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.
You should wait at least 2 WEEKS before being in the ocean or a pool. Not just for the potential bacteria, salt or cholrine, but you want to keep the tattoo as dry as possible. Unless kept dry, it will heal poorly.
Soaking in water or swimming. Bath water, pool water, and ESPECIALLY lake/ocean/sea water is TERRIBLE for your tattoo. Not only can some of the ink seep out while it is still fresh and open, but bodies of water can be FULL of bacteria and highly increase your risk of infection.
Pick up some tegaderm from cvs or Walgreens. Layer it very well covering the tattoo. Tegaderm is water proof this will help keep it dry. Just don't submerge it for long period of time. This advice is only if you need to swim. Error on caution and keep it out of the water.
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.
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.
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.
Some tattoo artists recommend using a light coating of Vaseline before showering to protect from the onslaught of water. However, getting a new tattoo wet for a quick shower is okay, as long as you aren't soaking in a bath, swimming, or spending more than 10 minutes in the shower.
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.
2 weeks minimum. Sometimes 3-4 weeks depending on how you heal.
Sun Protection for New Tattoos
New tattoos fade very quickly when exposed to sunlight. In addition, if your tattoo has not completely healed yet, exposing the area to sunlight could result in blistering. In general, you should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks.
While surfing with a fresh tattoo may seem tempting, it's important to allow your body enough time to heal before heading back to the waves. Generally, waiting at least 2 to 4 weeks is recommended to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and is protected from infection or damage.
Stay away from water altogether except for baths and showers. This includes hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans because they can contain infection-causing bacteria.
“A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours after getting a tattoo before engaging in any physical activity,” shares board-certified, New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, who offers laser tattoo removal at her practice.
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.
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.
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.
If you can't avoid the beach or prolonged sun exposure, there are several things you can do to protect your new ink. First, wear clothing that offers UV protection over the tattooed area. If there's no way to cover the tattoo, you'll want to apply heavy-duty sunscreen (we're talking 60 SPF or more).
For most patients, waiting time is about a month after surgery, or up to six weeks with certain procedures like a tummy tuck.
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.
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.
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.
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.