Last Updated on August 21, 2022 by jordan Nelson
For me, getting a tattoo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dream ink has a unique quality that can not be replicated. But if you are a swimmer, there are some things to keep in mind before getting back in the water. So, I tried telling my swim coach that the tattoo artist recommended keeping out of the water for two weeks. But, I was back in the water with my new ink after only two days.
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Regardless of whether you are a recreational swimmer or a professional athlete, these tattoo care recommendations must be followed. That is why, to learn which tattoo care treatments worked and which didn’t, I experimented with all of them.
How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming?
If you recently got a new tattoo like me, your skin is still inflamed and vulnerable, like a raw wound. The ideal situation is that the only time it gets wet is when you clean around it or take a shower.
Experts, on the other hand, recommend that you avoid all aquatic activities until your skin has fully healed. You may need to go swimming at this time.
You may be in physical treatment, rehab, or dealing with an emergency at this time. It doesn’t matter why you’re having this issue; there are a few interim remedies available.
To learn more about how to make a tattoo waterproof so that it can be worn while swimming, read on.
1. Wrap the tattoo in a plastic bag and secure it.
Plastic wrap is recommended by tattoo artists to protect your new ink. For the first couple of nights, it is a terrific way to sleep comfortably with your new tattoo while it is still drying out. I used this method and found it effective.
Just make sure you use a light moisturizer or ointment first. After that, use gauze or a paper towel to cover the wound. They work together to create an impenetrable barrier to moisture, preventing it from damaging your skin.
To put it simply, it is an excellent approach to preventing infection and speeding up healing. However, the less plastic wrap you use to cover up your tattoo, the better it will be.
Keep in mind that your skin has to be able to breathe to return to its normal state.
2. Apply a Medical Sealant on the Plastic.
Doctors use medical sealants to close wounds and keep them from getting infected again. Because of this, they’re a one-stop shop for waterproofing new tattoos.
- Aside from the fact that it takes less than a minute to apply, the best part is that it works.
- For even coverage, use 3–4 coats each day, three times a day if necessary.
- After a few days, the sealer will come off on its own. This should allow the skin to heal properly without compromising the tattoo’s quality.
3. Swimming in Loose Clothes is Always Recommended
A loose-fitting, water-friendly outfit was recommended by my tattoo artist. To avoid discomfort, I chose loose clothing made of water-friendly materials. It was not only secure but comfortable as well. It is also important that the clothes do not get easily wet. You can preserve your skin and cover up a tattoo with this method.
Hack #1: Use a waterproof concealer:
A waterproof tattoo concealer that matches your skin tone can be purchased. There is a concealer that will keep the tattoo from being exposed to moisture. This concealer can be applied in multiple layers to keep you entirely safe in the water.
4. Vaseline Alternatives That Aren’t Harmful
Using Vaseline or petroleum jelly as part of your tattoo aftercare is not recommended. For starters, it suffocates and traps moisture.
As a result, it can cause skin irritations by trapping dirt and germs. In the case of new tattoos, for example, it can sometimes do more harm than benefit.
A few alternatives to Vaseline for waterproofing your skin art are available, such as the ones listed below:
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Skin cream specifically made for tattoo aftercare
- Shea butter
- Alcohol-free, fragrance-free skin moisturizer, like Eucerin or Lubriderm
After washing and drying your skin gently, it is the ideal way to use any of these replacements. It is best to apply a thin coating 3–4 times per day.
Hack #2: Use a waterproof lipstick:
Because it contrasts with your tattoo’s dark tone, a dark color like red is essential. Your tattoo will have a more neutral appearance as a result. Your skin will appear more natural thanks to the shade you choose. In addition, it is quite easy to adhere to the skin. So, before you go into the water, be sure to coat your lips well with lipstick.
Is it harmful to swim in the pool with your tattoo?
Chlorine is used in swimming pools to keep them clear of algae and bacteria. Nevertheless, the skin around your tattoo may get inflamed due to chlorine’s irritating properties as a chemical.
Rashes, itching, and redness may result as a result of this.
Chlorine is a stain remover that you should be aware of. As a result, the tattoo may be ruined by chlorine and appear dull or washed out.
Is it harmful to swim in the sea with your tattoo?
You are probably thinking that the ocean is better for your skin because it does not contain any hazardous chemicals. After all, is not that what nature intended? Wrong! Why?
- Seawater and ocean water aren’t sterile. Using it can cause your skin to become red and inflamed since it includes microorganisms that can irritate it.
- To make matters worse, even if you don’t drink the water, the salt in it will irritate your skin.
How to shower with my new tattoo?
Exactly what I was looking for.
For a waterproof bandage, you can take a shower 3 or 4 hours after obtaining a new tattoo.
However, there are some exceptional variables to consider.
● Seek medical advice
The best course of action is to heed the counsel of your tattoo artist. They’ll be able to tell you how long to leave the bandage on and whether or not you can wash the affected region.
● Avoid long submersion
There are a few considerations to make when using the bathroom shower. There should be no running water or underwater submersion of the new tattoo for a long length of time. The use of a sponge or loofah is also out of the question until the wound is fully healed.
● Use fragrance-free soap
Use a moderate, fragrance-free soap and cool or lukewarm water to thoroughly clean the affected area. Avoid products with alcohol or other chemicals, as these can dry out the skin and cause it to peel.
● Apply aftercare cream
After you get out of the shower, gently pat the tattooed area with a clean towel. Finally, apply the aftercare cream provided by your tattoo artist and leave it alone.
When Is It OK To Go Swimming With a New Tattoo?
Tattoos typically take 2 to 4 weeks to heal, although no two people are the same.
Some people, on the other hand, may not see any improvement in their skin for three months or more.
Most of the time, it depends on the size and nature of the tattoo and your skin type. Because of this, you mustn’t expose your fresh ink to chlorine or saltwater during this period.
Care- Tips for swimming with a Tattoo
You should take extra precautions to protect your tattooed skin before going swimming. If you’ve read through all of these mentions, you’ll be well on your way to having a safe time in the pool.
The tattoo parlor’s tattoo artist will ink you, and they’ll wrap it in a bandage to be extra cautious after they’re done with it.
There are a few things to keep in mind when washing your skin at home after a tattoo.
- When attempting to remove the ink from your skin, always use clean hands. In the absence of this, it may result in redness or irritation. Once you’ve applied the ink, you’ll need to wait for it to dry in a clean and safe setting for some time.
- Apply an after-cream just after you’re certain the ink has dried fully. Your skin will not dry out as a result of this.
- Do not pick at the tattoo or remove the scabs that have formed. You may further hurt your skin.
- The healing process can be slowed even more if you expose your skin to the sun’s rays directly. Whenever you’re going to go out in the sun, be sure to use sunblock on your tattoo as well. The healing process will begin as a result of this.
- You should only go swimming once you are certain that your tattoo has fully healed. Find out how to make a tattoo waterproof so that it can be worn while swimming.
How to protect your tattoo from harmful radiations from the Sun?
It’s not enough to know how to waterproof a tattoo so that it can be worn while swimming. In a place with a lot of sunlight, swimming isn’t the only thing you’ll be doing. You’ll also be spending a lot of time outside in the sun. Water and sunlight can damage your tattoo, therefore you must take precautions to avoid them. As a result, you may want to apply sunscreen to your skin before heading to the pool. Depending on the weather, you may want to reapply sunscreen every hour or two. Ensure that your sunscreen has the maximum SPF and is water-resistant before applying it to your skin. No oils should be present in the sunscreen.
Red Flags
If you have any of the following symptoms after swimming with a tattoo, you should seek medical attention immediately
- redness that persists or worsens
- the tattoo’s redness creeping outward
- touchable skin that is extremely warm to the touch
- significant or escalating discomfort
- an itchy, burning rash
- infected sores on and around the tattoo
- pus or a foul discharge from the ink
- bleeding\fever\chills
Frequently Asked Questions
If the tattoo is covered, can you swim with it?
The majority of the time, a tattoo needs to completely heal before you can go swimming. A tattoo might take anywhere from two to four weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the design. You’ll be sent home with a bandage covering your new tattoo after your appointment.
My tattoo has only been on my body for two weeks. Can I still go swimming with it?
You should wait at least two to four weeks before getting into the water with a freshly inked body part.
Is it possible to detect if a tattoo has fully healed?
Scabs are no longer visible, the skin where the tattoo was placed feels and looks the same as a similar surface, and your tattoo’s color hasn’t faded since it was first applied.
Is swimming with a week-old tattoo safe?
Waiting two weeks before swimming in the ocean or the pool is recommended by tattoo standards. This is because your tattoo is still an open wound and needs to be treated as such.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos can be waterproofed for swimming, so perhaps I have shared my experience of how to use this method. For the sake of your tattoo, I understand that you may want to show off your new art right away, but you’ll need to be patient. After allowing adequate healing time for the tattoo, you may next contemplate swimming.
After at least a month of healing, you can return to the pool with no more precautions. Before going swimming, make sure to secure any tattoos you may have. If you’re planning on going swimming, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your children safe.
