Did you get the tattoo? That’s great! But you might learn small tattoo aftercare for keeping tattooed skin looking pretty and healthy.
Don’t forget that a tattoo isn’t just a piece of art, it’s also a type of wound because the tattooist uses a fast-moving needle to inject the ink deep into the skin. So proper tattoo aftercare is an important part of preserving a tattoo and preventing your skin from scarring or infections. Here are some useful tips and tricks on how to take care of a new tattoo, what to use on tattoos to keep them clean and vibrant.
Listen to your tattoo artist. You and your tattoo artist play equal roles in the process of getting a tattoo and healing. If you choose a licensed and reputable professional, he or she will give you detailed recommendations on how to care for the tattoo at home. Just follow the artist`s advice carefully if you want your tattoo to heal without difficulties and look perfectly. Remember, the artists have a strong interest in healing the tattoos correctly, that’s why they don’t give their clients any poor advice. Most studios even have a leaflet with the artist`s step-by-step aftercare instructions printed out for you.
Remove the bandage or plastic wrap after a few hours. When your tattoo is complete, the artist applies a thin layer of a tattoo jelly or moisturizer over the tattooed area and covers the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. This covering protects your tattoo from airborne bacteria which can penetrate through the broken skin. Only the artist can tell you how long you should keep your new tattoo wrapped up. It will depend on the size and location of the tattoo. But the bandage should be left on for a minimum of two hours before it will be removed.
Gently wash the tattoo. After removing the bandage or wrap, the most artists recommend washing the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is considered the best antibacterial soap for tattoos. Use your hands to wash the tattoo and remove any excess or dried blood, plasma or leaked ink. This prevents from scabbing the tattoo too soon.
Dry the tattoo. Use a light paper towel to dry the tattoo. Don’t rub the tattoo. It`s better to pat it gently.
Apply a thin layer of a moisturizer to the tattooed skin. If you`re sure that the tattoo is completely dry, you can apply a very thin layer of a good aftercare product (lotion) to moisturize and nourish the area.
Wash the tattoo regularly. Until the tattoo is fully healed, you should wash it two or three times a day. This process can take from 3 to 6 weeks depending on the size and placement of the tattoo. Of course, it is better to clean tattoos with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water during the entire healing process.
Avoid soaking in the bathtub and swimming. You should give the priority to the shower until the tattoo is fully healed. Too much water can draw ink out of your skin and spoil the tattoo appearance. By the way, you can easily infect the tattooed area in the swimming pool.
Forget about scratching and picking at your tattoo. Be patient and remember that healing time depends also on you. Don’t try to scratch or pick away at your healing tattoo as this can delay healing. Moreover, this can cause fading and increase the chances of infection.
Stay away from direct sunlight. Sunlight is a real enemy of a new tattoo. Avoid exposing your new tattoo to direct sunlight and don`t apply any sun lotion to the tattooed area until the tattoo has completely healed.
Don`t wear tight-fitting clothes. Try not to wear tight clothes on the area where your new tattoo is done. Especially, at first. During the healing process, it can leak plasma or excess ink and this can cause the clothes to stick to the tattoo. It will be painful to remove the clothing and this can damage the freshly formed scabs.
Correct tattoo aftercare ensures the tattooed area of the skin will heal quickly and remains infection free. Caring for the tattoo regularly helps it look always bright and vivid.
