Excited to show off your new tattoo this summer? Before you dive into the pool or head to the beach, it’s crucial to ensure your fresh ink stays protected. Waterproofing your tattoo helps prevent skin irritation and infection, and from personal experience, I’ve found that waiting until the tattoo has fully healed—usually up to four weeks—is essential. Once it’s healed, applying the right waterproofing products will allow you to enjoy swimming without worrying about damaging your ink.
Although it’s tempting to jump into the water and flaunt your new art, it’s important to first give your tattoo the proper care it needs. Whether you’re rocking a moon tattoo, belly button piercing, or forearm ink, following these simple steps will ensure your tattoo remains in pristine condition while you confidently enjoy your aquatic adventures.
Waterproof Tattoo for Swimming – The Answer
Understanding the Risks
Giving your tattoo time to heal before swimming is just as important for your health as it is for your new body art. To understand the full scope of potential issues, here are the risk factors if you swim with a new tattoo.
1. Infection Risks with New Tattoos
When you get a new tattoo, it’s like having an open wound on your skin. Like any wound, it is highly vulnerable to infection from harmful bacteria found in various bodies of water, such as chlorinated swimming pools, natural lakes, or the ocean. The risk of immersing your newly tattooed skin before it has fully healed can lead to serious complications, including infections that may manifest as red, itchy rashes, blistering sores, or crusting.
2. How Water Affects Your New Tattoo
Submerging your fresh ink in water, especially heavily chlorinated or salt water, can cause the vibrant color to leach out, leading to fading, discoloration, and a generally less appealing appearance. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can damage the skin and penetrate the sensitive area, causing further degradation of the art and leaving it blurred and patchy.
3. Reactions of Tattooed Skin to Water Exposure
The chemicals in pool water, lakes, and oceans act as irritants, exacerbating the sensitivity of the newly tattooed area. This can lead to stinging pain, prolonged healing, and severe skin irritation. Symptoms like itching, flaking, and scabbing are not only uncomfortable but also gnarly for the look and feel of your pricey tattoo. Based on personal experience, I recommend waiting an additional week or two to ensure your tattoo stays vibrant and intact.
4. Assessing Tattoo Healing Before Swimming
Before you jump into the pool, it’s important to ensure it has healed properly to avoid infections or damage. The healing time can vary depending on the tattoo’s size and location, as well as your lifestyle and how diligent you are with aftercare. Most tattoo artists consider a tattoo fully healed within 2–4 weeks, but it can take as long as 6 months for it to heal completely.
The surface of the tattoo might look and feel healed after a few days, but deeper layers might still be recovering. It’s important not to be deceived by the outer appearance. A truly healed tattoo will no longer be red, itchy, scabbing, or flaking. If you’re uncertain about the healing status, a professional check at the studio where you got your tattoo can give you peace of mind. Only when these signs confirm that your tattoo has healed should you consider exposing it to chlorinated water or salt water while swimming.
If you can’t wait to swim.
If you need to get your tattoo wet for something important, like physical therapy, here are some steps you can take to protect your ink.
Embrace the Right Protection Before You Dive
When you’re eager to dive back into the water, it’s crucial to ensure your tattoo is fully healed before you consider swimming. Waterproofing a new tattoo for swimming can be challenging, but not impossible. When swimming becomes unavoidable, the safest approach is to cover your tattoo with a waterproof bandage. Products like Sanaderm, Tegaderm, or medical retention tape are designed specifically for this purpose. It’s essential to apply the bandage immediately before you go swimming to minimize sweat buildup and ensure the tattoo stays protected.
Swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers should be avoided entirely. Unlike swimming pools where chlorine levels are controlled, these natural bodies of water can harbor dangerous and unpredictable bacteria, particularly those near coastal areas or in large freshwater bodies. These environments can be especially bad for a new tattoo, exposing it to risks that could impede healing and affect the ink’s integrity.
By adhering to these precautions, you can enjoy the water without compromising the beauty and health of your new ink.
Quick Removal After Swimming
To protect your body and the piece of art it bears, remove your waterproof sealant immediately after you exit the water. Leaving it on too long increases the risk of harm from bacteria spreading under the sealant.
Cleanse your tattoo
After removing your waterproof bandage, clean your tattoo gently but thoroughly. Rinse it with warm water and massage a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap into the skin to ensure all residue is washed away and your tattoo remains safe and vibrant.
Precautionary Measures
Here are some measures to safeguard a tattoo while swimming.
1. Minimize Water Exposure to Protect Your Tattoo
Keep your tattoo submerged in water for as little time as possible to reduce risk. Whether you’re swimming or just have a waterproof bandage, wearing it for too long can increase the chance of infection and tattoo damage.
2. Pat Dry: Gently Caring for Your Tattoo Post-Swim
After cleaning your tattoo, dry your skin properly. Instead of rubbing, gently pat the area lightly with a clean towel. This method prevents irritation and helps maintain the tattoo’s integrity.
3. Applying the Right Products
Once your skin is clean and dry, apply an aftercare cream to your tattoo. Use one that your tattoo provider has recommended, ideally lotions or moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. These products are milder and better for maintaining the health of your tattoo. If you’re having a hard time choosing the right moisturizer or lotion, always opt for gentler options to enhance healing.
4. Guarding Tattoos from the Sun
To keep your tattooed skin looking its best and staying healthy, it’s crucial to be diligent about care, especially when planning to swim. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or the ocean, be mindful of the harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can damage the tattoo.
Applying sunscreen regularly is essential, not just when you are outdoors but also when you’re in the water. Sunscreen helps shield the tattoo from UV rays that can fade and harm it. If you swim often, consider getting regular touch-ups to maintain the vibrancy and detail of your tattoo. By avoiding unnecessary exposure to harmful elements and being proactive about protection, your tattoo will continue to look sharp and vivid for years to come.
Conclusion:
To preserve a new tattoo when swimming, it is important to allow it to fully heal, typically over 2 to 4 weeks, to avoid infection and damage from water exposure. If swimming is unavoidable before complete healing, using a waterproof bandage designed for tattoos can protect against harmful effects. Post-swimming care is also crucial, involving thorough cleansing and gentle drying, followed by applying recommended aftercare products. Adhering to these steps ensures the tattoo remains vibrant and undamaged while enjoying aquatic activities.
FAQS…
How do I protect my tattoo when swimming?
When your tattoo has not fully healed but you find swimming unavoidable, it’s essential to cover it effectively. Using a waterproof bandage such as Sanaderm, Tegaderm, or medical retention tape ensures that your ink stays protected against water exposure. This method provides a reliable barrier while allowing you some aquatic fun without risking your tattoo’s integrity.
Can you put Vaseline on a new tattoo to go swimming?
While it’s recommended to avoid water activities until your tattoo has healed, if you must swim, Dr. Shirazi advises applying a thin layer of an occlusive ointment like Vaseline. This should be followed by a 3M Nexcare Tegaderm dressing, a sterile, waterproof bandage that adheres well to the skin. This combination helps protect the tattoo from water while maintaining its condition.
Can I put my tattoo in chlorine water?
It is not recommended to swim in chlorine water with a new tattoo until it is fully healed. Chlorine can cause irritation and dryness of the skin, making it harder for the tattoo to heal. Additionally, chlorine can fade the tattoo ink, causing the design to look less vibrant.
Can you swim with a second skin tattoo?
Breathable bandaging, often referred to as second skin, is a surefire method to waterproof your tattoo. However, even with this protection, it’s crucial to avoid submerging your freshly-inked skin in a pool or the ocean. Soaking an unhealed tattoo is a definite no-no as it can lead to infection or permanent damage.
