When is it ok to soak a tattoo

You don't have to cover it that long—once you're past weeks, be mindful but don't worry too much. However, if you're a regular swimmer or a beach bunny, you might want to wait til the winter months hit to get that big chest piece. Use a professional tattoo aftercare product such as Wild Rose's Ink Balm to try to help your tattoo heal faster and prevent dryness and peeling.

Tegaderm is a dressing that comes in adhesive forms, offering firm closure on two sides. This will protect your tattoo against environmental elements like the sun and pollution, but water can still come into contact with your tattoo. Plenty of people have found that using plastic wrap taped with waterproof bandages does the trick.

It all depends on how long you intend on staying in the water and how big the tattoo is. Once you get out of the water, make sure you immediately clean your tattoo thoroughly with a tattoo-safe soap.

Don't think you need to put on ointment; it might only damage your tattoo in the long run. Ultimately, if you can hold out from swimming for the full 3-month period, you'll be doing your tattoo and yourself a great service, but don't sacrifice a vacation for the sake of a few-month-old tattoo. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. By Karen L. Avoid swimming—whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean—and submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub for two to three weeks, though; this may cause serious damage. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. No shaving , either. After a few days, you'll notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing.

Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly done tattoo, but a little is normal, and there's no need to panic. Apply warm, moist compresses to the scabs for about five minutes two or three times a day to soften the scabs, and they will eventually come off on their own. Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab; wait for it to dry. Your tattoo will start to itch as it heals, just like a sunburn. It might peel more, too. Whatever you do, don't pick or scratch!

If the skin itches, slap it. Your tattoo is almost healed. Why ruin it? After your tattoo is healed, you should always protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast.

Make it a habit to protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock anytime you plan to be outside for any length of time. This will go a long way in keeping your tattoo vibrant for many years. Burkemper NM. Contact dermatitis, patch testing, and allergen avoidance.

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These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Your tattoo may look and feel healed within a few days — at least on the surface.

Most tattoo artists consider the tattoo healed within 2—4 weeks, but that can vary with the location and size of the piece. A tattoo can take as long as 6 months to heal completely. Things like your lifestyle and how diligent you are with aftercare can also impact healing time.

A waterproof dressing, like Saniderm , can protect your new tattoo if you have to submerge it. Make sure your tattoo is completely covered. Keeping a healing tattoo covered can interfere with the healing process so the less time you do it, the better. Pat your skin dry before removing the bandage to keep the water from running over it. Then, remove the bandage carefully and gently wash the tattoo using mild soap and warm water. Some redness, tenderness , and peeling are normal in the first couple of days after getting a tattoo.

But if these things continue or worsen, it could indicate a problem. See your tattoo artist if you notice signs of tattoo degradation, like bubbling , which happens when a new tattoo stays wet for too long.

Fading and scarring are also possible. See a healthcare professional right away if you develop any signs and symptoms of an infection, including:. Swimming with fresh ink is a no-no for a good reason. Doing it could interfere with your healing process and ruin your tattoo — not to mention increase your chances of getting an infection.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. It's fine to take a shower with a new tattoo, but you'll want to take a few precautions. Tattoo aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. Learn how to care for your tattoo, what to expect in the first month, the signs of infection….