Getting a new tattoo is always an exciting experience. However, this experience comes with detailed and careful post-tattoo instructions that you need to follow to ensure a safe healing process. Tattoo artists always instruct people with new tattoos to avoid swimming pools and bodies of water to reduce the risk of infection and fading of the tattoo. Whether you are a tattoo beginner or a tattoo enthusiast, you may be wondering if you can use a sauna with a tattoo. The relaxing environment along with the many skin benefits it offers may seem tempting. However, exposure to excessive sweating and heat during a sauna can slow down your healing process. In this article, we will discover when it is safe to use a sauna, how to protect your tattoo during a sauna session, and more. Scroll down to learn more.
What is a sauna?
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A sauna is a therapeutic space that is specifically designed for steaming sessions. It is usually built with wooden interiors that help to use dry heat to increase the sauna temperature in the room. It may feel like you are sitting in direct sunlight. However, the treatment is actually beneficial because it improves circulation and reduces stress.
Keltie, a YouTuber and former basketball player, shared in her vlog about her experience of going to the sauna for a month and how it affected her health. She said, “It improved the quality of my sleep. I slept more. My digestion was better. I just didn’t see any negative effects, even with traveling (i).”
There are also two types of saunas: the traditional, regular saunas that use heated stones to produce dry air at a high temperature, and infrared saunas that use special heating elements to warm up your natural body.
Trivia
The sauna was invented in Finland over 2,000 years ago. The first saunas were created by digging into underground embankments and covering them with animal skins to retain the heat.
A sauna session can improve your circulation and give you glowing skin. But when is the right time to take one after getting a new tattoo? Find out below.
When can I go to the sauna after getting a tattoo?
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Normally it is recommended to wait 2-3 weeks before having a sauna treatment after getting a new tattoo. This is because:
The excessive sweating from the sauna can cause the salts and minerals to leak out and fall onto the fresh tattoo. This can cause irritation and slower healing. Saunas are public facilities that are breeding grounds for bacteria. They can enter the tattoo and result in a serious infection.
Waiting until your new tattoo has fully healed before exposing it to excessive humidity and heat is crucial to its vibrancy and longevity. However, many people end up regretting their tattoos and opting for laser tattoo removal. This may leave you wondering if you can use the sauna after a removal procedure. Scroll down to find out.
Is it safe to use a sauna after laser tattoo removal?
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Proper aftercare instructions suggest that you avoid water sources such as swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs until the skin has fully healed. This is because the humid environment of the sauna can increase skin sensitivity, increase the risk of infection, and slow the healing process. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait a few weeks after laser tattoo removal before going to the sauna. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your dermatologist for further guidance.
Sauna offers several health benefits. However, a session after a tattoo also brings problems. Discover below the pros and cons of using a sauna with a new tattoo.
Pros and cons of using a sauna after getting a tattoo
The benefits of a sauna session after a tattoo include extreme relaxation, increased blood flow, and reduced dead skin cells which can promote your overall well-being. However, visiting a sauna with a freshly tattooed design during the initial healing phase can increase the risk of skin infections, distortion of the design, and delayed healing time.
Trivia
In Japanese bathhouses, people with tattoos are not allowed because they are associated with criminality and rebellion against societal norms.
Once your tattoo has healed, you can head to the sauna for that long-awaited treatment. However, if you can’t wait for the healing to be complete, you can follow the tips below to protect your fresh tattoo in the bathhouse.
How can I protect my tattoo during a sauna visit?
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Here are some ways to protect your tattoo when visiting a sauna:
Although it is recommended to wait 2-3 weeks after getting a fresh tattoo, you can apply a protective tattoo film or waterproof bandage to the tattooed skin to prevent steam from entering the fresh wound. Always keep the tattoo clean after finishing the sauna session to reduce the risk of infection and irritation. Remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, pat it dry, and apply a tattoo balm or moisturizer.
The decision to enter a sauna after getting a new tattoo requires careful consideration. It is crucial to complete the first two-week healing period to minimize the risk of skin infections and to prolong the tattoo’s recovery. While saunas improve blood flow and skin health, remember that patience is the key to the vibrancy and longevity of your tattoo. If you cannot wait for healing to complete, wear a waterproof bandage and clean your tattoo thoroughly after your sauna session to ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tattoos fade in a sauna?
Yes, the excessive heat of the sauna can force the pores to expand. This can result in fading or uneven spreading of the ink, which will affect the final appearance of the tattoo.
What if my tattoo feels irritated after a sauna visit?
If you experience redness or irritation on the tattooed area after a sauna session, leave the sauna immediately and allow your skin to cool down naturally. Consult your dermatologist and professional tattoo artist for proper guidance.
Key Points
Sauna is a therapeutic treatment where dry heat promotes blood circulation and relaxation. It is recommended to wait 2-3 weeks before going to the sauna. It is recommended to avoid water bodies such as swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs after laser tattoo removal to minimize potential risks. Using a sauna with a healing tattoo can increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections and fading of the tattoo.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Personal experience: Source
StyleCraze’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal stories that add depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i) I used a sauna for a month *Did it change my body or mental health?* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL6kluCP7ns Was this article helpful? 
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Ali Aman is a professional tattoo artist from Kazakhstan. He is a self-taught tattoo artist who learned most of his skills related to this craft from online platforms such as YouTube. He moved to the US a few years ago and has been tattooing since 2022.
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