How long does it take for a tattoo to heal completely? What should you keep in mind during the healing process? Can you 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 a tattoo is fully healed.
Table of Contents
- What to keep in mind regarding tattoo healing after getting a tattoo
- How long does a tattoo itch while it's healing?
- How long does the skin remain scabbed over while a tattoo is healing?
- How long should I avoid exercising while my tattoo is healing?
- When is the tattoo healing process complete?
- Conclusion
What to keep in mind regarding tattoo healing after getting a tattoo
Every tattoo goes through different stages of the healing process, which depends on the tattoo’s size and colors, as well as your skin type, lifestyle, and physical condition. Therefore, the healing process for every tattoo is unique.
In general, right after getting a tattoo, it feels like a scrape, causing a burning sensation, possibly some bleeding, and the release of wound fluid. After getting inked, the tattoo is covered with plastic wrap, which you can remove after a few hours. After removing the film, you should handle the freshly inked tattoo very carefully. To help the tattoo heal, it should be kept covered and not exposed to direct sunlight. Swimming, sports, and saunas are strictly prohibited. Sweat and bacteria in pool water can make the tattoo heal more slowly and lead to inflammation.
Around the second day of the tattoo healing process, a scab forms over the tattoo. The outermost layers of the skin begin the healing process and protect the skin as it heals further. The tattoo is still very sensitive, so it should not be touched and should be kept clean.
How long does a tattoo itch while it's healing?
Itching is a natural part of the tattoo healing process. Sometimes the tattoo itches more, sometimes less. The good news is that itching is a sign that the body is actively healing. Obviously, you should avoid scratching the tattoo at all costs, as this can disrupt the healing process or even lead to infection.
Since the scab acts as a protective layer and helps the skin heal, you should avoid rubbing it. Prolonged bathing is just as counterproductive, as water softens the scab, allowing bacteria to penetrate the tattoo and cause inflammation.
How long does the skin remain scabbed over while a tattoo is healing?
During the second week of the tattoo healing process, the scab gradually falls off 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, only the outer layer of skin has regenerated so far. The deeper layers of skin are still healing, which is why swimming and bathing should be avoided. Nevertheless, light physical activity is permitted again as long as it does not affect the tattoo.
How long should I avoid exercising while my tattoo is healing?
Since every tattoo takes a different amount of time to heal, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In general, however, you can expect the top layer of skin to have healed after about three weeks, at which point you’ll be able to resume exercising.
Nevertheless, you should avoid sports that could irritate the tattoo. It is also important to protect yourself from direct sunlight while exercising, as the new, thin layer of skin cannot adequately protect itself from UV radiation. The tattoo should be cleaned and moisturized before and after exercise.
You should avoid going to the sauna for about a month after getting the tattoo.
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When is the tattoo healing process complete?
The tattoo healing process is already relatively advanced after about four weeks: Your tattoo looks healed and the skin feels smooth again. Still, 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.
Your tattoo should be fully healed after about six months: All layers of skin will have healed completely, and the tattoo ink will have been absorbed by the skin. Now you can treat the tattoo just like the rest of your skin. You should always make sure to protect your skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen, and this applies to tattooed skin as well.
Conclusion
Every tattoo heals differently, just as 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 clean it properly, avoid any sports that could damage the scab, and refrain from swimming and taking long baths!