How long does it take for a tattoo to heal completely? What are the most important things to keep in mind during the healing process, and is it actually okay to exercise with a fresh tattoo? Every tattoo goes through different stages of healing. Below, we explain what you should definitely keep in mind during the healing process and when the tattoo is fully healed.
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What to keep in mind for tattoo healing after getting inked
Every tattoo goes through different stages during the healing process. The healing process depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, your skin type, your lifestyle, and your overall physical condition. Therefore, the healing process for every tattoo is unique.
In general, every tattoo feels like a scrape at first after getting inked—it stings, may bleed a little, and produces some fluid. After the procedure, the tattoo is covered with plastic wrap, which you can remove after a few hours. After removing the wrap, you should handle your freshly inked tattoo with great care. To support the healing process, the tattoo should be kept very clean and not exposed to direct sunlight. Swimming, sports, and saunas are strictly prohibited. Sweat and bacteria in pool water could hinder the healing process and lead to inflammation.
Around the second day of the tattoo healing process, a scab forms over the tattoo. The top layers of skin begin the healing process and seal the skin off for the next stages of healing. The tattoo is still very sensitive, so it should not be touched and should be kept clean.
How long does a tattoo itch during the healing process?
Itching is a normal part of the tattoo healing process. Sometimes the tattoo itches more, sometimes less. The good news is that the itching is a sign that your body is actively healing. Of course, you should definitely avoid scratching the tattoo, as this will disrupt the healing process. It could even cause the wound to become infected.
Since the scab acts as a protective layer and helps the skin heal, you should avoid rubbing it. Long baths are just as counterproductive, because the water softens the scab, allowing bacteria to penetrate the tattoo and cause an infection.
How long does the skin remain scabbed over while a tattoo is healing?
During the second week of the tattoo healing process, the scab slowly begins to peel away, and a new layer of skin becomes visible. However, this new layer of skin is still very delicate and should therefore be treated with care. Furthermore, this is only the top layer of skin that has already regenerated. The lower layers of skin are still in the process of healing, which is why you should continue to avoid swimming and bathing. Light physical activity is, however, permitted again, provided it does not interfere with the tattoo.
How long should I avoid exercising while my tattoo is healing?
Since every tattoo heals at a different pace, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Generally speaking, though, you can expect the top layer of skin to have healed after about three weeks, at which point you can resume exercising.
However, you should avoid sports that might irritate the tattoo. It’s also important to protect yourself from direct sunlight while exercising, as the new, thin layer of skin cannot adequately shield itself from UV rays. You should clean and moisturize the tattoo before and after exercising.
You should avoid going to the sauna for about a month after getting your tattoo.
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When is the tattoo fully healed?
After about four weeks, the tattoo healing process is already well underway: your tattoo looks healed, and the skin feels smooth again. But be careful: the underlying layers of skin still need some time to heal completely. However, you no longer need to take special care of the tattoo.
After about six months, your tattoo should be fully healed: all layers of the skin will have healed completely, and the ink will have been absorbed by the skin. Now you can treat the tattoo just like the rest of your skin. As a general rule, you should always make sure to protect your skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen—this applies to tattooed skin as well.
Conclusion
Every tattoo heals differently, since every person and every tattoo is unique. Generally speaking, you can expect a tattoo to be fully healed after six months. After getting a tattoo, make sure to keep the area clean, avoid any sports that might disturb the scab, and refrain from swimming or taking baths!