Breathable bandaging, also known as second skin, is the most surefire way to waterproof a tattoo. But even with it on, you'll want to avoid completely submerging your freshly-inked skin in a pool or the ocean. Soaking an unhealed tattoo is a huge no-no and can lead to infection or permanent damage to the tattoo.

Soaking your new tattoo could also cause fading and discoloration. Chlorine and salt water are especially hard on fresh tattoos, because both can leach ink from a tattoo, making the color less vibrant. Swimming can also dry out your skin and prolong healing, leading to more itching, flaking, and scabbing.

Apply a waterproof bandage to cover your ink while in water: "If it isn't possible to wait until the tattoo is fully healed before swimming, then use a waterproof dressing such as Saniderm and limit the amount of time in the water and with the dressing on as much as possible," King says.