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.
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.
Best thing would be to cover it with loose clothing. Do not expose it to the sun, and don't put sunscreen on a tattoo this new.
Like everyone here is saying, covering up the tattoo with a thin long sleeve shirt is the best option to keeping the sun off your new tattoo. Anything made from cotton or UV protective beach/fishing shirt will be your best bet. Both of these options should be available to you at a store like Walmart.
You can protect your new tattoo from water with a waterproof bandage. There are a variety of clear, waterproof bandages specifically designed for tattoos that will keep the area sealed and (mostly) free from water exposure. Ensure the entire tattoo is completely covered and sealed before getting it wet.
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.
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.
The sun's threat to your ink is two-fold. UV rays break down the pigments found in tattoo ink. This can cause them to fade more quickly than if protected from the sun. A sunburn causes your skin to peel in order to get rid of damaged skin cells.
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.
It acts as an exfoliant, which is not good for a fresh tattoo. Sand may also carry bacteria, especially if near a questionable body of water or litter, which can lead to infection of exposed skin cells.
There is no way to fully waterproof a tattoo, but there are some methods swimmers have tried: waterproof bandages that can fully wrap and cover the tattoo, heavy layers of Vaseline, or even plastic press n' seal wrap.
"If you're traveling mainly to go the the beach, I'd advise you to get the tattoo on the last days of vacation. That way you can still enjoy the beach before getting the tattoo (as long as you make sure they won't get a sunburn at all). If you're traveling for sightseeing and such, it's up to you.
Covering up using clothing with built-in UPF, as previously mentioned, adds an additional layer of protection. Plus, keeping your tattoo covered by clothing this summer can also help keep out sand and other particles that may irritate your tattoo and lead to infection.
Easy Ways to Hide a Tattoo
Use makeup to cover tattoos you can't hide with clothing. For small tattoos, place a bandaid over them.
Chlorine and salt water can be harsh on tattoos, so it's important to ensure they're dry as soon as possible. If your tattoo is a few months old, you can probably get away with a quick swim, but it's still important to pat it dry afterward. So next time you're at the pool or beach, make sure to take care of your ink!
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.
You should be able to put sunscreen on your tattoo without damaging it in any way. In fact, one of the most important things you will learn when studying how to take care of a new tattoo is that sunscreen is highly recommended anytime you are exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight.
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.
Arguably, the best makeup to cover tattoos is tattoo makeup—that is, makeup specifically formulated for tattoo coverage. That can be hard to find, though (not to mention pricey). If you don't have any tattoo makeup on hand, a color corrector, foundation, and concealer will get the job done, too.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.
Wrap your tattoo with a waterproof bandage right before 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.
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.
Even if you are spared from an infection, chlorine is still no friend to a new tattoo. It actually leaches ink from the tattoo, which obviously will reduce the vibrancy of the colors and appearance over time.