Did you get a new tattoo recently? And you are a swimmer too? How can you protect your tattoo from water damage? You need to take the necessary steps to waterproof your tattoo before swimming so you can prevent issues like infection, fading, or blurring of the ink. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about how to waterproof a tattoo for swimming and more.
- Let us learn how to waterproof a tattoo for swimming and swim with confidence.
- When can you go swimming after a tattoo?
- Are all types of water equally bad for your new tattoo?
- Swimming in ocean after tattoo…
- Preparing your tattoo for swimming
- Swimming with a waterproofed tattoo
- What happens if I swim with a new tattoo?
- Conclusion
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Let us learn how to waterproof a tattoo for swimming and swim with confidence.
Getting a new tattoo is fun right? A new tattoo is a unique and personal way to show your style. But you need to give it proper attention and care for your safety. It is an open wound that needs time to heal and seal. What is one of the most important things to avoid with a fresh tattoo? It is water, especially when you swim. Water can lead to many issues for a new tattoo, such as,
That is why it is important to wait for a while until your tattoo is fully healed before swimming in any type of water, including pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans. But how long should you wait? And what if you need to swim before your tattoo is healed? Can you waterproof your tattoo for swimming? Keep reading to find out!
When can you go swimming after a tattoo?
How long after a tattoo can you swim? It actually depends on how well your tattoo is healing and the type of water you want to swim in. How long should I wait to swim after a tattoo? Usually, you should wait at least four weeks before the new tattoo swimming. How long to let tattoo heal before swimming? It takes around two to four weeks for a tattoo to fully heal and form a protective layer of skin over the ink. However, some tattoos may heal faster or slower depending on,
So, during these two to four weeks, your tattoo will go through a few stages of healing.
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Stage one
Your tattoo is fresh and raw and might bleed, ooze, or scab. This lasts for about 2 to 3 days after getting inked.
Stage two
Your tattoo starts to peel and flake and might itch or feel tight. This lasts for about one to two weeks after getting inked.
Stage three
Your tattoo looks healed on the surface but is still healing deeper in the skin. This lasts for about two to four weeks after getting inked.
How soon can I swim after a tattoo? You should not swim in any type of water until your tattoo has reached the third stage of healing. Actually, it is better to wait until it is completely healed.
Are all types of water equally bad for your new tattoo?
No, some types of water are more likely to cause infection or damage than others.
Chlorine pools
Chlorine pools can harm your new tattoo by drying out your skin, irritating it, and even fading the ink. How long after a tattoo can you swim in chlorine? You should avoid swimming in chlorine pools until your tattoo is fully healed, and even then, you should limit your exposure and rinse off as soon as possible.
Saltwater pools
Saltwater pools are a bit better, but they can still dry out your skin and affect the color of your tattoo.
Swimming in ocean after tattoo…
Can you go in the ocean after getting a tattoo? You should not because the salt water can be harsh on your new ink and increase your chances of getting an infection. How long after tattoo can you swim in ocean? The ocean has lots of bacteria, so it is better to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before you go swimming.
Lakes
Lakes are freshwater, but they can still contain harmful contaminants like bacteria and algae.
Hot tubs
Hot tubs might feel great, but they are not so great for your new tattoo. The hot water can open up your pores, letting in chemicals and bacteria that can harm your ink.
Baths
Baths can also be harmful, as they can soak your tattoo too long and cause it to swell or lose ink.
As you can see, it is not a good idea to swim with a new tattoo, no matter where you swim. However, if you really need to swim before your tattoo is healed, there are some ways to waterproof your tattoo for swimming. Let us see how!
Preparing your tattoo for swimming
Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized.
Before you dive in with your new tattoo, make sure to wash it gently with warm water and mild soap, then pat it dry. Slather on some moisturizer or ointment like petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or cocoa butter to keep your skin hydrated and protect your tattoo from the water.
Cover your tattoo for swimming.
How to cover tattoo for swimming? To keep it safe, you can cover it with a waterproof bandage or film, like Saniderm, Tegaderm, or Second Skin. These products stick to your skin and protect your tattoo from water and bacteria. Just apply it before swimming. Make sure it covers your whole tattoo and the skin around it. And do not forget to seal the edges with medical tape or adhesive so water does not get in.
Choose the right swimwear.
If your tattoo is on your,
Arm
You can keep it covered by wearing a long-sleeved rash guard or wetsuit.
Leg
You can wear long pants or leggings to protect it.
Back
You can wear a one-piece swimsuit or a shirt. This will help keep your tattoo away from water and sunlight.
By following these steps, you can get your new tattoo ready for swimming and lower the risk of water damage. But that does not mean you can swim as much as you want or without being careful. Here are some tips on how to swim with a waterproof tattoo.
Swimming with a waterproofed tattoo
Can you swim with a new tattoo? If you have prepared your tattoo for swimming by covering it with a waterproof bandage or film or by wearing swimwear that covers it up, you are ready to swim with a waterproof tattoo.
Follow these tattoo swimming rules to learn how to swim with a new tattoo.
Don’t stay in the water forever.
Even if you have waterproofed your tattoo, you should still try not to spend too much time in the water. Try to limit your swimming to 15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. You can keep water from soaking into your skin and messing with your tattoo this way.
Chlorine can mess with your skin.
Chlorine can be bad for your skin and ink, even if you have waterproofed your tattoo. So try to avoid direct contact with it as much as you can.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Sunlight can mess with your skin and ink, even if you have waterproofed your tattoo. So, do your best to stay out of the sun as much as possible. You can swim in the shade or on cloudy days and put sunscreen on your skin before swimming (but do not put it on top of your bandage or film).
Rubbing or scratching is a no-no.
Rubbing or scratching your waterproofed tattoo while swimming can cause problems like irritation or infection. So wear gloves or socks to protect your hands or feet, and avoid swimming in rough waters or crowded pools where you might bump into things.
What happens if I swim with a new tattoo?
If you go swimming with a fresh tattoo before it is fully healed or without waterproofing it, you are taking a big risk. Here are some things that can happen if you swim with a fresh tattoo.
Infection on your skin
Swimming with a new tattoo means putting your wound in water with bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause an infection. Infection can lead to redness, swelling, pain, pus, fever, and scarring. It can also mess up your ink, making it look dull or distorted.
Damage to tattoo
Swimming after a new tattoo can also damage your skin and your ink. You may have to face with
Water can wash away some of the ink and make it look patchy or blurry. It can also mess up the healing process and cause scabs or scars that can ruin the look of your tattoo.
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Conclusion
Can you swim after getting a tattoo? Swimming with a new tattoo isn’t the best idea because it can cause problems for both your health and your ink. But if you really need to swim, you can take some steps to protect your tattoo from water damage.How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? You can wrap it with a waterproof bandage or film before getting in the water, try not to spend too much time in the water, avoid chlorinated or salt water, and take care of your tattoo after swimming by cleaning and moisturizing it.
