Is salt water bad for a new tattoo?

Salt and ocean water is just as harmful to new tattoos. Just like chlorine, the water can increase the risk of infection and fading, while the salt will dry out the skin and prolong the healing process.

Why shouldn’t you go to the beach with a new tattoo?

Submerging the tattoo in any sort of water can lead to the risk of harmful bacteria interacting with the opened skin. Swimming in the ocean heightens these chances as the ocean is often filled with millions of forms of bacteria.

How long after a tattoo can I go in the sun?

At the very least, make sure not to expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for the first month of having it—especially the first two weeks. Not only will sun exposure cause the tattoo’s colors to fade, as previously mentioned, but it may also burn your skin and scar it from sun damage.

How do I protect my new tattoo at the beach?

That said, if you find yourself going to the beach after getting a new tattoo, use these tips to take care of your fresh tat.

1. Avoid water (sorry). No swimming, soaking, or putting your tattoo directly under a water stream.
2. Wear sunscreen.
3. Cover your tattoo.
4. Wear loose clothing.
5. Cleanse the tattoo site when you get home.

Can I go to the beach 3 weeks after getting a tattoo?

Frolicking on the beach or at your local pool may seem like the perfect opp to show of some fresh ink, but don’t bust out the swimwear just yet. You should wait for your tattoo to fully heal — which can take at least 2 to 4 weeks — before swimming in any kind of water.

Is it a bad idea to get a tattoo in the summer?

You may have had people warn you against getting a tattoo in the summer, saying it’s dangerous. The truth is that it’s not dangerous as long as you go into your appointment prepared and with an adequate aftercare plan that involves staying hydrated, avoiding the sun, and staying out of the pool.

Can sand infect a tattoo?

Dirt, sweat, sand, sun, water – all of these can possibly lead to infection. Keeping your fresh tattoo clean and covered should be your #1 priority.

Can a tattoo get wet?

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it. It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers only and not a cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.

How do you hide a tattoo on the beach?

Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Learn more about how to choose the right sunscreen here. Cover your tattoo. Wrap your tattoo site with gauze and tape.

How long before you can swim with a new tattoo?

How Long Before You Can Swim With a New Tattoo? Most of the time, a tattoo needs to fully heal before you can safely swim. How long that takes varies from person to person, but many tattoo artists recommend anywhere from two to four weeks. When you get a tattoo, you’ll be sent home with a bandage over it.

Is it safe to go to the beach with a tattoo?

But hang on: fresh ink, bright sun, and salty water are a cocktail you won’t want to sip. If you’re not careful, beach days may both damage your new tat *and* put you at risk for infection and complications—and some of them are life-threatening. In general, dermatologists say that tattoos can be safe with proper care.

Can you take a bath after getting a tattoo?

Skip baths and avoid workouts that cause you to get super sweaty, like hot yoga. “If you’re sweating excessively, the drips can carry germs into the open tattoo,” says Jaliman. Bottom line: Don’t swim or submerge your tattoo in water for at least four weeks after getting it.

What should I do after I get a tattoo?

When you get a tattoo, you’ll be sent home with a bandage over it. After a few hours, you can likely remove the bandage and wash off the excess blood and ink. Use your hands to gently wash it with light warm water and antibacterial soap, then let it air dry in a clean environment and apply the aftercare cream.