A tattoo is a complicated art form with a rich history. It’s more than just a work of art. Because the artist uses a needle to put the ink beneath your skin, it’s a medical treatment as well. and taking care of it can help avoid certain issues, as well as ensuring that the tattoo heals correctly. In this procedure, your tattoo artist and yourself each have an equal say. In addition to visiting a legal and trustworthy tattoo shop, you should also take care of your fresh tattoo at home.
Even if we enjoy the look of a new tattoo, taking proper care of it may be difficult, especially because once the operation is complete, you leave yourself open to scars and infection. If you want your new tattoo ink to last, follow these simple steps. Whatever your tattoo count is, we’ve compiled a list of quick and long-term aftercare and maintenance methods to keep your ink looking fresh.
Why Aftercare matters
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. Because tattooing imposes a burden on your immune system, interior preparation is equally as critical as exterior aftercare. It’s important to take good care of your tattoo if you want to avoid any problems with it healing correctly.
Tattoo aftercare products
To clean the tattoo, use a mild, fragrance-free soap or a tattoo cleaner made specifically for the job. Your tattoo artist may have recommended cleaner for your ink. To speed up the healing process, ask your tattoo artist for recommendations on topical ointments. Applying Vaseline on your tattoo before you go into the shower can help protect it from getting sprayed with water since it is nonporous (watertight). If the skin around the tattoo is particularly dry, it may also be beneficial to use this cream there.
Short-Term Aftercare Tip
Don’t Touch it without Sanitizing
The aftercare instructions provided by most tattoo artists are specific to the artist. They all have one thing in common, though: only use clean hands to make contact with your tattoo. It’s tempting to check your new tattoo with your hands, but dirt on your hands might irritate your skin, causing irritation, inflammation, and infection. It’s better to avoid touching your skin around your new tattoo and clean your hands before you do.
Remove the Bandage and Wash with Antibacterial Soap Only
The bandage or plastic wrap should be left on for a few hours after the procedure, even if it’s tempting to remove the cover to see the tattoo. The time required will vary based on the size and placement of the tattoo. This layer shields the exposed skin from germs, sunlight, and chafing from clothes. The moment you realize that it must be removed, stop bandaging. A thin, sticky material or ink seeping from the tattoo may emerge after the first few hours, as may the plasma from the original tattoo. There’s nothing to worry about with this reaction because it’s the tattoo fluid and ink left behind.
To remove the tattoo’s ink, wash your hands with antibacterial soap or an unscented antibacterial cleanser. Avoid using any kind of towel to clean the tattoo since it will exfoliate the area—remember, this is a wound. After that, use warm to mild water to rinse and pat the affected area dry with a towel. Apply a small coating of moisturizer to the tattoo once it has dried fully, but keep the region exposed to enable the skin to breathe.
Allow It to Breathe
During the first three to four days after getting a fresh tattoo, wash the tattoo two to five times a day and then apply a thin layer of ointment. The tattoo needs to have access to air during the healing process, so make sure the skin is permeable. To prevent it from sticking to your bedding, cover the area with plastic wrap the first night. After that, make sure the tattoo is open and has adequate air. Scabs may form within the first few days, and ink that has seeped through the skin will need to be removed with warm, soapy water. Avoid picking or scratching the scabs. Any slight swelling or redness generally goes away by the end of the first week.
Long-Term Aftercare Tips
Don’t Pick or Itch It
The length of time it takes for your tattoo to properly heal is determined by the size and quality of the tattoo. Because etched and link tattoos do less damage to the skin, they heal more quickly. It’s normal for the tattoo to start peeling after three or four days, which might be irritating if you’re not careful. Even after the peeling process, the region will remain sensitive, therefore it’s important to keep up your moisturizing routine. Don’t pick or scratch even the skin surrounding it. This might cause irritation and infection that would affect the pace of the dealing process. Continue to use moisturizer and Vaseline on the surrounding area to avoid dryness and irritation.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
It’s normal for a tattoo to alter over time, including fading. If at all possible, keep it out of the sun. Healed tattoos, particularly colored ones, might fade in the sun, so after it’s fully healed, make sure it’s covered in a high SPF. Remember that too much sun exposure is bad for your skin, which includes your tattoo. To keep your fresh tattoo appearing new, avoid getting a tan.
Endnote
Within two to three weeks of having a fresh tattoo, the top layer of skin should seem healed. Proper Healing, on the other hand, might take up to six months. Continuing aftercare, such as daily cleaning and use of ointment or moisturizer, is recommended to minimize the risk of infection or other problems. When the tattoo scabs disappear and the skin on the tattoo surface is the same texture as the rest of your body, you’ll know it’s healing properly. Also, if you’re unsure whether your new tattoo is healing properly, make an appointment with your doctor.
Kristine Decena is a professional editor with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. She specializes in editing food and drink, footwear, clothing, and other lifestyle content. She has worked for such notable companies as The New York Times Company, Food Network Magazine, HarperCollins Publishers Inc., Hearst Corporation and Condé Nast International. Kristine is a graduate of Ohio University where she obtained degrees in English Literature and Journalism before embarking on her career as an editor.
