Saltwater can be particularly harsh on new ink, making it important to take precautions if swimming in the ocean post-tattoo. Apply a quality sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin from UV damage, a waterproof dressing, and ensure your tattoo does not come in contact with sand.
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.
Apply sunscreen generously to the tattooed area at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. If possible, keep the tattoo covered with loose clothing when exposed to direct sunlight.
Apply a quality sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin from UV damage, a waterproof dressing, and ensure your tattoo does not come in contact with sand. Chlorine is drying for the skin, but applying barrier creams or ointments and a waterproof bandage can help divert chlorine from affecting your new tattoo.
How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming. If you have to go swimming, you should make sure your tattoo is fully covered with a waterproof dressing, plus you can add some Vaseline too. Once you're out of the water, it's best to remove the dressing straight away and rinse the tattoo with warm, fresh water.
Limit sun exposure: Fresh tattoos should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. UV rays can cause significant damage, including fading the ink and increasing the risk of sunburn on the sensitive skin. Wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, and cover your tattoo with a breathable bandage if needed.
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.
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. Ocean and saltwater: The salt and minerals can irritate healing skin that hasn't fully settled. Saltwater requires a minimum 3–4 week wait.
Wait at least 2 weeks: It is recommended to wait at least two weeks after getting a tattoo before going into the ocean. This is because the saltwater and bacteria in the ocean can cause infections and slow down the healing process.
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.
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 you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.
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.
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 to Put Sunscreen on a New Tattoo? It's best to wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying SPF on your new tattoo. Essentially, you want a fully healed tattoo before using sunscreen. Give your freshly inked skin time to heal.
Cover your tattoo
However, if you've had your new tattoo for over four weeks and it has healed, sunscreen is a great way to protect it in summer. Another way to protect your fresh tattoo against sun exposure is by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants. Most clothing has the equivalent protection of SPF5.
The truth is it's pretty safe to go in the ocean with a fresh tattoo, but only if you use a bandage like Saniderm. You need to make sure you can paddle and maneuver without opening the seal of the Saniderm. Once the seal is broken and water gets in, you run the risk of trapping bacteria.”
Chlorine can irritate the healing skin and increase the risk of infection, so it's best to wait at least 2-4 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal before swimming. Is it safe to swim in the ocean with a new tattoo? Swimming in the ocean with a new tattoo is not safe.
At the very least, make sure not to expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for the first month of having it—especially the first two weeks. Not only will sun exposure cause the tattoo's colors to fade, as previously mentioned, but it may also burn your skin and scar it from sun damage.
“The time it takes will depend on the location of the tattoo and other factors, but expect it to take at least three weeks,” she says. In the meantime, she advises avoiding submerging a new tattoo in bodies of water including swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and rivers.
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.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.