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:
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Keep it clean by washing the area twice a day with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
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Apply a thin layer of a cream-based moisturizer or Aquaphor healing ointment to prevent it from drying out.
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Avoid pure petroleum products , which can fade tattoo pigment.
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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.
What Are Some Of The Things That Can Go Wrong After You Get A New Tattoo
Tattoo inks are considered cosmetic products, so theyre not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration . This means theres a lot of variation in how tattoo artists practice and in the aftercare instructions they give. Without proper aftercare, youre more likely to have a complication like an infection or skin reaction.
Can I Use Vaseline For Tattoo Aftercare
We believe it is best to avoid products like Vaseline since they are made from 100% petroleum. This ingredient doesnt add much moisture, it just seals and clogs the skin. Furthermore, it can affect the tattoo itself and cause the ink to fade quickly.
Some tattoo artists recommend you apply a thin layer of Vaseline before taking a shower, to create a barrier between the water and the tattooed area. Its almost like waterproofing the tattoo! Other tattoo aftercare products contain a very small amount of petroleum with other moisturizing ingredients, to lock that moisture in.
We also recommend you talk to your doctor or dermatologist before using petroleum-based products on your skin.
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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.
Best Tattoo Lotions For Healing And Maintenance In
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment. amazon.com. The general rule of thumb when looking for a
- Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream. ulta.com. Hustle Butter is
- Lush Ultrabalm. lushusa.com. This balm from Lush is super lightweight and a little goes a
- Aveeno Unscented Daily Moisturizing Lotion. target.com. Another expert-approved pick?
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion. amazon.com. If even the thought of loading up on body
- Kopari Coconut Melt. sephora.com. Theres a reason coconut oil is so highly recommended
- EltaMD Lotion. dermstore.com. Got sensitive skin? No prob, cause this tattoo lotion is pretty
- Cannuka Nourishing Body Cream. dermstore.com. This body cream is a total power
- After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion. amazon.com. This lotion is formulated
- Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion. target.com. It goes without saying that you definitely want to
The artist should apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the tattoo and then cover the area in a bandage or plastic wrap. This covering.
That dang bandage that the artist puts on after your session can be annoying, but its there for a reason. Your fresh tattoo is basically one giant open wound. The wrapping that they put over it keeps any bacteria or airborne particles from getting into it. How long should you keep it on? Well, listen to your artist.
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What Kind Of Cream Should I Use On A New Tattoo
Here at Cloak and Dagger, we recommend a few cream options but its important you find out what works for you, here are some good and readily available options:
- Benpathen nappy rash cream, works well for most people
- Palmers cocoa butter ensure it is 100% natural with no additives, fragrances or perfumes
- Coconut oil 100% natural
- E45 cream lighter alternative, PH neutral moisturiser
Continue to apply a thin layer of cream a few times a day to help your tattoo heal and prevent it from drying out.
What Not To Do
Heres what someone should avoid when it comes to tattoo aftercare:
- Soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area.
- Picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.
- Scratching the tattoo even if it becomes itchy.
- Non-cosmetic grade petroleum moisturizers, which will clog the pores.
- Using sunscreen on the tattoo before it has fully healed.
- Swimming before the tattoo has healed.
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Can You Shave Over A New Tattoo
It only takes one swipe of a razor to answer this question for yourself. Shaving over your new tattoo is never a good idea for many reasons.
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Razors harbor bacteria, so prevent infection by not shaving over your tattoo.
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Shaving over scabs is never a good idea again, infection.
Keep your tattoo covered, and dont stress over a bit of leg hair for a week or two. Your tattoo is worth the wait, chica. Let it grow.
Removing The Cling Film
If youre seeing good results, pulling off the cling film can feel like a big step but the tattoo still needs some protection, with just the right amount of moisture to nourish the skin. Therefore, when you are ready to remove the cling film completely, you will need to start applying cream to the area.
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Hours Later/the Next Day
Once your tattoo is dry, the skin around the area will begin to feel tight. This happens as your tattoo dries out, and its a good indicator that its time to apply moisturizer. Once again, we use and recommend Sanibalm for this. Rub it in gently until its absorbed by the skin be sure to apply a very thin layer. Its important not to apply too much ointment, or you can suffocate the tattoo. Continue applying your aftercare of choice each time you gently wash the tattoo for 3 to 5 days, or until your tattoo starts to peel.
When using Saniderm, we recommend that you use 2-3 bandages total to allow ample time for healing. Use your first Saniderm bandage for 8-24 hours, and then keep the next two pieces on for between 1-6 days each . If you believe that your tattoo needs more time to heal beyond that, you may continue applying additional Saniderm bandages. However, most customers report complete healing after 2-3 applications.
What Are The Best Practices For Sun Exposure Following A New Tattoo
Its important to always protect your tattoo from the sun and tanning beds. Ultraviolet light can slow wound healing, fade your tattoo, and increase your risk of sunspots and skin cancer. Theres also a reaction called , where you develop an allergy to tattoo pigment thats exposed to the sun.
In terms of sun exposure, its best to cover your tattoo with sun-protective clothing. Otherwise, apply a sunscreen thats SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours when in the sun. Seek shade, minimize your time in the midday sun, and avoid tanning beds.
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What Kind Of Ointment Do You Put On Tattoos
A& D ointment is a cheap and popular choice for new tattoo aftercare. This ointment is also called Bepanthen. Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment is another hydrating and anti-inflammatory option. Good old petroleum jelly also works well.
Is Neosporin good for tattoos?
Neosporin isnt the best choice for new tattoos. While you are healing a new skin wound, Neosporin is designed for minor cuts, burns, and scrapes only not tattoos. Triple antibiotic ointments dont offer the moisture needed for tattoos to heal, nor do they allow the skin to breathe.
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.
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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.
How To Replace The Cling Film On Your New Tattoo
You might see that under the cling film, theres a build-up of plasma and ink , but dont worry. This is completely normal, and its a sign that your tattoo is starting to heal. It will also mean that its time to change the cling film. To do this simply
If you notice a small rash appear surrounding the tattoo, its usually from the cling film but feel free to contact the studio to ensure that everything is as it should be.
Top tip: Heading on holiday or somewhere warm? We advise you to book holidays once the healing is completed, as tattoo aftercare is even more important in warmer climates. Should this be unavoidable, you should try to keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and change the cling film more frequently to allow your skin to breathe.
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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.
Immediately After Getting A Tattoo
Day 1 during the first day, your tattoo will be wrapped in plastic and a bandage by the tattoo artist. The tattoo needs to stay covered for several hours . After removing the covering, the skin will ooze with plasma and/or blood, and the skin will be red and feel irritated. After cleaning your hands, you should wash the tattoo with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap, and lukewarm water.
Its important during this stage that you:
- Dont scrub it with any pressure at all, just let water and soap wash over it,
- Use lukewarm water, not too cold or too hot,
- Dont place the tattoo directly under a stream of water. Use your hand to gently slosh soapy water over the tattoo to clean it.
When you dry the tattoo, you just want to gently pat it at most. Its best to use kitchen paper towel, so it can be immediately disposed of.
Wrapping the Tattoo
Although you need to take the plastic off after a few hours to clean the tattoo, it makes sense to want to wrap it again afterward!
Its always best to let your tattoo breathe in fresh clean air where possible, but if your tattoo is going to be exposed to sunlight or rub against fabric clothing, then wrapping it will protect it. Use a protective and breathable tattoo film.
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What Is The Best Thing To Use After A Tattoo
Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area. Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap is a good choice its a mild moisturizing cleanser specifically made for piercing and tattoo care.
What is the best healing cream for a tattoo?
triple antibiotic cream, such as neosporin, will help the area heal, but itd purpose is to get rid of infection or what could turn into infection, and your body thinks that the ink will cause an infection. antibiotic creams will fade your tattoo very quickly, as will Vaseline .
Drink Plenty Of Water
Its always good to drink lots of water, but itâs especially beneficial for your skin.
You can tell when someone isnt drinking enough water as their skin is dry and dullâ¦when you have a tattoo on that same skin, it immediately shows that dehydration.
Its recommended you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin and tattoo looking healthier.
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How Long Should I Wait Before Removing The Bandage
Remove the bandage no sooner than 3-4 hours after, though it can also be left on overnight, especially if you received the tattoo in the evening. If you were tattooed early in the day, you may remove the bandage before going to bed. At most, the bandage should be removed within 24 hours of receiving the tattoo. We dont recommend re-bandaging after the first bandage is removed.
There is a new type of bandage called Saniderm, which allows for quick, easy and clean healing of your tattoo. It is a thin, clear film that can stay on the tattooed area for as long as 5 days, and can be worn to bed and in the shower. Not all tattoo shops carry Saniderm, so it is recommended to ask the shop in advance, or bring your own if you wish to use this method.
What Products Should You Not Use On A New Tattoo
Any petroleum-based products such as vaseline should not be used on a new tattoo.
These products are non-porous , meaning they can stave the area of the oxygen it requires in order to efficiently heal.
Weve actually written a whole article explaining why vaseline should not be used on a new tattoo.
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How To Keep Your Tattoo Looking Fresh
Once you’re past the early stages of healing , it’s all about proper maintenance. The products you typically use for body care might not be the best for your new ink. You want to avoid ingredients that will make your tattoo fade.
“An example I come back to time and time again is vitamin E,” says Zak. “It’s incredible for non-tattooed people because it’s a vitamin that targets impurities in your skin and eliminates them. Unfortunately, if you are a tattooed person, ink is technically an impurity in your skin. If you’re using that every single day, over time, you’re actually working against the appearance of your tattoo. So that’s where formulating intentionally across an entire skin-care line and routine is extremely important.” He adds that body washes that strip the skin can also lead to premature fading. You also want to avoid ingredients that increase cell turnover, like retinoids or exfoliants like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids).
Keeping a tattoo moisturized also keeps the ink looking crisp in the long term. “There are a few things that can ruin a tattoo over time,” says Zak. “One of them is time, which we can’t really do much about, but the other two are sun exposure and lack of moisturization,” Brenner says your ink should be protected with a minimum of SPF 50 and regularly nourished with tattoo-safe moisturizers. Shop everything you needâincluding healing balms, shower gels, and SPFs all made specifically for tattoo aftercareâbelow.