Deciding to get a tattoo is a huge decision. It’s a permanent addition to your body, and you must ensure you care for it properly so it continues to look great and heals fully.
Now that you have art on your body, taking care of it for the rest of your life is a must. Learn what to do at each stage of the healing process here.
The skin is your body’s largest organ. It is also the first barrier to infections and environmental influences. Because of this, you must care for it and keep it healthy. Tattoos break the barrier and, without proper care, can let infection inside. Don’t let this happen with these tips.
Skincare After a Tattoo
After a new tattoo, you must care for your skin. This is an open wound, so there are three steps to keep in mind:
Cleanse the area: Clean the tattooed area regularly with mild, perfume-free soap and pat it dry.
Moisturize the area: This is the most important step and ensures proper healing without scarring.
Protect the area: Your skin will be sensitive after the ink is applied, and direct sunlight can cause it to fade. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of over 20.
If you notice issues as your tattoo heals, it is a good idea to contact your tattoo artist or your doctor for further instructions.
The Essentials of Tattoo Care
After your tattoo is applied, you must care for your skin to ensure it heals properly. Often, it is a slow process and depends on a few factors. These factors include:
Area of the skin
Tattoo size
Ink intensity
Your skin features
Each day is important when your tattoo is healing.
The first day after you get a new tattoo is the most important. That’s because it is when your skin first begins to heal. After the tattoo is applied, the tattoo artist will apply the antibacterial ointment and wrap the tattooed area in gauze or plastic to protect it from bacteria and dirt.
You will remove the bandage when you get home based on your tattoo artist’s recommendations. Usually, this will be between two and 24 hours and depends on the features and size of the tattoo. Clean the area with soap, ensure it is dry, and then apply the ointment or healing lotion your tattoo artist recommended. Be sure to keep the layer thin to give your wound the ability to breathe.
It’s not unusual to see some blood, ink, and plasma on the tattoo; your skin may be red and swollen. Be sure to continue cleaning the tattooed area and applying the ointment until it has healed completely.
Keeping Your Tattoo Looking Great
As you can see, you must take several steps to ensure your tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come. Use these tips and the advice of your tattoo artist for the best results.