoo from healing properly.

What happens if you wash your new tattoo too much?

Overwashing can dry out the tattoo and surrounding skin which can cause bacteria to develop on the surface of the skin and lead to infection. How you clean your tattoo is important as being too rough can cause irritation that could permanently damage the tattoo.

What happens if a new tattoo gets too wet?

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.

Can you shower too much with a new tattoo?

You can absolutely shower with a fresh tattoo and should so you can wash it at least once a day. The one thing you DO NOT want to do with a fresh tattoo is soaking or submerging it in water where it will turn into an open buffet for bacteria and risk a bad infection.

How long should I wash a new tattoo?

Wash your tattoo until it is fully healed, typically within 2 to 4 weeks. Proper washing does not fade tattoos; it helps prevent infections and promotes healing.

How To Shower With A NEW Tattoo The RIGHT Way!

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

When can I submerge my tattoo?

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.

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.

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.

How long after a tattoo can I bathe?

To avoid these potential risks and complications, it is important to follow proper aftercare procedures for your new tattoo. This includes avoiding submerging the tattoo in water, including baths, pools, and hot tubs, for at least 2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo.

Can I wash my tattoo more than 3 times a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

Should I recover my tattoo after washing it?

After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour. When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.

How many days should I keep my tattoo covered?

Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.

When to stop washing a tattoo?

After your tattoo has started peeling, you can stop washing it daily and begin moisturizing with thin layers of lotion or coconut oil until it is fully healed. During the second week of healing, your tattoo will continue to flake and may become itchy.

Do black tattoos get darker after healing?

The ink will usually end up looking a tiny bit darker and less vibrant once healed. Of course, a lot of this will be down to the quality of ink used, and the technique of the artist.

What tattoo color lasts the longest?

Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.

What happens if you accidentally submerge a new tattoo?

Getting your new tattoo too wet can prevent it from healing properly, and it might end up looking patchy. It's super important to keep your new tattoo clean. So having a shower is the best choice so you can wash your tattoo but not fully submerge it in water.

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 wash it with soap?

You'll want to avoid washing your tattoo too soon or waiting too long. Generally, you'll want to wait for no less than five hours and no more than 24 hours. And of course, not washing your tattoo at all is a bad idea. Be aware of the importance of only washing or touching your tattoo when your hands are clean.

Do tattoos look smudged while healing?

While a new tattoo can push out ink, along with blood and plasma, it typically does no harm and doesn't lead to a tattoo blowout. This leaking typically lasts no more than 48 hours. However, bruising from a new tattoo can make it look a little blurred or smudged as it goes through the healing process.

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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