Summer is usually the perfect time to go out for a swim and show some skin. However, it might be the ideal time for you, especially if you’ve just got your skin inked. So, what happens if you must take a dip with a fresh tattoo?
Why you shouldn’t swim with a fresh tattoo
It would be best to wait until your tattoo is completely healed before swimming because there are certain risks involved with submerging an open wound in the water for a long time.
Your skin could get exposed to harmful germs and bacteria in the water, and this could cause even more severe infections and health problems.
You might think that because pools have chlorine, the risk of getting infections is lower than in the sea; however, this is not the case. Pools are just as dangerous for your ink. Soaking your inked skin in chlorine water might cause skin irritations and damage your tattoo. Chlorine and salt water are known to discolor and fade inks to make your tattoo less vivid.
A tattoo could take up to 2 to 4 weeks to heal, depending on the size, location, and how well you take care of it. However, if you must swim with your ink before it is completely healed, then there are preventive measures to protect your skin and your tattoo.
How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming?
- Wrap the inked area in a plastic wrap
Although experts advise against swimming with a new tattoo, if you must swim, then wrapping your skin with plastic wrap is an excellent way to waterproof your tattoo.
A plastic wrap like a cling film will keep your tattoo dry when swimming. Apply an ointment to the inked area to moisturize it, then place a gauze pad over it before finally covering the area with the plastic wrap. Doing this will lower the risk of exposing your tattoo to infections.
Though plastic wrap is a great way to waterproof a tattoo for swimming, do not forget to take it off immediately after you get out of the water, clean the inked area, apply ointment and leave it to dry because your skin needs to breathe for it to heal faster.
- Apply medical adhesive
A medical adhesive like Saniderm is perfect for dressing a new tattoo before going for a swim. The adhesive ensures your tattoed skin remains waterproofed and can stay intact on your skin for about 12- 24 hours. However, removing the glue immediately after you get out of the water is advisable because the less it stays on your skin, the quicker you can heal.
Once you remove the adhesive, wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water, pat it dry, then apply ointment to the area.
- Use a liquid tattoo sealant.
SkinLock is one such sealant brand that you can use to waterproof your tattoo before going for a swim. When you apply the SkinLock sealant spray, a thin transparent coating is created over your tattoo; hence, a secondary dressing is not needed.
The sealant is easy to apply and takes less time to dry to form a thin coating leaving the skin moisturized and bacteria-free. The glue will come off on its own after a couple of days.
Aftercare steps to follow for the faster healing of your tattoo
- Do not cover your tattoo for long; when you remove the surgical wrap off your tattoo, let it breathe so that the healing process can accelerate
- Do not touch your tattoo with dirty hands. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water before you can touch your tattoo to avoid the risk of infections.
- Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap to keep it clean and reduce the risk of bacterial and germ infections.
- Always wear sunscreen over your tattoo to protect it from UV rays; you can also wear clothes that cover your tattooed areas to lessen the sun’s exposure to your skin.
- For the first 2 to 4 weeks, avoid taking long baths or swimming to benefit your health.
The bottom line
If you want to avoid exposing your tattoo to bacterial and germ infections, it is better to avoid swimming entirely. However, if you must swim, make sure you learn how to waterproof a tattoo and take the necessary measures before and after you take a dip.
