Will soaking a new tattoo fade it?

Author: Prof. Alden Torphy I  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Will Soaking A New Tattoo Fade It? 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.

What happens if you soak a new tattoo?

Excessive moisture can lead to issues like prolonged healing, infection, and color fading. Soaking: Soaking in a tub can expose the tattoo to bacteria and can also cause the skin to become overly soft, which may lead to the tattoo not healing properly.

How to fade a new tattoo fast?

  • Sun Exposure : Gradually exposing the tattoo to sunlight can help fade it over time.
  • Exfoliation : Gently exfoliating the tattooed area can help remove the top layers of skin, which may fade the tattoo.
  • Moisturizers and Oils
  • Laser Treatment
  • Tattoo Fading Creams
  • Time

What pulls ink out of a fresh tattoo?

Wipe with Baby Oil or Coconut Oil: - Applying baby oil or coconut oil can help dissolve some of the ink. Gently rub it over the tattoo and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Tattoo Removal Creams: - There are over-the-counter tattoo removal creams, but their effectiveness varies, and they can irritate the skin.

What happens if you submerge a new 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.

why is my new tattoo faded ?

What happens if you get your tattoo wet too soon?

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.

Does Aquaphor pull ink out of tattoos?

There are rumors that Aquaphor makes tattoos fade, but from our experiences and many others, this just isn't true. If a tattoo is done correctly and the ink is where it needs to be, ointment should only help your tattoo heal correctly.

What fades tattoo ink?

UV Exposure

UV rays cause damage to the skin that also extends to permanent ink. Sun exposure will cause all tattoo ink colors to fade. The best way to avoid UV tattoo fading is to cover tattoos when in the sun. If this is not possible, apply a high-SPF sunscreen.

Does Vaseline remove tattoo ink?

For instance, Vaseline on a tattoo can draw the ink from the lower layers of the skin before it has set. This can lead the tattoo to look faded, patchy, or distorted. It may even lead to an increased risk of scarring.

How to remove a fresh tattoo at home?

Overall, home remedies for tattoo removal are ineffective. While options like salabrasion, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide are cheap, the risky side effects and poor results should deter anyone from attempting a natural tattoo removal. Remember, tattoos are designed to be permanent displays of self-expression.

How long will a new tattoo look faded?

When done properly, a tattoo should show only a slight amount of settling within the first 6 months, which is totally normal. Depending on the style, location and lifestyle, a tattoo could show some early signs of fading in as early as 2-5 years although most tattoos won't show significant fading for 10-20 years.

How to fade a tattoo while it is healing?

Hydrogen Peroxide and Exfoliation - Exfoliation paired with hydrogen peroxide can do wonders to gradually fade tattoo ink naturally. This is because exfoliation removes dead skin while hydrogen peroxide is a skin lightening agent that has bleaching properties.

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.

What soap not to use on a new tattoo?

Please refrain from using any soaps that contain aloe, oatmeal, exfoliants, tea tree oil, or fragrance. All petroleum jelly needs to be removed in this process, so apply a heavy layer of soap, firmly (not roughly) wash your tattoo, then rinse off all of the soap.

Is there a way to make tattoos fade faster?

Factors like sun exposure, skin elasticity, friction, improper aftercare, smoking, and tanning can accelerate tattoo fading. Natural methods like exfoliation and using lightening agents may help fade tattoos, but professional laser removal is the most reliable and safest option.

What breaks up tattoo ink?

Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.

What is the lifespan of tattoo ink?

As long as it has not been contaminated, remains properly sealed, and is properly stored, tattoo ink has about a two-year shelf life.

Why do tattoo artists not like Aquaphor?

Conclusion: While Vaseline and Aquaphor are commonly used for tattoo aftercare, they may not be the best choice for the healing process of your tattoo. Their occlusive nature can lead to clogged pores and hinder oxygenation, which can slow down healing and potentially lead to complications.

What draws tattoo ink out?

While laser is definitely the best method of removing tattoo ink, certain pigments used in cosmetic tattoos don't respond well to laser treatment. The ingredients in these pigments can be very different from those used in conventional ink, and laser treatment could change the color of some rather than lightening them.

Can too much Aquaphor fade a tattoo?

There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.

How to avoid tattoo fading?

The Right Aftercare Routine to Help Prevent Tattoo Fading
  1. Gently Cleanse Daily. Good hygiene is the most important part of any tattoo aftercare routine and it is vital even long after your tattoo has healed. ...
  2. Use SPF Sun Protection. The sun can be harsh on your tattoos and can quickly cause a tattoo to fade. ...
  3. Stay Hydrated.

Why does my new tattoo look smudged?

A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.

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