Introduction
After getting a new tattoo, many people wonder if they can swim without causing any harm or damaging the tattoo. It’s understandable to be concerned about this since swimming is a common summer activity and getting a tattoo is a significant investment. If you’ve recently got a tattoo and want to know if swimming is safe and when it is safe to do so, read on for some tips and advice.
The Dos and Don’ts of Swimming After a Tattoo: What You Need to Know
Swimming after getting a tattoo can put your new ink at risk, but there are ways to make sure your tattoo stays safe. Here are some recommendations for what to do and not do:
Do
- Wait for your tattoo to fully heal before going swimming.
- Clean and moisturize the tattoo before and after swimming.
- Cover the tattoo with a waterproof bandage or wrap before swimming to keep it dry.
Don’t
- Swim in chlorinated or saltwater pools, hot tubs, lakes, or any water source that may contain bacteria.
- Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and damage.
- Scratch, rub, or touch the tattoo while swimming.
Why You Should Avoid Swimming After Getting a Tattoo: A Professional’s Advice
To get additional insight on this subject, we talked to a tattoo artist from LA Ink Tattoo Studio, who shared his professional perspective on this topic. According to him, avoiding swimming after getting a tattoo is essential to prevent infection, slow healing times, and fading.
“Swimming can cause the ink to be diluted or washed out of the tattoo, and exposure to chlorine or saltwater can cause irritation and delay in healing time” he said. “Furthermore, swimming in open water can expose your tattoo to bacteria, which can be harmful.”
How Long Should You Wait Before Swimming After Getting a Tattoo?
The time it takes for a tattoo to heal before it is safe to swim varies depending on a few factors. A general guideline is to wait at least two weeks before submerging it in any water source. However, for larger tattoos, you may need to wait at least a month; that’s because they take longer to heal. Your tattoo artist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo and how long to wait before your next swimming session. If you take the right steps, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Protecting Your New Ink: The Risks of Swimming Too Soon After Your Tattoo
The risks of swimming too soon after getting a tattoo can be severe, and preventative measures are essential to prevent damage to the tattoo. Some of the threats include:
- Infection: Swimming in a bacteria-filled environment can cause your tattoo to become infected.
- Irritation: Chlorine and saltwater cause irritation to the skin and can cause the tattoo to fade.
- Fading: Direct sunlight can cause the tattoo to fade and lose crisp lines and vibrant colors.
To prevent these risks, make sure you keep your tattoo bandaged with a waterproof barrier such as plastic wrap or waterproof adhesive bandages before going swimming. You can also reapply sunscreen to protect the area around the tattoo.
Swimming With a Fresh Tattoo: What Happens and How to Avoid It
If you disobey the rules of swimming after getting a tattoo, you may develop complications that could interfere with healing and cause your tattoo damage. Here are some of the consequences:
- Bleeding: Submerging your new tattoo in water too soon after getting inked will cause blood and plasma to come out of the tattoo and mix with the water.
- Scabbing: If a scab forms, it could lift away with water and cause the tattoo ink to come out as well.
- Fading: If you expose your tattoo to water and sunlight too soon, it can cause the colors of the tattoo to fade or run.
To avoid these problems, keep the tattoo clean and apply an unscented moisturizer or ointment to the tattooed area 2-3 times daily to keep the skin hydrated.
The Truth About Going Swimming After Getting a Tattoo: What Your Artist Might Not Have Told You
There are various myths around swimming after getting a tattoo. Here are a few popular misconceptions:
- Swimming will ruin your tattoo completely – While it may cause some damage, swimming doesn’t ruin your tattoo entirely if you follow proper care instructions.
- Getting a water-resistant tattoo is possible – While some inks may last longer than others, no tattoo is entirely waterproof.
- The size of the tattoo doesn’t matter – Larger tattoos take longer to heal, and therefore require more healing time than smaller tattoos.
Following the correct aftercare steps when getting a tattoo is crucial to prevent infections and long-term damage to the tattoo. It’s essential to get appropriate care and direction from a reputable tattoo artist. However, while it’s always good to listen to your artist’s advice, you must do your research and take your own precautions against potential risks of swimming with a fresh tattoo.
Conclusion
It’s natural to want to go swimming soon after getting a new tattoo, but it is imperative to avoid submerging the tattoo in water before it heals. As outlined, there are several risks you could expose your skin to that could interfere with the healing process and cause damage to your tattoo. Remember to listen to your tattoo artist and follow the recommendations discussed in this article, and you should be okay. With patience, care, and proper advice, you can go back to swimming with a stunning piece of art on your skin.
