How To Tattoo Aftercare Tips
To get a tattoo means not only no endure all pain the process causes but also to take proper care after it, especially during several first days after the procedure. This time is a most dangerous as you may catch an infection as your skin has not yet been healed.
Proper tattoo aftercare ensures that your tattoo will remain an excellent piece of art for a lifetime, will stay as beautiful and vivid as the time you did it. Tattoo artists do their best to protect you during the tattooing session and then let you go with a bandage on your tattoo, which keeps bacteria away. Then it is your turn.
Specialists advise you to keep the bandage for 4-6 hours after you have left a tattoo salon, and it is even better not to remove it until next morning. There’s also a possibility to get a transparent tape instead of bandage for those who can’t wait to show off their tattoo, but nothing will help quicker healing than a bandage.
When it is time to remove your bandage, do it with your hands clean, and don’t put a new bandage on. Wash your tattoo with soap and then use a fresh paper towel to dry it. Let it breathe until it is completely dry and apply some oil your tattoo artist has advised you, and continue doing it for some days later. But never use alcohol or Vaseline jelly. Try to do everything softly and in a gentle manner not to damage your tattoo.
You probably spent a lot of time searching for and finally picking out the perfect tattoo and want it to last. You probably also want it to keep its vibrant color for as long as possible and there is a good chance you want to do everything you can to lessen the chances of getting an infection. Here is what you need to do.
Caring for a New Tattoo:
- It is important to listen to all instructions which are provided by a tattoo artist for proper tattoo care. Every tattoo location is different, so the tattoo artist may be able to provide additional tips to someone who has just gotten a new tattoo. Anyone who has recently gotten a new tattoo should be aware of the following factors.
- Ensure that the tattoo is kept bandaged for up to 24 hours.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the new tattoo during the first few days. After a few days, switch to a moisturizing lotion. Gently massage a small amount onto the area of tattooed skin.
- Never use rubbing alcohol or peroxide on a tattoo while it is healing.
- Avoid direct contact with water until the tattoo has healed. It is especially important to avoid pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water. While it is safe to wash a tattoo, stay positioned in the shower so that the area of skin is not being hit by a continuous stream of water.
- Gently wash the new tattoo with an antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a towel.
- Never rub a tattoo during the healing process.
- Do not scratch or pick at any scabs which form on the tattoo during the healing process.
- Wear loose fitting clothes so that they do not rub against a new tattoo.
- Avoid wearing socks and closed shoes with new foot tattoos. They will cause rubbing of the skin, and may also cause the ink of the tattoo to fade. This is why it is ideal to get foot tattoos during the months of spring and summer, when flip flops can be worn.
Proper Tattoo Care in the Future:
Keep in mind that caring for a tattoo does not stop once it has healed. While it will no longer be susceptible to infection like a new tattoo, the overall appearance of the tattoo can be altered without proper care. For example, it is important to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 at all times.
Begin using sunscreen on a new tattoo, but continue to do keep it protected from the sun in the future. The sun’s rays are known to cause tattoo fading, so this is necessary for those who want to keep their ink colors looking vibrant. It is ideal to use a moisturizing lotion both new tattoos and older ones in order to keep the skin hydrated.
When caring for a new tattoo, it is important to visit the doctor when there are signs of an infection. Keep in mind that most people will experience some swelling and redness when they get a tattoo. Severe swelling and redness that does not subside after a few days should be taken seriously, however. Pus is another one of the main signs of a tattoo infection.
