Summertime means showing more skin, and let's face it - if you have a new tattoo, you're probably looking forward to showing it off at the pool or beach. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but aside from the obvious dangers of exposing your pretty new tattoo to the sun, you should know that chlorine isn't exactly your friend either.
Unfortunately, even though tattoo infections are rare, exposing your new tattoo to chlorinated water is definitely putting you at risk. Just like oil and water don't mix well, the same goes for chlorine and new tattoos.
A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical that can be a real troublemaker. At best it can cause rashes and other irritations, at worst it can cause a nasty infection when the skin is still open and vulnerable.
Even if you are spared from an infection, chlorine is still no friend of a new tattoo. Namely, it leaches the ink from the tattoo, which will of course affect the vibrancy of the colors and appearance over time. Guess what: Chlorine isn't the only antagonist. You should also stay away from salt water for a short time. Just like chlorine, seawater increases the risk of infection, and the salt can dry out the skin and slow the healing process.
Now you probably want to know if you shouldn't jump in the water all summer long and expose your new tattoo. It's not all hopeless! Generally it is recommended to wait about 4 weeks to make sure everything has healed really well. Of course, if healing is progressing more slowly, you shouldn't jump into the pool yet.
More good news: Chlorine doesn't seem to harm your tattoo once it's healed and happy. If you're further along the path to healing and things are looking good, suit up, dive in and enjoy it without worry!
Honestly, if you're still in the planning stages or have booked an appointment but haven't gotten a new tattoo yet, you might want to reschedule until after Labor Day and then enjoy the rest of the summer without worry. But if it's too late to reschedule and your tattoo hasn't healed yet, now might be the perfect time to invest in a large beach umbrella, pick up a few Oprah's 2020 Best Beach Books, and get yourself safe and dry to keep.
Yes, it's a shame, especially because summer is so short - but think about the bigger picture. It's definitely worth taking extra care in the short term if you plan on being by the pool or beach for the first few weeks of healing, and then you'll still have endless summers to enjoy your tattoo.
Unfortunately, even though tattoo infections are rare, exposing your new tattoo to chlorinated water is definitely putting you at risk. Just like oil and water don't mix well, the same goes for chlorine and new tattoos.
A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical that can be a real troublemaker. At best it can cause rashes and other irritations, at worst it can cause a nasty infection when the skin is still open and vulnerable.
Even if you are spared from an infection, chlorine is still no friend of a new tattoo. Namely, it leaches the ink from the tattoo, which will of course affect the vibrancy of the colors and appearance over time. Guess what: Chlorine isn't the only antagonist. You should also stay away from salt water for a short time. Just like chlorine, seawater increases the risk of infection, and the salt can dry out the skin and slow the healing process.
Now you probably want to know if you shouldn't jump in the water all summer long and expose your new tattoo. It's not all hopeless! Generally it is recommended to wait about 4 weeks to make sure everything has healed really well. Of course, if healing is progressing more slowly, you shouldn't jump into the pool yet.
More good news: Chlorine doesn't seem to harm your tattoo once it's healed and happy. If you're further along the path to healing and things are looking good, suit up, dive in and enjoy it without worry!
Honestly, if you're still in the planning stages or have booked an appointment but haven't gotten a new tattoo yet, you might want to reschedule until after Labor Day and then enjoy the rest of the summer without worry. But if it's too late to reschedule and your tattoo hasn't healed yet, now might be the perfect time to invest in a large beach umbrella, pick up a few Oprah's 2020 Best Beach Books, and get yourself safe and dry to keep.
Yes, it's a shame, especially because summer is so short - but think about the bigger picture. It's definitely worth taking extra care in the short term if you plan on being by the pool or beach for the first few weeks of healing, and then you'll still have endless summers to enjoy your tattoo.
