Will chlorine ruin a new tattoo?

Author: Miss Kara Schamberger  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

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.

What happens if you get chlorine on a new tattoo?

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.

Is it okay to get in the pool with a new tattoo?

You should wait 4 to 6 weeks before jumping into any body of water. The chlorine in pools can irritate the tattoo and lead to color loss or possibly infection, and the bacteria in natural bodies of water have easier access to your bloodstream through your decorative, puncture wound.

Do swimming pools ruin tattoos?

Since chlorine is a chemical agent, it can have lasting effects on fresh tattoos. Chlorine can leach ink from your tattoo, causing fading and discoloration. It can also dry your skin out and prolong the healing process.

Does chlorine ruin temporary tattoos?

Just like everyone else has said, you're fine. Chlorine will not effect your tattoos in any way. I'm in the pool 20k+ a week and all mine still look fine. A tattoo lives much deeper under the surface of your skin than the pool water could possibly penetrate.

No, You Cant Swim With A New Tattoo, Here's Why

Does water fade a new tattoo?

Bottom line: prolonged submersion of your tattoo in water leaves you at risk of infection, leaches ink from your tattoo causing fading and blurriness, and makes your skin itch and scab which takes the tattoo longer to heal.

What makes temporary tattoos go away?

Oil-Based Makeup Remover. An extremely common method for removing temporary tattoos is oil-based products that are typically used to remove makeup. "Temporary tattoos are designed to be waterproof, thus oil is effective at breaking down the tattoo," explains dermatologist, Onyeka Obioha, MD.

Why are tattoos not allowed in pools?

Infection Risk 🦠 Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and swimming in pools, oceans, or lakes can expose them to bacteria and contaminants. 2. Chlorine Damage ❤️‍🩹 Chlorine in pools can irritate the tattooed skin, causing redness, itching, and potentially damaging the ink.

How long after a tattoo can I 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. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

What happens if you swim with a new tattoo on Reddit?

You absolutely do not want to be putting a new tattoo in pool water. Sea, pool, hot tubs, baths, all absolute no-nos for new tattoos. It's a sure-fire way of getting an infection.

What to do if you accidentally submerge a new tattoo?

What should you do if you accidentally submerge a new tattoo? If you've somehow got your tattoo wet by submerging it in water, there are steps to take that can potentially help. Dr. Shirazi recommends cleansing it with a gentle cleanser, patting it dry, and applying a healing ointment from Aquaphor or CeraVe.

Can you go in the hot tub 2 weeks after a tattoo?

The general recommendation is to wait at least two to four weeks before immersing your tattoo in water, particularly in a hot tub. This waiting period allows the outer layers of the skin to heal and provides a barrier against harmful bacteria, chemicals, and the water itself.

Is it OK to get in the pool with a new tattoo?

No. Don't go swimming or immerse your new tattoo in water until every bit of scab and dry skin has fallen off. This can take as long as four weeks. There is a big difference between getting your tattoo wet (during a normal shower) and entirely submerging or soaking your fresh wound in still water.

How do you waterproof a tattoo for swimming in chlorine?

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. Make sure to apply the bandage immediately before swimming to avoid as much sweat buildup as possible beforehand.

How long after a tattoo can I go in the sun?

Sun Protection for New Tattoos

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.

Can you sleep with a new tattoo uncovered?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

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.

Will chlorine ruin a tattoo?

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.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after getting a tattoo before showering or washing your tattoo.

Can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?

Until your tattoo is fully healed, you cannot apply any type of sunscreen, and it's really best to just avoid exposing the area to any direct sunlight whatsoever. If you plan to be outside in the sun with a new tattoo, then your best and safest protection is to keep the area covered with loose clothing.

What tattoo goes away after 3 years?

Ephemerals are designed to last up to three years, and our ink enables tattoo wearing for those held back by permanence, pushes artists to elevate their craft and empowers most creativity through bolder designs or placements.

Does vaseline remove temporary tattoos?

Apply An Oil

When it comes to removing temporary tattoos, reach for an oil-based moisturizer. Apply a generous amount of baby oil or petroleum jelly to the temporary tattoo you wish to remove.

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