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If you just got a freshtattoo, your artist likely gave you extensiveaftercareinstructions.
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The latter is especially important if you want your ink to heal correctly.
Ahead, experts explain what to keep in mind when it comes to moisture and your new body art.
How long after a tattoo can you swim?
Wash with agentle cleanserand rinse with a gentle stream of water, she says.
Try not to use direct water pressure on the new tattoo.
She recommends cleansers that are hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free, such as ones byEucerin,La Roche-Posay, andCeraVe.
It should feel like your normal skin, continues Dr. Murphy-Rose.
For the first few days after getting a tattoo, its normal for it to be sore and reddened.
It is very important to keep the site covered with ointment to relieve these symptoms.
She notes often the final step in the healing process is a peeling or shedding.
What happens if you swim while your tattoo is healing?
Water can be contaminated and increases risks to a healing tattoo, she says.
Infections increase the risk of scarring, ruining a tattoo, and may slow healing.
Dr. Shirazi echoes this.
Valentine adds that swimming can also affect the final result of your tattoo.
What should you do if you accidentally submerge a new tattoo?
Dr. Shirazi recommends cleansing it with a gentle cleanser, patting it dry, and applying ahealing ointmentfromAquaphororCeraVe.
Considering the consequences, its best to avoid it altogether until it has fully healed.
(She suggestsDerm Shield by Recovery.)
This helps to rinse off any potential contaminants on the bandage and to clean the area.
Dr. Shirazi emphasizes that you dont want to cover the wound all the time.
Bandages have adhesives that can cause skin irritation with prolonged exposure."
The TL;DR
Skip the pool time until after your tattoo is completely healed.
Dont touch, scratch, or pick at it!
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