How to Waterproof a Tattoo for Swimming

Fresh tattoo ink needs protection until it heals properly; usually, it takes 3 to 4 weeks. But when swimming with new tattoos in water, you need to take extra care.

Although, swimming with a new tattoo on the beach or at a local pool is a big “no” because it can quickly dull the design or lose ink.

Even sometimes, it can lead to a serious skin infections. However, if you still want to swim, here are some effective tips on how to waterproof a tattoo for swimming. Taking these actions can help to protect fresh ink in water. 

How to Waterproof a Tattoo for Swimming

1 Use Waterproof Bandage

Although there is no proper way to fully waterproof a tattoo for swimming still, you can minimum avoid it.

And the best way to do it is to use a medical item called saniderm, available in different sizes. Using Sanaderm on the ink area for at least five days after getting a new tattoo design is recommended.

Because it helps to make the healing process relatively quick, before going into the water for swimming, cover your tattoo area with saniderm. And once you have done that, remove the bandage carefully. 

2 Apply Plastic Wrapper on Tattoo

It sounds quite like a funny idea, but covering the tattoo area with a plastic wrapper is a simple and easy way to protect tattoos during swimming.

To do that, wrap the ink area in plastic wrap tightly, so water can not enter it; this will keep the art design clean and dry in water. Again, once the swimming job is finished, remove the plastic wrapper. 

Swimming’s Aftercare Actions with Fresh Tattoo Ink

Wash Tattoo with Warm Water and Soap

Remove the bandage or plastic wrapper when you come out of the water. And then, gently clean your tattoo area with warm water and good antibacterial soap. 

Clean the Tattoo Area with a Towel

Once you’ve done cleaning the tattoo with warm water and mild soap, dry the affected skin with a clean towel. However, don’t rub the towel on the ink area. Otherwise, it can damage the appearance of the design. 

Apply Aftercare Cream 

After cleaning and drying the tattoo, it’s time to apply aftercare fragrance-free lotion or moisturizers like Hustle Butter Deluxe and CeraVe Healing Ointment. 

potential Danger Swiming in Water

Giving proper healing time to new tattoos is very important for your skin and body art. There are multiple things to which you should avoid exposing tattoos, like sunlight, water, dirt, etc.

And during the healing time, it is best to keep out of these things. Along with these dangers, swimming in water with fresh ink is a big problem. And here are some potential dangers if you swim with a brand new tattoo.  

Damage to Tattoo’s Appearance 

Soaking tattoos for a longer time in water can cause the ink to fade or lose quickly. And as a result, it will damage the appearance of the design because there is abundant salt and chlorine. 

So, it would be best to avoid swimming with a new tattoo because the chlorine in the pool and seawater drains away a color from fresh ink. In the end, the design looks dull.

Additionally, staying in water for a long time makes the skin dry and itchy. Remember, when swimming with a new tattoo, don’t stay in the water for more than 1 hour. 

Skin Irritation 

Getting new body art is a big exciting thing, but this comes with great discomfort, and skin irritation is one of them. But it is not a big problem like a skin infection and damaging tattoo appearance.

However, skin irritation can lead to both of these risks. And when new raw skin soaks in water, some chemicals can cause pain and irritants on tattoo. Therefore, it is advisable don’t swim with a fresh tattoo. 

Conclusion: 

You should avoid swimming with fresh tattoos until it heals entirely, but if there is no other choice. Then you should protect infected skin with a waterproof bandage or plastic wrapper before entering the water.

And once you finish the job, wash the tattoo area with warm water and good mild soap. Once you are done cleaning than dry it with a clean towel and apply some lotion or moisturizers.