Tattoo machines work fast with moving needles, injecting ink deep into the layers of the skin. The process itself takes time, causes bleeding, and requires strict adherence to aftercare processes. Why shouldn’t it? A tattoo can generally be considered an open wound, after all.
No matter if your tattoo is small or if it takes up an entire limb (sleeve), you’ll want to clue into these healing tips. The last thing you want is for infection to sprout, so keep the area clean and adopt these methods. If you’re unsure, run ‘em by your professional artist for confirmation.
Stick With a Simple Clean and Moisturize Routine
The first stage of healing looks a little something like this: The tattoo is finished, so the artist gently washes the area and covers it with plastic wrap (or something similar) to protect it from bacteria. Then, you go home and are held responsible for the aftercare.
In the first few days, your skin will feel similar to a sunburn, look blotchy and red, and become a bit swollen and raised. This is all natural. If scabs begin to form, it’s perfectly normal, just don’t pick at them.
The best routine to adopt is simple: Gently hand wash the area a couple times a day with mild soap. Rinse, pat dry with a fresh paper towel, and dab on a small amount of moisturizing lotion or ointment (that’s approved by your artist).
Details to be aware of with your aftercare routine
- Hypoallergenic soap and moisturizers that are fragrance-free should be used to clean the tattooed area. Harsh chemicals in some brands can irritate and damage the healing skin.
- The moisturizer you choose should allow the skin to breathe because clogged pores can lead to infection.
- Ensure that after you wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap that you properly and fully dry the area before applying moisturizer. Excess moisture can cause irritation and other issues.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration speeds up healing processes. So does a well balanced diet and good sleep. But we’ll stick with the H2O aspect, as it’s likely the most important to be aware of.
Drink water before your appointment to steer clear of lightheadedness and drink water while your body is processing the tattoo to reduce swelling and inflammation. An extra glass or two will flush the skin quicker and reduce unwanted side effects like skin irritation and bumpiness.
Avoid Wearing Tight Clothing
Any fabric that clings to your skin is a big no-no. This constriction and lack of O2 can delay the healing process entirely. Not to mention it’s extremely uncomfortable and can urge you to itch the freshly wounded skin.
Use Cool Water in the Shower
Did you know that a scalding hot shower can fade tattoo ink, especially early on? Not only that, but the spicy water can be painful. Triggering those pain receptors will definitely reprogram your brain, and you won’t want to wash it until the skin has calmed down.
Takeaway point? Hot showers do more harm than they do good. Keep it cool.
Limit Physical Activity
Can you go for a walk? Sure. Can you lift some weights? Double check with your artist. The point we want to get across is that you should, at all costs, avoid vigorous activity (especially if it’s outside in the sun).
Why, you may ask? Because vigorous activity can produce sweat, and the salt from the bodily fluid can break down and cause the ink in a tattoo to fade.
DO NOT do the following:
- Use soap or lotion with fragrances
- Go swimming, as chlorine can be harmful to new tattoos
- Go into direct sunlight or tanning beds
- Pick at scabs on your tattoo
Fragrances, swimming, and sunlight are ok once the healing process is completely finished.
Don’t Overdo it
Too much of anything can be a bad thing, right? At least that’s how the saying goes.
Well, it’s true when it comes to treating a tattoo. Applying ointments too often and excessively washing it to promote cleanliness is detrimental. In fact, you’ll likely see the perimeter of the tattoo start to get sensitive and irritated… the first steps towards infection.
Show the new art love, but don’t smother it.