Running with new tattoo

Running With New Tattoo: How to Keep Your Ink Looking Great

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Estimated read time: 4 minutes.

You just got a new tattoo and are eager to start running and showing it off. But before you do, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Running with a new tattoo can be tough on your ink, so you need to take some precautions.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your new tattoo looking great while you run:

  • Please don’t overdo it. Running with a new tattoo can be tough on your skin, so make sure to take it easy at first. Avoid long runs or strenuous workouts until your tattoo has healed.
  • Keep it clean. Sweat and bacteria can cause infection, so clean your tattoo regularly when running. Use a mild soap and cool water, and pat dry afterward (don’t rub it).
  • Protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can fade your tattoo, so cover up when running outdoors.

Why Do New Tattoos Need to Heal?

Your new tattoo is essentially a wound. And like any other wound, it needs time to heal correctly. Running before your tattoo has healed can cause the ink to come out and fade. It can also lead to infection. So make sure you give your tattoo at least 48 hours to heal before you start exercising.

The Healing Process Contains Three Stages

1) Days 1-6: In the first stage, your tattoo area may swell and be sore. The skin will also be red and sensitive to touch. You will gradually start to see the tattoo emerge as the swelling goes down.

2) Days 7-14: In the second stage, the tattoo area will start to itch and peel. This is normal and part of the healing process.

3) Days 15-30: In the final stage, the tattoo will continue to peel and might look a bit faded. But don’t worry, this is normal. The tattoo will eventually settle, and the color will become more vibrant.

Science of Tattoos

Since we shed our skin cells constantly, a tattoo artist must place the ink deep enough. Tattoos are made by injecting ink into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. The dermis is made up of collagen and other fibers that give your skin its strength. This layer of skin doesn’t shed, so the ink stays put.

But tattoos do naturally fade over time. This is because macrophages, which are white blood cells, eat the ink particles. Macrophages constantly move through our bodies; as they travel, they break down and absorb anything that isn’t needed, including ink particles.

UV light also fades tattoos. This is why you need to be careful about running in the sun with a new tattoo. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the ink and cause it to fade.

How to Run Safely With Your New Tattoo

Assuming you’ve followed your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and your tattoo is healed, you can start running and working out as usual. Just make sure you take it easy the first few times and cover your tattoo when you’re sweating or in direct sunlight.

Wearing loose, breathable clothing will help protect your tattoo from the sun and sweat. And if you’re going to be in the sun for a long period, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your tattoo. With a little bit of care, you can keep your new tattoo looking great while you run.

What to Avoid With a New Tattoo

Now that you know how to take care of your new tattoo, there are a few things you should avoid. First, don’t pick at your tattoo or scratch it while it’s healing. This can cause the ink to fade and may even lead to an infection.

Second, don’t expose your tattoo to chlorinated water until it’s completely healed. So steer clear of pools, hot tubs, and lakes for now.

And finally, don’t let your new tattoo get sunburned. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re going to be outside for a long period.

Avoid Stretching the Area

Be careful about stretching the area where you have a new tattoo. When your skin stretches, it causes the ink to spread and fade. So if you’re going to be doing any activities that involve a lot of stretching (yoga, weight lifting, etc.), make sure to cover up your tattoo first.

For example, if you got a tattoo on your biceps, you may wait a few extra days before doing the biceps curl at the gym. Or, if you have a calf tattoo, avoid doing exercises that involve pointing your toes (like ballet or Pilates).

Conclusion

Running with a new tattoo isn’t tricky, but you do need to take some precautions:

  1. Ensure your tattoo is healed before running or working out hard.
  2. Cover up your tattoo when you’re in direct sunlight or sweating.
  3. Avoid stretching the area where you have a new tattoo.

With these tips, you can keep your tattoo looking great while you stay active. Thanks for reading!

FAQ

Can I Swim With a New Tattoo?

You should wait until your tattoo is completely healed before exposing it to chlorinated water.

Can I Go Running With My New Tattoo?

Yes, but cover up your tattoo when you’re in direct sunlight or sweating, and wait for at least 48 hours before you start exercising.

How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Heal?

It usually takes about two to three weeks for a tattoo to heal. But everyone heals differently, so it’s important to listen to your body and follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions.

Will My Tattoo Fade if I Expose It to the Sun?

Yes, UV light can cause tattoos to fade. This is why you need to be careful about running in the sun with a new tattoo. Apply sunscreen regularly and cover up your tattoo when you’re in direct sunlight.

Should I Avoid Stretching the Area Where I Have a New Tattoo?

Yes, you should avoid stretching the area where you have a new tattoo. When your skin stretches, it causes the ink to spread and fade, so if you’re going to be doing any activities that involve a lot of stretching (yoga, weight lifting, etc.).

Joseph Peele
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