New Tattoo Aftercare: Do’s And Don’ts Of The Aftercare
To care for a new tattoo you have to:
- Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions
- Wash the tattoo softly
- Cover the tattoo with Saniderm
- Use unscented moisturizer and sunscreen
- Keep ink clean and dry
- Take care while sleeping
Follow the article to learn how to take care of your new tattoo. Also, get to know about what you should avoid while healing from the tattoo.
Key Takeaways
- To take care of your tattoo follow your artist’s instructions, keep it clean, and moisturized.
- Keep it safe while sleeping by following some guidelines.
- Avoid sun or water exposure. Avoid tight clothes and don’t drink alcohol for the first few weeks.
Tips To Care For A New Tattoo
Here are the tips to care for a new tattoo:
Follow The Artist’s Instructions
First, you should follow tattoo aftercare Instructions properly given by your artist because experienced artists know which things work best.
Wash Tattoo Softly
After getting a new tattoo, leave it as it is for the next 2 to 6 hours, then remove the cover and wash it with warm water and good antibacterial soap. And you have to keep washing your new tattoo 2 to 3 times a day.
Continue this process until the tattoo heals completely, which will take 2 to 6 weeks. Along with that, apply fragrance-free moisturizer, which is extremely important. And then again, cover the tattoo with Saniderm.
Cover Tattoo With Saniderm
Saniderm is a breathable bandage that works as a defence shield to protect against skin infection and quickens the healing process. So after getting a new tattoo cover it with Saniderm product.
The ideal time to leave Saniderm is 3 to 5 days for best results or keep it as long as your tattoo artist recommends.
After removing the tattoo’s bandage, apply some antibacterial ointment. You aren’t supposed to put on another bandage.
Make sure you wash your hands properly with good antibacterial soap during this process.
Use Unscented Moisturizing And Sunscreen
Apply unscented moisturizing lotion like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Stories & Ink Tattoo Care Aftercare Cream, or any other that your artist recommends on your new tattoo.
Also, make sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more whenever you go outside or expose yourself to the sun.
Keep New Ink Clean And Dry
Keep your tattoo ink clean and dry to make the healing process fast. Also, try to avoid sinking the tattoo in water until it is completely healed because exposing a design to water for a long time can damage its appearance.
Protect Ink From Sunlight
Sun’s UV radiation can cause a tattoo to fade up quickly. Therefore always protect your design from the sunlight even after it is completely healed.
And the best sunscreens like Mad Rabbit, Blue Lizard, and Pipette can do this better. Therefore always use sunscreen whenever you go outside.
Take Care While Sleeping
Getting a new tattoo design on the body is a fascinating thing but, at the same time, very challenging too.
Besides other things, how to sleep with a new tattoo is the most difficult part of the aftercare healing process.
So to keep your design safe during sleep time, follow some tips like avoiding wearing tight clothes at night, not sleeping on a tattoo, using a soft pillow, etc.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to healing of new tattoo
What To Avoid
Here are things to avoid while you are healing from the tattoo wound:
Don’t Scratch Design
Avoid scratching your new tattoo. Otherwise, it can remove or fade up ink quickly. Also, scratching a tattoo causes skin infection.
So even if you feel itching during the healing process (that is normal) then don’t scratch. And in severe cases, go and ask for medical advice.
While in the healing stages, the tattoo will grow scab which can result in itching. However, don’t itch the scab because it is important to protect and heal the tattoo wound. So, leave your scab alone.
Avoid Tight Clothing
To heal and care for the tattoo wound, you need to wear clothes that are loose. Tight clothes don’t let your skin breathe. In the healing stages, your skin needs fresh air to breathe.
Moreover, tight clothes rub against your skin or cause chaffing. This will pull off the scabs and will cause discomfort. So, opt for loose clothes to let the healing process maximize.
Don’t Go Swimming
Avoid swimming while you are in the initial stages of healing from the tattoo because it can cause infection from the bacteria in the water. Moreover, swimming pools contain chlorine which is harmful for your sensitive healing skin. So, it’s better to avoid swimming in the pool or ocean in the first few weeks after getting a tattoo.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol before the appointment and after getting the tattoo. Even though alcohol is good for pain reduction, it will thin your blood and might result in excess bleeding and damage the tattoo further.
Don’t Shave The Tattooed Area
Don’t shave the tattooed area for at least the first few weeks after getting the tattoo. Shaving the area might cut or peel the area as the tattooed area is sensitive. Even though little ingrown hairs. However, they won’t affect the healing process of your tattoo. So, avoid shaving your tattooed region for the first few weeks.
Avoid Workouts
Avoid workouts in the first few weeks of getting your tattoo. Sweating and gym equipment may expose the tattoo to bacteria. A tattoo is like a fresh wound in the first few days so exposure to bacteria can cause infection. Moreover, workout clothes can cause chaffing and rubbing which will damage the tattooed skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How Do I Prepare For A Tattoo Appointment?
To prepare for a tattoo appointment, eat a meal and drink plenty of water first. Make sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and avoid alcohol or any other medications. Exfoliate and moisturize the skin before going to your appointment. Avoid exposure to the sun and avoid heavy workouts.
What Are Some Long-Term Care For Tattoos To Avoid Fading?
You can increase your longevity and prevent it from fading quickly if you take care of the tattoo in the long term. To take care of your tattoo protect it from the sun by using moisturizers and sunscreen. Make sure to stay hydrated so drink plenty of water.
What Are The Signs Of An Infected Tattoo?
If you have an infected tattoo hen you will have a rash around the tattoo or raised skin. You might get a fever and increased pain in the infected area. Pus or discharge may come out from the wounded region.
Closing Words
To take care of your new tattoo, make sure you follow the proper aftercare steps. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen and make sure to clean the tattooed region properly. Avoid sun exposure, swimming, and alcohol in the healing stages of the tattoo.
