What happens if you accidentally soak your tattoo?

Author: Yesenia Towne  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Tattoos are open wounds, so during the first few weeks the skin is still healing. One of the biggest risks when submerging your new tattoo in a bubble bath is infection. Getting your new tattoo too wet can prevent it from healing properly, and it might end up looking patchy.

What happens if I submerge my tattoo?

``Like with any open wound -- which is essentially what a new tattoo is -- submerging your tattoo could potentially expose it to harmful bacteria in the water. Infections can range from mild to severe,'' said Adrienne Santos, a writer for Healthline.

What happens if you soak a tattoo too early?

Yes. Soaking a new tattoo would affect healing and it might mess up the look of the tattoo. You're not supposed to soak a new tattoo for the first 48 hours -no going into the swimming pool, no surfing, no baths or saunas, and, I imagine, no dishwashing for a prolonged time.

What happens if my new tattoo gets wet?

Skin irritation – New tattoos can be painful and irritating while they heal regardless, and submerging them in water–especially salt or chlorine–can cause stinging, burning, and even contact dermatitis. Tattoo damage – Water can cause fading and discoloration for new tattoos.

What happens if a new tattoo is too moist?

It is possible to over-moisturize a new tattoo, which can actually delay the healing process. Excess moisture in the skin can create the perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth, potentially causing side effects like inflammation, breakouts, infection, and tattoo blurring or fading.

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What if I accidentally soaked my tattoo?

What if I accidentally submerge my tattoo in water? Here's the thing, the first 24 hours are the most important in the healing stages. But if you do accidentally submerge your new work of art, don't worry. Wash it up, pat it dry and learn from your mistakes.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

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.

How soon after a tattoo can you shower?

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.

Can I have a bath with a new tattoo if I don't submerge it?

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.

What happens if you submerge a new tattoo in water?

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.

Can I wipe my fresh tattoo with wet wipes?

Wipe your tattoo over gently with the baby wipes, this will help to remove any more moisture or ink, then pat your tattoo gently to dry it. Re-wrap It again with cling film. Change the dressing at 3- 4 times a day, evenly spaced, ideally following the instructions above.

What stage of tattoo is itchy?

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.

Why does my tattoo look like it's missing ink?

Your tattoo is going through the normal healing process.

This milky skin sticks around for 1-2 weeks, and it might make your tattoo ink appear less vibrant. A lack of ink isn't a problem if your tattoo is still peeling and healing.

What tattoo color lasts the longest?

Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.

What happens if you water down tattoo ink?

Controlling consistency: Thinning the ink can help control consistency and flow, which is helpful for tattoos with fine lines or light shading. Create shades and tones of color: Different tones and nuances can be created by diluting the ink, which is very useful and recommended for creating shadows and details.

What happens if a tattoo is too moist?

What's The Problem with Over-Moisturising Tattoos? Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

What if I accidentally wet my new tattoo?

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.

What is a tattoo blowout?

Blowout occurs when the ink extends beyond the intended boundaries of the design, resulting in prominent spots. More often than not, this situation arises due to poor execution of the tattoo.

Do tattoos heal better dry or moist?

Skin needs to be a little bit wet to heal. Technically, wet healing is always the best choice — because your body knows what it's doing. There may be situations where wet healing techniques seem a little bit excessive, so it seems easier to skip them, but it's best not to.

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