What Do You Put On A New Tattoo

Is There Anything I Can Do To Make My Tattoo Heal Faster

Other than taking proper care of your tattoo as outlined in this article or described by your tattoo artist, thereâs no quick and easy way to heal your tattoo. Be diligent about cleansing and moisturizing your tattoo, and avoid everything that can cause infection or fading, and in a few short months, youâll have a beautiful tattoo that will last a lifetime!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

What To Do If Your Tattoo Gets Infected

If you think that your tattoo might be infected, then get yourself to a medical professional. Your original tattoo artist may be able to provide a recommendation, but they cant solve the infection themselves. Furthermore, please dont direct any anger at your tattoo artist! Unless there has been a string of customers with tattoo infections from a single parlor, its highly unlikely that the infection came from the tattoo shop itself. Its far more likely that you picked up the infection at home.

Dont be afraid to visit a doctor, nurse, or anyone else with medical training. While you may think that your scabby, oozy, smell tattoo is the worst thing on Earth, we can guarantee that they have seen worse!

In most cases, a course of antibiotics or a medical grade antibacterial cream will be prescribed to kick the infection. Unfortunately, this may damage or alter the tattoo design. Once the tattoo is fully healed, you can get a touch-up session to correct anything that went awry.

When It Ok To Put Vaseline Or Petroleum Jelly On A New Tattoo

The first 24 hours after getting a tattoo are critical to your aftercare. Your tattoo artist may advise that you wear special bandages for added protection. After a few days, you may be able to safely take showers, but youll still need to avoid submerging the tattoo in water when bathing.

While your tattoo is bandaged, this may allow for a very small window for using Vaseline too, since your tattoo is already covered. However, youll want to verify this with your tattoo artist first.

Generally, theres no need for Vaseline on a new tattoo whatsoever. Once your bandages are off, youll want to stay away from Vaseline during the healing process, too.

You may be able to use Vaseline on a newer tattoo only after its completely healed. The only use for petroleum jelly on your tattoo is for extremely dry skin around the area.

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What Skin Care Routine Should You Follow After Getting A New Tattoo

You should treat your new tattoo like a new wound. That means you want to keep a close eye on the area and keep it clean. Here are some things you can do:

• Keep it clean by washing the area twice a day with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.

• Apply a thin layer of a cream-based moisturizer or Aquaphor healing ointment to prevent it from drying out.

• Avoid pure petroleum products , which can fade tattoo pigment.

• Avoid touching the area until it is healed keeping it covered can help with this.

Continue this regimen until your tattoo is fully healed, usually between 1 and 3 weeks.

How Do You Heal Your Tattoos

NS on March 30, 2019:

10 tattoos always washed 2/3 times a day with Dial gold liquid soap and luke warm water pat dry with paper towel and used a non scented lotion multiple times a day until completely healed. I actually lotion daily its great for tattoos to keep them nice and moisturized forever.

anthony on December 19, 2017:

i used a combination of moisturizers and cold therapy cold air forces the pores to shut thus making it scab sooner and just kept it moisturized. i just got it 12-15-2017

Butternuts on August 20, 2017:

Aquaphor is potentially a reactionary agent to some skin types.so no.

Renee Christman on February 11, 2017:

Leeann on August 06, 2016:

I got a tattoo 2 days ago in the crease of my elbow and is a bit red only in the patch by my vein bit worried cus I gt 16 and this never happened before

David Tupponce from Virginia on July 27, 2015:

If you use A& D as I have on all 7 of my tattoos, and they all healed perfectly and rather quickly be sure to use the clear stuff, not the white ! As far as sunblock once it has healed, if you want to keep the colors bright / unfaded it is an absolute necessity. I like that you state that everybody is different and that people should use what works best on their skin.

on June 05, 2014:

on August 25, 2013:

Its been a while since I had a new tattoo to heal. The mild soap is important so as not to irritate the area. I think long-term care is important to keep them looking as fresh as possible.

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Can You Touch Your New Tattoo

Itching is normal during this week, and you can expect scabs may be falling off. The combo of itching and loosening scabs is enough to make anyone want to pick at the tattoo area. But dont! Its important to leave your tattoo untouched as much as possible. Picking at scabs can even disturb the healing ink, causing distortion to the tattoo.

Touchy-feely is great and all, but not on a new tattoo. Beware of admirers that are tempted to touch your ink. Dont allow anything, including hands, to come in contact with your new tattoo. Hands have germs and bacteria that can cause infections.

Wash your hands before you clean your tattoo to ensure you arent spreading germs.

Can I Put Unscented Lotion On My New Tattoo

Asked by: Winona Kassulke

After a given number of days of using ointment , youll switch to lotion. This is because you need to keep your tattoo moist for several weeks until its completely healed. Be sure to use unscented lotion. Perfumed lotions typically contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin.

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Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure And Wear Sunscreen

As time goes on, its natural for a tattoo to go through changes, including fading. According to new research, tattoo ink stays suspended in the dermis and is held there by a certain type of white blood cell called a macrophage, explains Lavriv. A fibroblast is another type of cell known to absorb ink particles, so together, the macrophage and fibroblast bind enough ink particles for the tattoo image to stay put and appear on your skin. These cells hang around for years, and eventually, when they die, the ink molecules get reabsorbed by a new macrophage. Your tattoo becomes part of your organism, which involves shedding and change. And just like its important to keep your actual epidermis safe from harsh chemicals and sun exposure, youll need to care for your tattoo by always making sure you wear sunscreen.

Remember: prolonged sun exposure is damaging to your skin, and, of course, your art. Resist tanning to keep your tattoo looking fresh. “Sun will cause tattoos to fade, especially if you get a lot of sun exposure early on, so make sure to keep it covered or apply SPF 30 or higher regularly if you will be in the sun,” Finney says.

Can You Take A Bath With A New Tattoo

Noway, Jose. Don’t submerge your new tattoo in bathwater, swimming pools, hot tubs, or any other kind of open water whatsoever.

Avoid the gym, saunas, and any other warm, moist environment for at least a few weeks post-tattoo service.

Water and moist environments often contain bacteria and organisms that enter the wound and cause infection. Opt for a lukewarm shower instead. Do not allow the heavy stream of water to flow over the tattoo. Instead, gently cup water over it. Gently.

Doing this will keep it clean without allowing water to remain on the tattoo for an extended period of time.

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Tubes Or Dispensable Packaging

When it comes to how your aftercare product is packaged, Olive recommends reaching for products that come with a dispenser . Something you have to continuously dip your hand into may harbor bacteria from the hands. That doesnt mean balms and creams that come in a pot are a no-go, just be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before scooping out any product.

Can I Go On Holiday With My New Tattoo

As we mentioned the climate could affect your new tattoo and tattoo aftercare so if youre planning to go on holiday somewhere tropical, your tattoo should be fully healed before you go. When booking your tattoo, let us know if you are intending to go on vacation so we can make sure your tattoo will have enough time to heal.

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How To Take Care Of A Tattoo: Common Questions Answered

So you just got tattooed for the first time and you love your new tattoo, but you still have a ton of questions. Or maybe youre a tattoo veteran and just need a refresher on how to care for your tattoos. Whatever your situation is, weve compiled a comprehensive list of tattoo aftercare instructions thats sure to give you all the answers you need.

Tattoo Aftercare Is Crucialhere’s How To Do It Right

OHLAMOUR STUDIO / Stocksy

The world of tattooing is an intricate realm. What most people dont realize is that its a space where art, health, body strength, technique, etching, shading, and beauty are all on a level playing field. Here at Byrdie HQ, we love a fresh tattoo just as much as the next person, but we know that proper tattoo aftercare is crucial, if you want your new ink to last. Whether it’s your first or your 20th, we’ve rounded up the best short- and long-term tips from the experts that’ll help keep your tattoo care game in tip-top shapefrom how to clean it to signs it’s time to visit your doctor.

Meet the Expert

• Robert Finney, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Entière Dermatology.
• Anka Lavriv is a Montana-based tattoo artist and the co-owner of Black Iris Tattoo.
• Tuki Carter is a rapper and tattoo artist.

Keep reading for the best advice and products for tattoo aftercare.

Alison Czinkota/Byrdie

@miryamlumpini

As Finney describes, “It is important to know that a tattoo creates a wound in the skin, so being gentle is important.”

According to Lavriv, tattooing puts a strain on your immune system, and internal preparation is just as important as external aftercare. A tattoo is an invasive cosmetic procedure, and your immune and lymphatic system will be working hard on healing a fresh tattoo, so partying and anything excessive is not recommended,” she says. In other words: take it easy.

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Aftercare For Your Tattoo

So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you donât end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up .

If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, donât worry. Itâs normal. But never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color. If you think your tattoo is infected, or isnât healing properly, go see your doctor.

How To Shower With A New Tattoo

Even though you are washing your new tattoo separately and carefully, youll still need to wash the rest of your body! To do this, you can take a shower but you must follow these steps.

• You dont typically need to cover the tattoo, but you should avoid directing the water spray directly onto the tattoo. If possible, keep the water pressure as low as possible!
• Keep the water temperature low too. Lukewarm or cool water will be soothing on your tattoo. Furthermore, hot water and steam can open your pores, leading to more oozing and an infection.
• Shower as quickly as possible! Dont linger and dont let your tattoo soak for ages. Therefore, you should be avoiding baths too.
• Dont dry your tattoo with your body towel. Instead, use your regular towel for your body, then use paper towel on your tattoo. You can discard of the paper towel afterward to avoid spreading bacteria and infection around.

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How Long To Keep A Tattoo Wrapped In Cling Film

Youll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is:

• Small line-work pieces keep the cling film on for one to two days.
• Palm-size pieces keep the cling film on for two to three days.
• Larger artwork the tattoo artist will direct you on how long to keep your cling film in place on bigger tattoos.

Wait For The Tattoo To Heal

It may take your tattoo some time to heal, so it is essential you stay calm, take care of your tattoo, and let it heal completely. The majority of tattoo artists will let you know the estimated time you can expect your tattoo to heal, but the time usually revolves around 6 weeks, depending on the size and type of the tattoo.

For example, colored tattoos take longer to heal than black & white ones, or if theres any trauma to the skin, you can also expect the healing process to last longer.

You should also be aware of the fact that the tattoo will become itchy and uncomfortable, so you need to control yourself and not scratch it, or peel and pick it! Here are some other tips to follow if you want your tattoo to heal fast

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
• Avoid working out or doing strenuous work
• When exposed to the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen
• Wear loose clothes over the tattoo
• Apply a small amount of ointment or lotion putting too much can suffocate the skin and cause healing issues
• Stay away from water and swimming
• Avoid covering the tattoo with sunblock until its healed

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Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Original Solid Formula

Sometimes its best to stick to something familiar, and Palmers Cocoa Butter is about as comforting as it gets. The thick, buttery texture dissolves into skin like a dream, and you only need a very small amount to moisturise a tattoo, meaning in theory its even more affordable than its excellent price point. It smells amazing, feels amazing, and is a cult classic for a reason, even for tattoos.

What If Your Skin Hold Doesnt Hold Tattoo Ink

There are several reasons and causes as to why your skin doesnt hold to tattoo ink. A few of these reasons may include the lubricant used, tough skin, the depth of the imprint, or because your body is rejecting the ink.

It is also very uncommon for your skin to have an allergic reaction to the ink used for your tattoo. However, if you feel like you are having a negative reaction to the tattoo, contact your artist and get information about the ink and contact your doctor immediately.

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How Often Should You Change The Cling Film

You should change the cling film, clean the tattoo and replace it with fresh cling film at least three times throughout the day and before going to bed.

You can use any standard cling film found at your local supermarket. Its just important that its new and clean. For some tattoo areas, you may prefer to use micropore tape to help keep the cling film in place, and you can find this at any local pharmacy.

Touch It With Clean Hands Only

Most tattoo artists have their own set of aftercare instructions. But one piece of advice they all have in common is to touch your tattoo with clean hands only. The most important step would be to clean your hands before you clean your tattoos, says Carter. you listen to the verbal directions first, then refer to the written directions after. Also, take into consideration that washing your hands shouldnt be a quick three-second rinse. With soap, rub your palms together for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet .

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