How long does it take for a tattoo to heal completely? What should you pay attention to during tattoo healing, and can you actually do sport with a freshly engraved tattoo? Every tattoo healing process goes through different phases. In the following, we explain what you should definitely look out for during tattoo healing and when the tattoo is healed.
Table of contents
- What you should bear in mind for tattoo healing after getting a tattoo
- How long does a tattoo itch during the tattoo healing process?
- How long does the skin remain incrusted during tattoo healing?
- How long should I refrain from doing sports during the tattoo healing process?
- When is the tattoo healing process complete?
- Conclusion
What you should bear in mind for tattoo healing after getting a tattoo
Every tattoo healing goes through different phases in the healing process. The healing process depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors, the skin type, the lifestyle and your physical condition. Therefore, every tattoo healing is an individual process.
In general, every tattoo initially feels like an abrasion after being pierced, which burns, may bleed a little and produces wound fluid. After getting inked, the tattoo is covered with cling film, which you can remove after a few hours. After removing the foil, you should handle the freshly engraved tattoo very carefully. To help the tattoo heal, the tattoo should now be kept very clean and not exposed to direct sunlight. Swimming, sports or saunas are completely forbidden. Sweat and bacteria in swimming pool water could make tattoo healing more difficult and lead to inflammation.
Around the second day of the tattoo healing process, a crust forms on the tattoo. The uppermost layers of skin start the healing process and seal the skin for the next steps of tattoo healing. The tattoo is still very sensitive and should not be touched and should be kept clean.
How long does a tattoo itch during the tattoo healing process?
Part of the tattoo healing process is the itching of the tattoo. Sometimes the tattoo itches more, sometimes less. The good thing is that the itching of the tattoo is a signal that the body is actively healing. Of course, you should avoid scratching the tattoo at all costs, as this interrupts the tattoo healing process. Or the wound may even become infected.
As the crust is a kind of protective layer and helps the skin to heal, rubbing against the crust should be avoided. Prolonged bathing is just as counterproductive, as the water softens the crust so that bacteria can penetrate the tattoo and lead to inflammation.
How long does the skin remain incrusted during tattoo healing?
In the second week of the tattoo healing process, the crust is slowly removed and a new layer of skin becomes visible. However, this new layer of skin is still very fresh and should therefore be treated with care. Moreover, it is only the upper layer of skin that has already regenerated. The lower layers of skin are still in the process of healing, which is why swimming and bathing should still be avoided. However, light sporting activities are permitted again as long as they do not affect the tattoo.
How long should I refrain from doing sports during the tattoo healing process?
As every tattoo takes a different amount of time to heal, there is no general answer to this question. In general, however, it can be assumed that the upper layer of skin will have healed after around three weeks and you will be able to return to sport.
However, sports that could irritate the tattoo should be avoided. It is also important that you protect yourself from direct sunlight during sport, as the new, thin layer of skin cannot protect itself sufficiently from UV radiation. The tattoo should be cleaned and moisturized before and after sport.
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 around four weeks: Your tattoo looks healed and the skin feels even again. But be careful: the underlying skin layers still need a while to heal completely. However, you no longer need to take special care of the tattoo.
Your tattoo healing should be complete after around six months: All layers of skin have completely healed and the color has been absorbed by the skin. Now you can treat the tattoo like the rest of your skin. You should always make sure to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation with sun cream - this also applies to tattooed skin.
Conclusion
Every tattoo healing is individual, as every person and every tattoo is different. In general, it can be assumed that a tattoo will be completely healed after six months. After getting a tattoo, you should make sure you clean it properly, avoid any sport that could damage the crust and refrain from swimming and bathing extensively!