How To Take Care Of Your Tattoo: The Basics
Your tattoo artist will kick-start your aftercare routine as soon as their work is complete. After all, this is their masterpiece, and they want to preserve its beauty. Theyll likely apply a thin layer of petroleum-based ointment over your ink and then cover it with plastic wrap or a bandage.
While you might want to gaze at your new addition , resist the urge. A tattoo is basically an open wound, so keeping it covered prevents bacteria from getting into your skin.
Plus, depending on where the tattoo is on your body, keeping it covered will prevent your clothes from rubbing against it and causing discomfort and irritation.
The biggest mistake people make with new tattoos? Not using sunblock and exposing the tattoo to sunlight, says New York-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Follow these dos and donts for basic tattoo aftercare:
Tattoo Aftercare Guide: 12 Best Instructions To Take Care Of A New Tattoo
- Post category:Blog/Tattoo Aftercare
Did you know that getting a tattoo isnt the end of the road? You need to care for it rather frantically, just to ensure that the area doesnt swell up or get infected in the first place. But then, standard tattoo aftercare isnt a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you need to follow a detailed tattoo aftercare regime, depending on the area that just got inked.
Here is a quick stat for you to ponder.
Research figures have revealed that almost 6% of tattoo fanatics experience several infectious complications within a few days after getting tattooed. And that is exactly why tattoo aftercare needs to be an integral part of ones healing arsenal.
In the subsequent discussions, I shall talk at length abouttattooaftercare, the comprehensive healing process, complications associated with a new tattoo, and a detailed tattoo aftercare routine that might help you through diverse scenarios.
I will also touch upon the day-by-day tattoo aftercare followed by the relevance of products, things to stay away from, signs of infection, signs of healing, and even the common tattoo myths that often derail the healing process.
But first, some detailed insights.
How Should You Take Care Of Tattooed Skin
Your tattoo artist will handle the immediate tattoo aftercare, applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a tattoo wrap or dressing before you leave the shop, says Dr. Yadav. A tattoo wrap serves two functions: It will shield your skin both from bacteria that can cause infection as well as from irritation from clothing, bedding, or other possible irritants in your environment she explains. Youll likely be instructed to leave the tattoo wrap on for about 24 hours. This is when you may also notice swelling and redness, although this may depend on your skin tone, as well as itching, which Dr. Hibler says can be alleviated by placing ice packs over the bandaged tattoo.
Once the tattoo wrap comes off, keeping the area clean and moisturized is the name of the game, but you dont need to get fancy with any kind of special tattoo aftercare products. Heres how to help the healing process go smoothly.
Keeping the area clean is the most important thing you can do to stave off bacterial infection Dr. Hibler suggests washing the area with warm water once to twice per day for the first few days, then daily for about two to three weeks. Any type of mild cleanser is a good choice here, notes Dr. Yadav, who likes Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser look for gentle or mild on the label. Dr. Love says an antibacterial soap, like Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap , also works well.
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What You Can Use To Let A Tattoo Heal Properly
Its important to get new ink from a licensed tattoo artist. Not only do they have the knowledge and experience to give you a piece of art that you can be proud of, but theyre also knowledgeable about the right aftercare techniques to prevent complications after your session.
The precise aftercare techniques will slightly differ based on the healing process stage youre in.
A fresh tattoo is bandaged for one to two hours. Your tattoo artist may put a small amount of aftercare ointment on, but youll need to take off your bandage to let the wound breathe. At this point, youll need to carefully wash the tattoo wound with antibacterial soap. Pat gently to dry.
Most tattoo artists recommend an ointment called A+D. It contains a combination of petrolatum and lanolin, which may protect your skin during the first several hours after getting your tattoo.
After the first couple of days, you can switch to a lighter, fragrance-free moisturizer, such as Lubriderm or Eucerin. This will also help alleviate itching that often occurs during the healing process.
Other tattoo aftercare tips include keeping your wound out of the sun or submerged in water. Also, avoid picking at an itchy tattoo this can lead to infections and scars.
Why Is It Recommended After Getting A Tattoo
Getting a tattoo means subjecting your skin to injury. Its important you give your tattoo the right treatment and time to heal so it doesnt scar or become infected or distorted. It will take about 3 or 4 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal.
Moisture is key to ensuring your tattoo heals properly. After getting a tattoo, you want to prevent it from drying out. Dryness will cause excessive scabbing and itchiness, which can damage your new ink.
Tattoo artists often recommend Aquaphor for aftercare because its so good at hydrating the skin and thats important when you get a new tattoo.
Of course, you can use other unscented moisturizing ointments to care for your tattoo. Look for petrolatum and lanolin in the ingredients list.
However, youll want to avoid using straight-up petroleum jelly or Vaseline. Thats because it doesnt allow enough air to have contact with the skin. This can lead to poor healing and even infection.
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How To Protect Your Tattoo From The Sun
Learning how to protect your tattoo from the sun is essential for proper recovery of a new tattoo. A fresh tattoo being exposed to the sun will make your skin get dry, and as explained in this article its essential to keep a fresh tattoo fueled with nutrients and properly moisturized! Besides, the UV rays coming out of the sun will further damage the freshly tattooed area of your skin. Its highly recommended to stay out of the sun for at least 1 week, but if you must be in the sun – One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun is by applying Tattoo Sunscreen. This will protect the skin from UV rays and will also help you to keep your skin moisturized.
How To Care For Your New Tattoo
Technically, a new tattoo is a wound, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai. In order to heal your skin, you must keep the area clean and moisturized in order to protect against infection.
Here are the steps you should follow after walking out of the tattoo shop, according to Zeichner and Elliot Love, DO, board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Group of the Carolinas:
Repeat steps two and three every day for the next week.
After the first week, Zeichner says you can switch from your heavier moisturizer to a lighter fragrance-free moisturizer but you should still be applying it twice a day.
“During the next several weeks, the tattoo itself may appear healed on the outside, but the deeper skin layers are continuing to repair themselves. Continue to moisturize on the outside, and take care not to traumatize the skin,” says Zeichner.
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Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine
Apply the Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand for an additional 2 weeks.
Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, the lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, just reduce the number of your daily lotion application.
After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.
What To Expect On The Day Of Your Tattoo:
After your session is done, your artist will clean your tattoo up, swipe on a very thin layer of A& D Ointment or Aquaphor, and bandage you up with a non-stick, absorbent sterile pad and medical grade tape. If it’s in a difficult location, they may instead use plastic wrap and medical tape to keep the tattoo covered.
Your tattoo may feel swollen, hot to the touch, and pretty sore by the end of the day. That’s completely normal don’t worry! This will last for a few days, and you’ll probably notice some bruising as well. All of that should go away within the first week.
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Can I Drink Before Or After Getting A Tattoo
We’ve all seen a movie or show where a character gets drunk and decides to get a tattoo, but that’s not something you’ll want to do IRLin fact, some artists won’t even let you.
Drinking before a tattoo thins your blood, which can result in excessive bleeding. This can throw your artist off and potentially mess with the ink and your final product. Plus, you’re not likely to make the best decisions while under the influence anyway. You want to feel your best, so your body can start healing your tattoo sooner than later.
Only Touch The Tattoo With Clean Hands
One of the most essential pieces of advice you can get is to never touch your fresh tattoo without washing your hands first. Cleaning your hands will prevent all kinds of bacteria transferring to the irritated and tattooed skin, which would otherwise cause infections and health issues. So, when you want to touch the tattoo or apply ointment, wash your hands for 20 seconds at least using lukewarm water and soap.
You should also wash your hands before touching your soap!
In the meantime, never touch your tattoo soap with unwashed hands, and make sure that no one else in your home will touch it either.
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Should I Shower Or Bathe When My Tattoo Is Healing
During those first few days, youll be washing your tattoo twice daily with antibacterial soap. When you need to bathe the rest of your body, youll want to cover the tattoo with wrap. This prevents any dirt that youre washing off your body getting onto the tattooed area.
If your tattoo is on your arm, you may be able to have a bath while keeping your arm out of the bath, completely dry. But in most cases, a shower is more appropriate. See tips above for showering with a fresh tattoo.
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Tattoo Aftercare With Film Dressing
Medical barrier film dressing vs. Saran Wrap for new tattoos
Like most people who got tattooed 10+ years ago, after my previous tattoos, my tattooist would cover my new ink with cling film and tape it into place. The cling film protected my tattoo from rubbing against my clothes and prevented the fluid and ink still coming out of the fresh tattoo from staining my clothing. With movement, the tape and Saran Wrap tended to bunch up or get unstuck, but I did my best to keep it on the tattoo until bathing that night. Once in the bath or shower, I carefully cleaned the tattoo, applied ointment and hoped the tattoo would heal nicely. I imagine this procedure sounds pretty familiar to people with old tattoos.
Although it is an intentional work of art, your body treats your new tattoo like a wound. It wants to expel all foreign matter and protect the wounded area from bacteria and grow new skin.
Another problem with exposing fresh tattoos to the elements very early in the healing process is infection. Although my tattoos never got infected, it is a fairly common occurrence. Infected tattoos dont heal nicely.
Medical barrier film, such as Tegaderm , is becoming an increasingly popular replacement for cling film for protecting new tattoos. A film dressing is a very thin, sterile, breathable, film that adheres to the skin. It protects wounds from damage and provides a barrier against bacteria. It is also flexible, so it moves with the skin.
My experience with film dressing
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What Happens If You Put Too Much Lotion On A Tattoo
If you use too much lotion on your tattoo, it will cause your tattoo to push out too much tattoo ink, it will also cause to slow down your tattoo healing process. Your skin will also scab heavy and affected by an allergic rash. So, you should follow tattoo aftercare instructions before applying tattoo aftercare lotion.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions A Ultimate Guideline For 2021
Finally, your body skin is sporting cool tattoo designs that you have had in your mind for a month. But now what is your next step? How do you look after your new tattoo? Heres in this article we discussed everything about tattoo aftercare instructions.
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When Is My Tattoo Fully Healed
Many factors decide the time that is needed for healing your tattoo. Usually, it takes three to four weeks to get the upper layer of your skin healed after you get your tattoo done. In this stage, the scabs start peeling off and you are in your process to recover the layer that is being traumatized the most. However, it is essential to be patient because the underneath layer is not yet healed. The layer underneath your skin will take a much longer time to heal and usually, it takes up to six months to be completely healed. Read more about When is a tattoo fully healed?
Extra Tips For Eyebrow Lip And Eyeliner Tattoo Aftercare
Tattoos on your facial area require a little more care. Your face is a very sensitive area and its also the most exposed area of skin, with direct exposure to UV rays from sunlight, pollution, and the elements.
Youll also be more likely to unconsciously touch your face and the tattoo area during the day, but this can be detrimental to the healing process. So, follow these extra tips:
- Stay indoors as much as possible during those early days and wear a hat if you go outside, to keep your face in the shade,
- Wash with fragrance-free, alcohol-free, anti-bacterial soap see product recommendations below,
- Use a light moisturizer, even lighter than one youd use on your body,
- Dont pop zits or touch acne, just let them go through their cycle naturally,
- Dont apply any acne-targeting skincare products as the astringent ingredients can lighten and discolor your tattoos,
- Choose a natural sunscreen thats low in chemicals but high in SPF protection. You need SPF 35 as a minimum but if you can find a light SPF 50 lotion, use that instead.
With tattoos on your face, its important that you use a face-care routine thats suitable for your ink. Any skincare product thats loaded with chemicals, exfoliates, or is thick and heavy will be unsuitable for your skin. The last thing you want to do is clog pores and cause acne or disrupt the ink and speed up the fading process!
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Before You Come In For Your Consult
Please have a good idea of what you are after when you email me for the waiting list or come in for your consultif you are not sure then at least be open to my suggestions so we dont waste each others time. We have a vast library of Japanese reference material, fonts and motifs on hand so dont worry.. well find something if you are unsure! Being open-minded is key. If you have gathered your own reference material for your tattoo idea, please bring it. It is hard for us to read your mind.. but we are working on it! ????
We do not have EFTPOS or credit card facilities at the shop so please bring cash to leave as a deposit. Ask how much when booking your consult.
Please be on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will have to reschedule
All consult are free of charge.