Does chlorine ruin old tattoos?

Author: Dr. Brooks Dietrich  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

If you have old tattoos, you don't have to worry about chlorine potentially fading your design as the ink has already connected with the skin. However, if you have fresh ink, avoiding chlorine will ensure your design remains vibrant and full of colour.

Is chlorine bad for healed tattoos?

While neither pool Chlorine nor salt-water will affect a healted Tattoo, both are sources of bacteria and other impurities that could infect your new Tattoo. But, after the first few days, the surface over the Tattoo (absent scabbing) is relatively impervious and it is OK to swim.

How long after a tattoo can you go in chlorine?

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.

Does swimming fade old tattoos?

Limit Exposure: Try to limit how often you expose your tattoo to chlorine or saltwater, especially in the first few weeks after getting it. Overall, while tattoos won't immediately fade from swimming, prolonged and repeated exposure to chlorine and saltwater can contribute to their fading over time.

Does chlorine ruin temporary tattoos?

Just like everyone else has said, you're fine. Chlorine will not effect your tattoos in any way. I'm in the pool 20k+ a week and all mine still look fine. A tattoo lives much deeper under the surface of your skin than the pool water could possibly penetrate.

Will Chlorine Fade My Tattoo?

What makes temporary tattoos go away?

Oil-Based Makeup Remover. An extremely common method for removing temporary tattoos is oil-based products that are typically used to remove makeup. "Temporary tattoos are designed to be waterproof, thus oil is effective at breaking down the tattoo," explains dermatologist, Onyeka Obioha, MD.

Do hot tubs fade healed tattoos?

Yes, hot tubs are generally safe once a tattoo is fully healed. However, prolonged exposure to heat and chemicals over time may cause the tattoo to fade. Protective measures, like using a barrier cream or limiting soak times, can help preserve the tattoo's vibrancy.

Is it OK to swim with a week old tattoo?

How Soon Can I Swim After Getting a Tattoo? Tattoos have specific healing processes that can take months, depending on aftercare and other factors. However, the outermost layer of the skin typically heals the soonest, making an average piece ready to go swimming within two to four weeks.

Why is my tattoo fading after 2 years?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun will penetrate the skin and essentially break down the pigments in the tattoo. Once those pigments are damaged, the tattoo will ultimately appear much lighter and less vibrant than it once did.

Can an old tattoo be refreshed?

Dealing with Fading and Discoloration in Old Tattoos

One option is to get a touch-up session with a professional artist who specializes in color correction. They can go over the existing tattoo and refresh the colors to make it look vibrant again. Another option is to consider getting a cover-up tattoo.

How do you protect a new tattoo when swimming?

There is no way to fully waterproof a tattoo before it has fully healed. However, if swimming is unavoidable, the next best option is to cover your tattoo with a waterproof bandage like Sanaderm, Tegaderm, or medical retention tape.

How many days after a tattoo can you 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.

Are baths bad for healed tattoos?

Avoid abrasive soaps or loofahs and hot showers, and allow your tattoo to fully heal for 3-4 weeks before swimming or taking a bath. If you make sure to gently clean and rinse your tattoo and avoid submerging it in the bath, pool or ocean, you'll keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come and avoid bacterial infection.

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 long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

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.

Why do old tattoos flare up?

"Cells called lymphocytes infiltrate the skin in the area of the antigen — or red pigment in this case — and cause an inflammatory reaction." Likely, the response has been developing for some time but took months or years to appear on the surface of the skin. You're predisposed to a skin condition.

Can you revive old tattoos?

While covering up an old tattoo is somewhat the more popular solution, many tattoos can survive a lifetime just by giving them a little more attention. So freshen up all that faded ink, add a few intricate design details, and don't forget to triple-check all of the changes before inking them the second time around.

Will my tattoo fade if I go swimming?

Exposure to water can negatively impact the appearance of your tattoo: Ink Leaching: Prolonged water exposure can cause the ink to leach out. Fading: Chemicals in pool water, like chlorine, can cause the tattoo to fade.

How long after a tattoo can I shave?

Eaves recommends allowing your new tattoo anywhere between two weeks to a month to fully heal before shaving (you can find his tattoo aftercare tips here) — this means no scabbing, peeling or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo. Once your tattoo is fully healed, however, shave as your heart desires.

How long after a tattoo can you donate blood?

Three-Month Waiting Period

These wait-time requirements for both tattoos and piercings are related to concerns about hepatitis which can easily be transmitted from donors to patients through transfusion. All blood donations are tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C with several different tests.

Will chlorine ruin my tattoo?

Swimming pools: Chlorine-filled water damages sensitive skin and can fade your design. Your healing tattoo needs 2–3 weeks before exposure to chlorinated water.

Does Epsom salt fade tattoos?

This is because of the high level of epsom salt found in the tank. Similar to salabrasion (a method of tattoo removal), the prolong exposure to high levels of salt can cause premature fading and color discoloration to your tattoo. In addition, the long submersion in water can contribute to fading over time.

Where do tattoos fade the most?

The locations that are commonly known to fade, blow out, or not heal correctly include:
  • hands.
  • fingers.
  • feet.
  • palms.
  • elbows.
  • armpits.
  • inside upper arms.
  • inside the lip/mouth.

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