Tattoo Care: tattoo healing process and aftercare

And you thought that everything is over once you chose your new tattoo design and have it inked on you? Guess what? You still have lots of work to do especially now that your tattoo will be healing. Although you can still ask for the help and get advice from your tattoo artist, he is no longer responsible if there will be any infection or any problem that will arise because of your recklessness. That is why it is very essential that you know the right ways on how to take care of a healing tattoo. Rather than revealing a beautiful masterpiece, your inked drawing will turn into an adversity in the end.

The bandage was placed at your tattoo for a reason – to help your tattoo heal faster without infecting it. After the needles ran on your skin it leaves a wound that is susceptible to bacteria. Without bandages, the open wounds of your tattoo can be a breeding ground for different kinds of bacteria. After getting the tattoo, make sure that you leave the bandage alone for a couple of hours. For sure you are too excited to show it off to your friends but you have to wait for at least three hours or more before taking off the bandage.

However, if your tattoo artist wrapped a saran or a plastic on your tattoo, it is important that you take this out as soon as possible because plastic materials are not really good for a new tattoo or wound. This would only suffocate the wound causing more infection to arise.

By the time that you have removed the bandage, you would surely want to wash it. It is important that you only use water with lukewarm temperature. Then wash it with a mild anti-bacterial soap, may it be liquid or hard soap. Some of the most advisable soaps for washing new tattoos include Provon and Satin. Gently and thoroughly, wash the blood and the ointment so you can maintain a clean area. Washcloths and other abrasive materials must not be used.

When drying the area, only use a soft cotton towel and pat it dry. As soon as the tattoo is now well-dried, gently put the anti-bacterial ointment that would help your tattoo heal faster. However, there are also lotions and ointments that were specially made for new tattoo’s healing process. These are not actually necessary but it could also help in drying your wound as well. Make sure that you only use it as indicated and limit it to 5 days only.

After a couple of days, keep on cleaning your new tattoo. But anti-bacterial ointments are no longer essential. Just use an ordinary lotion so that your skin will be soft and supple. However, the product must be fragrance-free or it may sting. More often than not, tattoo artists recommend the brand called Lubriderm or Eucerin.

Do not be afraid to take a shower just because you have a new tattoo. You can still get it wet as you take a bath daily. However, it is not advisable that you soak it on a long period especially on a hot or steam bath.

Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming

Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you'll want to avoid those for 2-3 weeks, but showering is perfectly fine as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. Swimming - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

Scabbing and Peeling

After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly-done tattoo, but a little is sometimes normal and there is no need to panic. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. (Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab - wait for it to dry) You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!

Protection from the sun

After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.