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.
It's generally recommended to wait at least two to four weeks before swimming after getting a tattoo. The outer layer of skin may heal within this time, but deeper layers can take longer.
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.
It's generally recommended to avoid applying sunscreen on a new tattoo until it has fully healed. This typically takes about 2-4 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as individual healing processes. Here are some guidelines:
After getting a new tattoo, it is important to wait at least 24 hours before showering (2). This allows the tattoo to begin the healing process and ensures that the open wound has had enough time to close, reducing the risk of infection.
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.
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.
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.
When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you want the best care for your new tattoo, there are far better options than Aquaphor. The semi-occlusive layer suffocates your new ink, slowing the recovery process. And though it's a highly refined version of petroleum oil, it's understandable that you wouldn't want that anywhere near your healing skin.
Wash your new tattoo within five hours of completion and continue washing it a couple of times a day until fully healed. Use clean hands and gentle, antibacterial soap to wash your tattoo. Rinse thoroughly and ensure all soap is removed. Let your tattoo air-dry or gently pat it dry with a clean cloth.
A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.
Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your 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).
“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.