So, can you work out after getting a tattoo? As a general rule, it's recommended to wait 2-3 days before any high intensity training. Then, it's recommended to wait slowly with light exercise programs until the new tattoo is completely healed (2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo).
Wait at least 48 hours before partaking in any strenuous activity that has you sweating profusely, especially high-octane cardio and weight lifting. The pulling of skin as muscles expand and contract together with excessive sweat entering the area of your fresh tattoo can prove challenging to the healing process.
Since you're only human, some degree of sweating is to be expected. However, excessive sweating is not good during the first weeks after getting a new tattoo. As such, it's best to avoid activities that might make you too sweaty, at least for a couple of weeks.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
For smaller tattoos, give yourself at least 2 full days (to go for a run) for your skin to recover after getting tattooed. For medium and larger designs, wait 72 hours. Also listen to your body. If the skin still feels sensitive during casual movements (brushing teeth, walking up stairs, etc.)
Make sure to keep the tattoo covered (no need to re-wrap, your clothing should be fine), and wipe down any equipment you used during your workout. Sweat won't hurt your new tattoo, so don't worry about that. Just shower up when you are done with your workout.
Exercising before your tattoo is fine but you should avoid activities that drain your muscles and make you super sore. Anything that strains your muscles will make your tattoo process a lot more painful as your muscles will already be aching.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection.
#1 Wait 48h before any vigorous physical activity
Depending on the type and placement of your tattoo, most tattoo artists typically recommend waiting at least 48 hours before any vigorous physical activity.
As for gym attire, just cover your tattoo with loose fitting clothing for the first week to prevent any type of direct contact with anyone or anything, like laying on a bench.
If the tattooed area looks flawless with no signs of peeling, including thin dead skin cells that look like sunburn, then it's most likely healed.
It is not suggested to exercise with or without SecondSkin. If using SecondSkin, sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off prematurely. When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo.
After cleaning your tattoo, using a moisturizer is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare. Keeping the area moist will protect it from cracking, drying, and bleeding. Use a moisture-sealing product two to three times daily (every 8 to 10 hours) until the scabs have fully healed.
Tattoo touch-ups can only take place once your tattoo is fully healed (anywhere between 4 weeks to 6 months). Touching up a tattoo before it has had the chance to heal will only aggravate and further implicate the artwork. Touch-ups have the same healing protocol as initial tattoos.
However, most professional tattoo artists suggest that you wait a minimum of 48-72 hours before resuming vigorous activity and heavy sweating. This would include exercises such as running, strenuous indoor cycling workouts, high-intensity resistance training, swimming, vigorous elliptical or stair climber use, etc.
DO NOT sweat excessively- this can push ink out and weaken the adhesive- sweat will collect under the Saniderm and smell bad and clog your sweat glands resulting in bumpy skin, raised scarred tissue, color loss, and possible infection.
Sunscreen only damages freshly tattooed skin because the act of tattooing penetrates the epidermis and exposes the skin's sensitive dermis layer.. However, it is okay to use sunscreen after 4 to 6 weeks of getting a tattoo. It is crucial to use sunscreen after this period to protect and moisturize your skin.
A glass of wine won't necessarily ruin your fresh ink with excessive bleeding, but we advise waiting a couple of days to have a drink to celebrate your freshly tattooed skin. Lengthening your healing time can make your tattoo more prone to infection since the scabs can't protect it as quickly.
Can You Drink Caffeine After Getting a Tattoo? Unfortunately, the same applies to after getting tatted. During the healing period, your body is reliant on the blood to clot to help with skin repair. Since caffeine increases blood pressure, you should refrain from caffeine until your tattoo has healed.
Even though the average tattoo needle is only poked ⅛ of an inch into the skin, some tattoo ink contains heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead. These ingredients can pose a threat to your developing baby, particularly in the first trimester when the main organs are developing.