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," King says.
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.
Nexcare Waterproof Bandages, Stays on in the Pool, Holds for 12 Hours, Clear Bandages for Fingers and Elbows - 100 Pack Waterproof Bandages. This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications. Reduced air and/or water in the product or packaging for more efficient transportation.
Sterostrip Ultra is the waterproof wound dressing for swimming UK athletes trust time and time again. The flexible, breathable, water-resistant qualities make these the ideal waterproof wound dressings swimming fanatics rely on when actively recovering from wounds in the water.
These 100% Waterproof BAND-AID® Brand WATER BLOCK® Flex Adhesive Bandages stay on even when wet and feature an ultra-flexible design with fabric-like material for comfortable wound protection. These waterproof bandages are great for swimming and other activities involving water.
Showering will not affect Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normal while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed. After 3-4 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off of your skin.
Use lukewarm or cold water, and keep the tattoo from heavy shower flow, instead opting to gently rinse the area of your tattoo. Make sure the bandage is secured to your skin before you expose it to water pressure from the shower.
Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising
Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo. For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged.
River or Lake Water: Brands like “After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion” or “Aquaphor Healing Ointment” are known for their moisturizing and protective properties, helping to safeguard tattoos against potential contaminants in natural bodies of 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.
“After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours. Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping.
Nexcare™ Tattoo™ Waterproof Strips stay on during active play, hand washing, swimming and other water sports. The diamond shape seals all the way around the pad to help seal out water, dirt and germs that may lead to infection.
You will leave your Tegaderm on for 3-5 days, depending on your artist's recommendation. Tegaderm is great for tattoos because it is low-maintenance and can reduce healing time.
Because Tegaderm™ dressings are waterproof, patients may bathe, shower or swim, if the dressing is completely sealed around the catheter or wound. Tegaderm™ dressing is sterile and remains so as long as the outer package is intact. Do not resterilize by gamma, steam, or E-beam.
You should note that saniderm/Recovery-derm/ Tegaderm are all the same thing, just different brands.
The original tattoo bandage - and still the best! SecondSkin™ is a medical-grade, transparent, adhesive barrier that protects new tattoos. It is latex-free, waterproof, breathable, and hypoallergenic. This personal pack contains four (4) separate 5" x 7" sheets, perfect for healing a small-to-medium sized tattoo.
You can do your normal activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Do not bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel off the covering. You can shower normal while healing. Do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
First and foremost, do NOT head to the beach, pool, or lake without protecting your new tattoo. If you are still wrapped, then cover the area with lighweight, loose, 100% cotton clothing – period. Stay out of the sun as best you can and definitely stay out of the water.
Avoid water for the first two weeks. Moisturize regularly. Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your tattooed area for the first two weeks. Avoid sun exposure whenever possible with UV-blocking sunscreen and UPF clothing, like our men's sun protective tees or our women's UPF 50+ shirts.
Nexcare Max Hold Bandages
We think these bandages are a game-changer for anyone leading an active lifestyle, especially swimmers who need reliable wound protection.
For extra protection, seal the edges of the bandage with waterproof adhesive tape. After each swim or shower, replace your bandages. Even waterproof dressings can lose their effectiveness if they are submerged repeatedly or for extended periods of time.
Nexcare™ Aqua Clear Waterproof Plasters blocks out water, dirt, and germs making them great for swimming, gardening, canoeing, fishing, water sports and hand washing.