When the weather gets warmer, it’s tempting to get a new tattoo. But while summer is the best time to get a tattoo, actually You’ll need to take extra care with your tattoo aftercare, especially if you plan on going to the pool or beach. An important step in caring for your new tattoo is to avoid contact with water as well as staying out of the sun (which you should always do).
Water sports and activities require you to “waterproof” your body art before it gets wet. Below, experts explain what this means specifically and how to keep your tattoo looking pristine all summer long.
Meet our experts
-
Dr. Elliot Love is a board-certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeon (Mohs surgeon), and director of Mad Rabbit Tattoo.
-
Pony Lawson is Mad Rabbit’s tattoo artist.
Why should I avoid water when I get a new tattoo?
Tattoos need to be waterproofed to prevent water from drying out, irritating, and causing bacterial growth. Also, tattoos that absorb water won’t heal properly. “Tattoos need to be waterproofed to prevent the skin from absorbing water and causing the tattoo to heal poorly or fade,” says Lawson.
How to Waterproof Your New Tattoo
First of all, it is do not have It’s considered safe to go into a pool or the ocean with an unhealed tattoo. “Avoid getting into water for at least two weeks,” instructs Lawson. There are a few reasons for this, according to experts: Chlorine dries out the skin, and salt water can irritate it. Plus, Lawson says, “pools and hot tubs are breeding grounds for bacteria.”
Dr. Love agrees, but says, “If you need to get in the water for any reason and you have a small tattoo, there are a number of waterproof bandages you can use to cover it up.” Lawson says, “I recommend using Second Skin, a waterproof, breathable bandage that you leave on your tattoo for a few days after your initial appointment. This is the only surefire way to prevent your tattoo from becoming waterlogged, other than avoiding total immersion in water.” Dr. Love recommends Lottfancy’s Second Skin bandage, but you could also consider brands like Saniderm, Tegaderm, or Dermarise.
Once your tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will apply a bandage to it, which you should leave on for 3-5 days (longer than that can cause irritation) and replace if it falls off before then. Bandages are usually sold in rolls and are cut to size.
How soon can I swim after getting a tattoo?
Avoid swimming until your tattoo has healed, which can take 2-4 weeks. Jumping into water before it has healed can cause a variety of problems, including infection, dryness, irritation, and poor healing of the tattoo. You’ll know your tattoo is fully healed when all of the initial black scabs have disappeared, as well as the thin white scabs that appear afterwards. Your tattoo should be flush with your skin, with no visible bumps or spots, before you even consider submerging it in water.
RELATED: I got a new tattoo, when will I be able to swim again?
When can I take a bath after getting a tattoo?
Love and Lawson agree that you can shower whenever you want after getting your tattoo, as long as you waterproof the ink. However, you should avoid soaking your tattoo in the bath during the healing process. “The day after your procedure, you can wash it in the shower with antibacterial soap,” Love points out.
Final conclusion
A breathable bandage, also known as a second skin, is the surest way to waterproof your tattoo. But even with a bandage, you should avoid fully submerging your newly tattooed skin in a pool or the ocean. Submerging an unhealed tattoo in water should never be allowed, as it can lead to infection and permanent damage to your tattoo. But don’t worry, after two weeks you’ll be able to enjoy as many water activities as you want with your new tattoo.
Next: 12 Best Lotions for Healing Tattoos
