Finally, you’ve got that tattoo you’ve always wanted. Whatever its significance, following an aftercare routine is important to protect your skin and ensure the ink heals properly. Proper skin care is also essential to minimize the risk of infection and scarring.
While your tattoo artist might provide aftercare instructions, some might not, and the law doesn’t require them to do so. In the UK, tattoo and piercing studios are subject to heavy regulations to ensure customers’ safety. But requirements differ from council to council.
As such, it’s vital to familiarise yourself with aftercare procedures to ensure the ink lasts long and heals properly. Keep reading to learn how to care for your new tattoo.
If you are worried about the pain that comes with getting tattooed, your tattoo artist may recommend a Tattoo Numbing Cream. These creams can help you enjoy your tattoo, and sit in comfort.
The First 30 Days
The size and intricacy of your new tattoo will determine how quickly the ink will heal. For example, bigger tattoos will take longer to heal. After the procedure, your skin will become red and sore. This is a normal occurrence.
Remove the Bandage
Remove the bandage after 24 hours — remember to wash your hands thoroughly before peeling back the wrap. Then cleanse the area using warm water and fragrance-free soap, and pat the skin dry. Use a clean paper towel, instead of a washcloth to dry your tattoo.
Don’t be tempted to re-bandage your new tattoo as it can cause the wound to stay wet, increasing the risk of infections. Still, you can bandage it when you’re going to a place that has a high risk of infections, such as public places and amenities like gyms and pools.
Moisturise Daily
Continue washing your skin once or twice a day, while moisturizing the area. A moisturizer protects the area from bleeding, dryness, and cracks. Apply the moisturizer at least two to three times a day until the scabs heal.
You need to be cautious when using the moisturizer — don’t apply too much of it as the tattoo won’t be able to breathe. The area needs to air dry for optimal healing, so use a thin layer when applying moisturizer.
Avoid Sun Exposure
A new tattoo is always fragile during the healing stages. Direct sunlight exposure can break your tattoo pigment and impede the healing process. So, keep the tattoo out of direct sun exposure for the first 30 days.
While a few minutes in the sun doesn’t hurt, it’s better to play safe. When going out in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen, even after your ink heals. Sunlight causes tanning, which results in fading. So be sure to keep your tattoo covered or wear SPF 30 or higher when going out.
Avoid Scratching or Picking
Most tattoos take about six weeks to heal. However, colored tattoos can take longer. During this period, avoid scratching or picking your new tattoo. This is a common experience on the third or fourth day when the area becomes itchy and starts peeling.
Scratching tends to disrupt the skin barrier that supports the healing process, making the area hypersensitive. This can result in allergic skin reactions when using lotions and other skin care products.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
New tattoos are open wounds, so they’re vulnerable to damage, rashes, swelling, and infections when not taken care of properly. As such, you should avoid activities that might strain the skin area or expose it to bacteria.
For example, gym equipment and sweating can expose the area to bacteria. Lifting heavy weights tears scabs and overstretches the skin, slowing the healing process of the ink. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 to 8 days, depending on your tattoo.
Don’t Wear Tight Clothes
During the healing phase, it’s wise to stick to loose-fitting outfits with lightweight and breathable fabrics. Get oversized clothing to avoid pulling off scabs and sticking to your lotion. Tight clothing can rub the tattoo area and cause more trauma, elongating the recovery time.
The Right Products for You
Your tattoo artist is likely to recommend the right skincare products to use for aftercare. As a rule of thumb, opt for fragrance-free and mild soaps for everyday cleaning. Soaps with ethyl alcohol, fragrances, and colored dye can dry out the skin.
Also if you are using a Numbing Cream For Tattoos, speak to your artist so they can guide you on how and when to use them.
Alternatively, you can get a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to keep the area clean. Also, avoid products that primarily contain petroleum such as Vaseline. These products are thick and trap moisture in the area and are likely to cause the ink to fade.
Avoid shaving the area or using hair removal products. Sharing or using such products can damage the ink. You can do so once the tattoo is completely healed. Plus, shaving products contain harsh chemicals that can impede the healing process.
Potential Complications
You also need to be aware of potential complications of a new tattoo. During the first week, your tattoo is vulnerable to different risks. Of course, it’s normal for the skin area to be sore, itchy, and red with a build-up of fluid and blood. Don’t freak out when you notice this.
However, with improper care, several complications might occur, including infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. When the tattoo gets infected, it will be warm, red, and painful with pus in some cases.
Before getting the tattoo, you need to know if you have any allergic reactions to the type of ink your tattoo needs. For example, most people are likely to experience some reactions to red eyes. Black and blue eyes might also cause photosensitivity. While infections are rare, be sure to see a doctor if you experience abnormal symptoms after getting the tattoo.
Take Care of Your New Tattoo
After getting a new tattoo, it’s essential to get familiar with aftercare tips to ensure seamless healing and long-lasting results. The tattoo is more than just a piece of art — it becomes a part of your style, so proper aftercare is essential to ensure you get the results you hoped for.
