Yes, if you soak your tattoo immediately after getting it, your new tattoo may fade more quickly. Worse, soaking your tattoo can cause infection, flaking, itching, and scabbing, so don't soak your 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 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.
Is it safe to swim with a tattoo after one week? 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.
Yes. Washing any part of your body too much can lead the skin to be dry and to crack, especially when using antibacterial soap. Your new tattoo is healing, so avoid over-washing and apply fragrance-free, tattoo-approved moisturizer if that tattoo looks dry or the skin feels uncomfortably dry and itchy.
After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.
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.
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 pick or scratch at scabs, as this can cause scarring, ink loss, or even infection. Avoid soaking your tattoo in water—stay out of pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs during the healing period. Don't expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight, as it can irritate the skin and fade the ink.
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.
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.
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 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.
While infection is potentially the greatest worry when it comes to swimming, exposing your new tattoo to salt water (or chlorine for that matter) also carries other risks. One of these is the risk of causing ink to leak from a fresh tattoo, making the colour less vibrant and causing your tattoo to fade prematurely.
Considering the consequences, it's best to avoid it altogether until it has fully healed. But if you really must, Dr. Shirazi suggests applying a thin layer of an occlusive ointment like Vaseline followed by 3M Nexcare Tegaderm dressing, a sterile waterproof bandage that adheres to the skin completely.
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
Aftercare & Aging
Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.