It’s summer. The pool is calling. The lake is calling. Your friends are already halfway to the beach.

And you just got tattooed.

So, naturally, one of the most common questions we hear is:

Can I swim with Saniderm® on?

The short answer? Saniderm® is waterproof, but that doesn’t mean we recommend taking your fresh tattoo for a swim.

There’s a pretty big difference between getting your Saniderm wet and submerging a brand-new tattoo underwater for an extended period of time.

Let’s break it down.

Saniderm® Is Waterproof

First, the good news.

Saniderm® is a medical-grade, waterproof and breathable tattoo bandage designed to protect your fresh tattoo during those critical early days of healing.

That means normal everyday water exposure isn’t a problem.

Showering? Yep.

Getting caught in the rain? You're good.

Working up a little sweat? Saniderm was made for real life.

You don’t have to spend your healing week walking around terrified of every drop of water that comes near you.

But there is one important rule:

Waterproof Does Not Mean “Go Soak It.”

A properly applied Saniderm® bandage creates a protective barrier over your tattoo. Extended exposure to water, however, can begin to compromise the adhesive around the edges.

Once that seal is compromised, outside water and contaminants may be able to work their way underneath the bandage.

And if outside water gets under your Saniderm?

That protective environment isn’t so protective anymore.

What About Swimming Pools?

This is where we tell you to hang out poolside for a little while longer.

Even though Saniderm® itself is waterproof, swimming means prolonged submersion, movement, water pressure and exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals.

All of those things can work against the adhesive and your healing tattoo.

A quick splash around the edge of the pool is very different from spending an hour doing your best Olympic backstroke.

If your tattoo is still healing, skip the actual swimming.

Ocean, Lake or River?

Same answer.

Natural bodies of water introduce another concern: bacteria and other microorganisms.

Your tattoo may look incredible, but right now your skin is still healing. Protect it accordingly.

Keep the Saniderm® on as directed by your artist and enjoy the beach, boat or lake day without turning your fresh tattoo into a marine biology experiment.

There will be plenty of time to swim once it’s healed.

And Hot Tubs?

Hard no.

Hot tubs combine prolonged soaking, high temperatures, chemicals and an environment you absolutely do not want interacting with a fresh tattoo.

The heat can also weaken Saniderm's adhesive and potentially compromise the seal.

Your new tattoo deserves better than hot-tub soup.

Give it time.

What About Showering?

Absolutely.

This is one of the everyday conveniences Saniderm® was designed for.

You can shower while wearing your bandage. Just avoid extremely hot water, marathon showers and blasting the bandage directly with high-pressure water for an extended period.

Get in. Get clean. Admire the new tattoo in the mirror approximately 37 times. Get out.

Easy.

Can I Work Out and Sweat With Saniderm®?

Normal movement and some perspiration are generally much easier for Saniderm® to handle than soaking underwater.

The flexible bandage moves with your body and helps protect your tattoo from outside contaminants.

Still, use some common sense during those first healing days. Heavy sweating, repetitive movement and friction from clothing or gym equipment can weaken the adhesive or cause an edge to lift.

If the seal becomes compromised, it’s time to address the bandage rather than pretending you didn't see it.

The Saniderm® Water Rule

Here’s the easiest way to remember all of this:

WET = generally okay.

SOAKED = nope.

Shower? Yes.

Sweat? Generally, yes.

Rain? You're fine.

Bath? Wait.

Pool? Wait.

Ocean or lake? Wait.

Hot tub? Absolutely wait.

Your tattoo is going to be with you a whole lot longer than this summer, vacation, pool party or lake weekend.

Give it the time it needs to heal properly.

Protect the art now. Show it off later.

Elevate Your Art ™
#healwithsaniderm