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After you get a tattoo, you may be wondering when it’s okay to go swimming. Here’s a look at when you can hit the pool or ocean after getting inked.
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Introduction
It’s finally warm outside and you’re ready to show off your new tattoo. You’ve waited months to get inked, and now that it’s done, you want to enjoy all the activities summer has to offer—including swimming. But is it safe to go for a dip?
Most tattoo artists will give you aftercare instructions that include keeping your tattoo clean and dry for a certain period of time, typically two to three weeks. This is to allow the tattoo time to heal and the ink time to set.
Once your tattoo is completely healed, you can swim—but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, chlorinated water can cause your tattoo to fade more quickly than normal. Second, salt water can be drying and even irritating to a new tattoo. And finally, bacteria in bodies of water can lead to infection.
To protect your tattoo while swimming, apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before getting in the water. This will help shield your skin—and your tattoo—from the sun’s harmful rays. You should also avoid swimming in hot tubs, lakes, and rivers for the first four weeks after getting your tattoo
What to Expect After You Get a Tattoo
You’ve finally done it. You took the plunge and got that tattoo you’ve been wanting. Now what? The first few days after getting a tattoo are the most important in the healing process. Here’s what you need to know to keep your tattoo looking its best.
After getting a tattoo, your skin will be sensitive, sore, and red. You may see some bleeding and bruising, and your tattoo will ooze clear or yellow fluid called plasma. All of this is normal and will resolve with time. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You should also avoid direct sunlight and pools for at least 2 weeks while your tattoo heals.
In the first 24-48 hours after getting a tattoo, you need to:
-Keep the area clean with mild soap and water
-Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment 3-5 times per day
-Wrap the area with a sterile gauze bandage or plastic wrap
-Change the bandage once per day or as needed
After 48 hours, you can:
-Stop using antibiotic ointment but continue to wash the area with mild soap and water
-Apply a light layer of lotion 3-5 times per day
-Continue to avoid direct sunlight and pools for 2 weeks
If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo, be sure to contact your tattoo artist or healthcare provider.
How Soon Can I Go Swimming After I Get a Tattoo?
It’s very important to keep your tattoo clean and dry for at least the first week, but ideally for two weeks. This means no swimming, soaking, sweating, or sun exposure. All of these things can make your tattoo fade or become infected.
If you do get your tattoo wet, wash it with clean water and pat it dry. Use a mild soap if necessary. Avoid hot tubs, pools, lakes, and ocean water until your tattoo is healed.
Once your tattoo is healed, you can swim as usual. just be sure to apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from the sun’s rays.
What If I Get My Tattoo Wet Before It Heals?
If you get your tattoo wet before it healed, it can cause the ink to start to bleed out of your skin. This will cause your tattoo to fade and may even lead to an infection. So, it’s important to wait until your tattoo is completely healed before going swimming or taking a bath.
How Can I Protect My Tattoo When I Go Swimming?
It’s finally summertime, and that means swimming! Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool, going to the beach, or just laying out in the sun, you want to make sure your tattoo is protected.
The sun is one of the biggest threats to your tattoo. Not only can it fade the color of your tattoo, but it can also cause burns. To protect your tattoo, make sure you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously and often, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Salt water and chlorine can also damage your tattoo. They can cause the ink to fade and might even lead to an infection. To protect your tattoo, cover it with a waterproof bandage before you get in the water. You should also avoid hot tubs and anything else that might have harsh chemicals.
If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your tattoo this summer, talk to your tattoo artist or doctor. They will be able to give you more specific advice on how to take care of your tattoo.
Conclusion
After you get a tattoo, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry. You should avoid swimming for at least two weeks, or until your tattoo is healed. When your tattoo is healed, you can swim, but be sure to protect your tattoo from the sun with sunscreen.
