Tattoos are an art form that is gaining popularity, as many people nowadays express their feelings through art. The ink used in tattooing is printed deep in the skin using a pen, meaning that it forms a wound. Therefore, you need to take care of it like any other wound until it heals. Tattoo aftercare can be challenging, especially if it is your first tattoo. Here are five tattoo care tips that will help you handle your tattoo like a pro.
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1. The First Wash
After the tattoo is done, the artist will apply moisturizer and then wrap it with a bandage or plastic wrap. As tempting as it is to remove this wrap to look at your tattoo, you should leave it for two to five hours. The time depends on the location and size of the tattoo.
It is wise to listen to the advice given by your tattoo artist as it differs from studio to studio. Every artist has his or her own care tips, depending on their understanding. The artist who did your tattoo understands what should be done to ensure fast healing. Therefore, following his/her advice is crucial. Some will even give you a flyer to take home for extra guidance.
However, all tattoo artists agree that the first wash after you leave the studio should be done in not less than five hours. Carefully remove the wrap, and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water using a hypoallergenic soap. Use your fingers to rub the soap on the tattoo gently.
Ink or a sticky substance will ooze, but you should not worry as this is the excess ink and fluids coming out. Gently wash it until no extra ink oozes. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and then apply fragrance-free moisturizer. The fragrances usually have chemicals that irritate a fresh tattoo.
However, being fragrance-free does not mean that the moisturizer should not have any scent. It means that it should not contain added fragrances. The other ingredients used to make moisturizers also have scents. Therefore, go for those without additional fragrances.
Many effective drugstore moisturizers that work for tattoos are available on the market. Your tattoo artist will advise you on which will work best for your tattoo. After applying the moisturizer, you can cover it again or leave it open, again according to your artist’s advice.
Scabs will start forming in the first week, and they may cause a few drops of ink to ooze. Therefore, keep washing your tattoo once a day if you are in the house or if you work in a hot area, cleaning every three hours is necessary. Scabs start to flake off in the second week, meaning you should be gentle while washing. Do not forget to apply moisturizer after every wash.
2. Keep Your Tattoo Dry
Other wounds have been confirmed to heal faster when soaked in water containing salt. This should not be done with a tattoo because you need to keep it away from water. The only time it should come in contact with water is when you’re washing it. Use the above-discussed washing technique until the tattoo heals.
A tattoo takes about 3 to 6 weeks to heal completely. Therefore, you should avoid oceans, swimming pools, hot tubs, and any body of water that fully covers your whole body. If you work in an area where you come in contact with water all the time, wrap your tattoo, and seal it with medical tape.
3. Apply Sunscreen
Not exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight is an important tip to keep in mind as this will maintain the color of your tattoo. Once your tattoo has fully healed, you can walk around without covering it. However, you should apply sunscreen, especially if it is colored. Sun rays fade the color, meaning that it is wise to apply sunscreen that has a high SPF.
If you are too busy to apply both moisturizer and sunscreen, purchase a moisturizer infused with SPF. This moisturizer will work to protect your tattoo from both dehydration and sun damage.
4. Do Not Itch
After the second week when the scabs start to flake off, the tattoo can be itchy. However, you should not scratch the tattoo because it may lead to the removal of ink leading to faded patches. Instead of scratching the area, lightly slap it until the itching stops.
At times, the itching can go to extreme levels, such that the skin around the tattoo reddens. Gently wash the tattoo using your fingers to massage it smoothly. If the itching is uncontrollable even after washing, go back to your artist for professional help. The artist will advise you on the medications to use to reduce the itching. He or she will also teach you certain itching styles that will not remove ink from your tattoo.
5. Apply Lotion
Your tattoo is below your superficial skin, which means it needs to be brought near the skin to look beautiful. Applying lotion is an excellent way of making the tattoo conspicuous. Choose the best lotion for tattoos to give your tattoo a shiny look. These lotions have ingredients that do not irritate or harm your tattoo.
The lotion is applied to a tattoo that has fully healed. This means that tattoo care continues even after it has healed. The skin around your tattoo is sensitive, meaning that applying the lotion should be done daily.
Getting a tattoo is interesting as you get to express your love for art. However, many people do not have tattoos because they do not have enough knowledge on how to properly take care of them.
This guide will help you take care of your tattoo like a pro. By following these tips, you won’t experience difficulties during the healing process. Tattoo care is as vital as wound care, meaning that you should follow the above tips to ensure you are handling the treasure the right way.
Resources— Medical News Today, Cosmopolitan, Bag Balm