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The Comprehensive Manual on Tattoo Aftercare
Your fresh tattoo is more than just a piece of art; it's a medical procedure. Luckily, looking after it is straightforward, and you might already have the skincare essentials needed to nurture your tattoo to perfection. Ensuring your tattoo heals properly and retains its vibrancy over time requires keeping it clean, moisturized, and shielded from direct sunlight. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about tattoo aftercare, from valuable healing insights to selecting the perfect aftercare products, ensuring your tattoo remains stunning for years to come.
Key Points to Remember
- Upon removing the bandage from your new tattoo, gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap, allowing it to air-dry.
- Apply fragrance-free moisturizer 2 to 3 times daily for the initial two weeks or as advised by your tattoo artist.
- To prevent fading, stay hydrated, maintain regular moisturization, and shield your tattoo from direct sunlight.
Step-by-Step Process
The Initial Day
Keep the covering intact for 2-3 hours or as instructed by your tattoo artist. Post-tattoo completion, your tattoo artist will cleanse the area, apply antibacterial ointment, and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Avoid uncovering your tattoo prematurely; the covering serves to shield it from dirt and bacteria.
- Since different tattoo artists employ varied wrapping methods for new tattoos, consult your tattoo artist for bandage removal recommendations. Some artists may opt not to wrap the tattoo at all, depending on their products and techniques.
- Prolonged bandage wear beyond the artist's advice heightens infection risk and may cause ink bleeding.
Prioritize hand hygiene before cautiously removing the bandage. Maintaining clean hands helps stave off infection.
- To facilitate bandage removal, moisten it with warm water to prevent skin adherence.
- Peel off the bandage gradually and carefully to avoid harming your new tattoo.
Cleanse the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Rather than submerging the tattoo, cup your hands together and pour lukewarm water over it. Employ a mild, hypoallergenic liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to delicately cleanse the tattoo with your fingers, eliminating any blood, plasma, or ink residue. This aids in preventing premature scabbing of the tattoo.
- Avoid using washcloths, loofahs, or sponges for tattoo cleansing, as they may harbor bacteria. Refrain from using these items until the tattoo has completely healed.
- Avoid directing the water stream directly onto the tattoo, as faucet water pressure might be too harsh for the fresh tattoo.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or gently pat it dry. While air drying is preferable post-tattoo cleansing, you can also use a clean, dry paper towel to gently dab the tattoo until dry. Refrain from rubbing the tattoo with the paper towel to prevent skin irritation.
- Standard towels can irritate the tattoo or leave lint residue, so opt for a paper towel exclusively for drying purposes.
Apply an unscented moisturizing cream or balm. Once your tattoo is completely dry, apply a small amount of moisturizing cream, preferably a gentle tattoo aftercare product or fragrance-free lotion onto the tattoo. Ensure you apply only a thin layer and gently pat it in until absorbed by the skin. If uncertain about the moisturizer to use, consult your tattoo artist for recommendations tailored to your skin type.
- Avoid using petroleum-based products like Vaseline or Neosporin as they can be too heavy and may block pores.
- Once cleaned and moisturized, refrain from rebandaging your tattoo.
Pay heed to your tattoo artist's advice. Your tattoo artist will provide guidance on caring for your tattoo immediately after its completion, so endeavor to adhere to their instructions. Their bandaging technique may differ from others', so take their counsel seriously to ensure proper healing of your tattoo.
- Take notes of the instructions provided either on paper or digitally to prevent forgetfulness.
Facilitating Tattoo Healing
Maintain daily washing and moisturizing of your tattoo until the scabs disappear. Continue washing your tattoo 2-3 times daily with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it fully heals, which may take between 2 to 6 weeks depending on tattoo size and placement.
- While moisturizing is crucial, avoid over-application of lotion or ointment—apply a thin layer only.
- Continue using a fragrance-free mild soap during washing.
Refrain from scratching or picking at your tattoo. As your tattoo heals, it may develop scabs, which is normal. Allow the scabs to dry and shed naturally without picking or scratching, as premature removal can result in holes or light patches on the tattoo.
- Dry, scabbing, or peeling skin may provoke itching, but refrain from scratching as it can dislodge scabs.
- Continue applying moisturizing ointment if itchiness persists.
Shield your tattoo from direct sunlight. Sun's intense rays can lead to skin blistering and color fading in your tattoo. It's advisable to keep your tattoo covered and away from sunlight for at least 3 to 4 weeks until the initial healing phase is complete.
- Once healed, apply sunscreen regularly to safeguard against tattoo fading.
Avoid immersing your tattoo in water. Until fully healed, refrain from swimming in pools or oceans, and avoid soaking in bathtubs or hot tubs. Prolonged exposure to water can extract ink from your skin, damaging the tattoo's appearance. Additionally, water may carry dirt, bacteria, or chemicals, posing infection risks to your tattoo.
Opt for clean, loose-fitting attire to prevent irritation to your tattoo. Avoid tight or constrictive clothing, especially in the tattooed area, particularly during the initial healing phase. Plasma and excess ink discharge during healing can cause clothing adherence to the tattoo, leading to discomfort and potential scab damage.
- If clothing sticks to the tattoo, avoid pulling. Instead, moisten the area with water to facilitate gentle removal without harming the tattoo.
- Tight clothing impedes oxygen flow to the tattoo, vital for the healing process.
Postpone strenuous workouts until your tattoo is fully healed. Tattoos covering large areas or situated near joints (e.g., elbows, knees) may experience prolonged healing if subjected to excessive movement during physical activities. Such movements can induce skin cracking and irritation, delaying the healing process.
- If your occupation involves physical exertion (e.g., construction or dance), consider scheduling your tattoo appointment right before a scheduled break to allow ample healing time.
Recommended Tattoo Aftercare Products
Opt for fragrance-free, water-based moisturizers. Regardless of the specific type of cream, balm, or lotion recommended by your tattoo artist, one rule remains constant—the moisturizer should be devoid of fragrances, which can irritate compromised skin. Choose water-based formulations over petroleum-based ones, as petroleum-containing products like Aquaphor and Vaseline can cause tattoo fading over time.
- If you lack suitable moisturizers at home, reputable fragrance-free options are readily available at major retailers. Some popular tattoo-friendly products include Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.
- If you struggle to find the right moisturizer, seek products designed for sensitive skin or labeled as 'Sensitive,' 'Hypoallergenic,' or 'Fragrance Free.'
Use a mild hypoallergenic soap or cleanser. Keeping your tattoo clean during the healing process is crucial. Since your tattoo functions as an open wound, opt for a gentle cleanser devoid of irritants such as fragrance, dyes, and alcohols. Some widely available options include Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Castille Soap, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Free, or Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Consider coconut oil. Coconut oil is increasingly recommended by tattoo artists as a natural option for tattoo care. Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, coconut oil boasts antimicrobial properties that aid in infection prevention.
- Opt for virgin coconut oil over refined options when selecting a coconut oil for your tattoo care regimen.
- However, note that coconut oil is comedogenic, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts. Avoid its application on acne-prone areas of your body.
Explore tattoo-specific products. Numerous brands offer products tailored specifically for tattoo aftercare, such as Tattoo Goo, Sanibalm, and EiR NYC Tattoo Balm. Additionally, many skincare companies manufacture tattoo-specific products, such as Skinfix's Inked Tattoo Balm and Benpanthen's Tattoo Aftercare Ointment. You may even procure tattoo-aftercare products directly from your tattoo artist.
Ensuring Long-Term Maintenance
Shield your tattoo from sunlight. To prevent tattoo fading, minimize direct sun exposure. Apply sunscreen whenever your tattoos are exposed to sunlight without protective clothing.
Maintain regular moisturization. While you needn't stick to the same products post-tattooing, consistent skin hydration is crucial to preserve tattoo vibrancy. This is especially vital for tattoos in high-friction or sun-exposed areas.
- Some moisturizers include sun protection (SPF), offering convenient tattoo safeguarding.
Stay hydrated. Research indicates that inadequate water intake can result in dry, parched skin. Ensure optimal hydration levels to uphold tattoo luminosity by drinking ample water daily.
Avoid abrupt weight fluctuations if feasible. Sudden body size changes can distort tattoos. Gradual size alterations have minimal impact, but rapid shifts may noticeably alter tattoo appearance.
- Weight loss can cause tattoo wrinkling from excess skin. Enhancing muscle tone can mitigate this effect.
- Rapid weight gain, such as during pregnancy, often leads to tattoo distortion. Combat this by staying hydrated, utilizing hydrating oils like Bio-Oil, and toning the body through exercise.
Essential Advice for New Tattoo Care
Guidelines for Caring for Your New TattooUseful Tips
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Ensure your soaps and lotions are free from artificial fragrances or alcohol.
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Keep all clothing and towels you use clean during the tattoo healing process.
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If your tattoo is in a hard-to-reach spot, consider getting assistance with its care.
The advice presented here is drawn from the experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a helpful tip you'd like to contribute to Mytour, please share it below.
- Consult your artist for aftercare instructions. Procedures vary, so adhere to your artist's specific guidance on washing, moisturizing, bandaging, etc. to ensure proper healing.
- Wrap healing tattoos before bedtime. Using plastic wrap prevents scab adherence to bedding, minimizes mess, and lowers infection risk during the initial nights of sleep.
- Initial redness is normal. Don't panic. Some irritation and redness are typical during the early stages of healing. Signs of infection include severe redness and swelling.
- Use cold compresses for itch relief. Applying a cold towel or shower briefly soothes itching. Avoid excessive cold exposure on fresh tattoos.
- Opt for creams over ointments for aftercare. Creams like Aquaphor aid in healing without clogging pores, which can lead to color fading over time.
- Gently pat new tattoos when itchy. Avoid scratching, as it can harm healing skin. Lightly patting provides relief without causing damage.
Important Reminders
- Avoid using hot water to cleanse your fresh tattoo.
- Refrain from shaving the tattoo until it has completely healed. If you need to shave around it, ensure that no shaving cream comes into contact with the tattoo to prevent irritation.
- Do not exceed 3 hours with the bandage/plastic wrap covering your tattoo.
