Skin Care for Tattoos
It’s always exciting to get fresh ink, but with new tattoos come new skincare responsibilities. The process of tattooing is an ancient one dating back to the Bronze Age, but modern skincare has made the healing process faster and easier.
Like any artwork in a museum, it’s important to treat our skin like a precious canvas and do the work necessary to maintain our display pieces. This can be even trickier when we have sensitive skin, as neglecting to look after tattoos can lead to irritation, infections, and premature fading.
The first step is making sure you choose the artist who’s right for you, someone who can understand your needs as a client, both in style and desired outcome. Then, it is up to you to ensure you are following the right skincare practices to aid your skin in the healing process. Read on for a helpful guide on aftercare for your ink.
The Tattoo Healing Process
It’s important to be familiar with the healing process that follows getting a new tattoo before we dive into aftercare techniques. For the first few days, your tattoo will be red, swollen, and perhaps slightly oozy. This is a very normal reaction but keep an eye out for any red lines darting out around your tattoo and any excessive oozing.
As the healing progresses, the punctured areas will form scabs that eventually begin to peel or flake. This can be an agitating time of the healing process so using a gentle moisturizer or lotion can ease the discomfort of wanting to pick at your skin. Remember that picking at any scabbing is off-limits, as this can result in scarring or ink loss.
Caring for a New Tattoo
The best practice when dealing with new tattoos is to follow your artist’s recommendations and keep the dressing on as long as suggested. This dressing helps to prevent bacteria from reaching freshly inked skin, limits irritation, and helps absorb fluid or excess ink.
1. Choose the products that are right for you
When it comes to soothing newly inked skin, opt for formulas that are fragrance, alcohol- and dye-free. Look for gentle formulas that contain ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, shea butter, and coconut oil, all known to soothe the appearance of irritated skin.
2. Keep it sterile
We recommend carefully cleaning your new tattoo twice a day, opting to use a mild soap or gentle cleanser. Always start with clean hands and avoid harsh surfactants that strip healthy skin of its natural oils.
3. Moisturize
A gentle moisturizer or ointment is your best friend during the early days of your healing journey. It is important to keep your skin hydrated. Applying a bit of moisturizer a few times throughout the day is the best way to keep freshly tattooed skin from drying out. Always wash your hands prior to application to avoid any potential for infection.
Tattoo Aftercare for Different Skin Types
Identifying what type of skin you have is important to understand how to best approach your tattoo aftercare routine. What you need to know:
Dry Skin
Staying well-moisturized is the biggest concern for aftercare with your tattoo. Dry tattoos can lead to excess scabbing, which in turn can lead to flakey scabs that will scar or cause ink loss in your healing tattoo. If you know that you have dry skin, be on the lookout for products containing natural oils or butter, like coconut oil or shea butter, to hydrate and plump your skin.
Oily Skin
Having oily skin could make things a little trickier. You need to be sure to keep your tattoo clean and prevent the build-up of excess bacteria and your natural oils. We recommend using an oil-free cleanser and avoiding any ointments that would clog your pores.
Acne-Prone Skin
Proceed with caution if you find yourself prone to acne. Make sure you use non-comedogenic products that aren’t going to clog any pores or aggravate any breakouts. If you're prone to acne, also make sure that you keep your hands clean and avoid touching your tattoo more than necessary.
Proper Tattoo Care for Faster Healing
While every individual's healing journey is unique, there are certain steps you can take to promote faster healing and ensure your tattoo looks its best:
- Listen to your tattoo artist: Your tattoo artist is a professional. They’re going to be able to tell you how best to care for your tattoo and should have a fair understanding of how your skin responds during the process, making them more informed regarding a specific treatment plan that suits you.
- Try to avoid excess sun exposure. This is crucial during the healing process. UV rays are especially damaging to freshly inked skin and can cause premature fading and could also interrupt the healing process. Keep your fresh ink covered and avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
- Stay Hydrated: Making sure you drink plenty of water is an excellent step in the right direction, not just for the tattoo, but this will also help promote your body's healing process to ensure a faster recovery.
- Rest: Adequate rest and sleep are essential for your body to devote its resources to the healing process. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night during the initial healing stages.
Complications to Watch Out For
Following the proper aftercare steps can massively reduce the likelihood of complications, but sometimes it’s important to know what to look out for:
- Infection: Tattoos that aren’t properly cared for or are exposed to harmful bacteria or germs can lead to infection. An infection is present when the area is very red and painful or leaking pus. If you think you have an infection, you should seek medical attention right away.
- Allergic Reaction: It happens very rarely, but you can have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the ink or the type of metal that is used by the tattoo artist. If this happens contact your tattoo artist and a healthcare professional right away for guidance.
- Scarring: Picking at your tattoo or damage from the needle itself could cause your body to produce scar tissue. This could be permanent, so it’s important to follow the right steps in the aftercare process to prevent long-term scars.
Conclusion
Your tattoos tell a story. They’re a reflection of who you are. It’s important to love and care for them to keep your ink and your story vibrant. You deserve to invest in high-quality aftercare products and ensure that you cleanse, moisturize, and protect your tattoos from sun damage.
Prioritize your tattoo care routine. You’ve most likely paid good money for it. It’s also a part of you, and you should love every part of you! Your skin is your canvas, and you should make sure your masterpieces remain bold by maintaining your skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Your journey starts as soon as the needle does. Any tattoo artist knows to add a thin layer of ointment and cover it with a bandage or plastic wrap. They should also know how to best start you off with your aftercare journey and which products to use.
How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the wrap on for as long as your tattoo artist recommends, which could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Your dressing is there to shield your tattoo from harmful bacteria and pathogens. It’s also there to stop your clothes from rubbing against it and absorb any excess fluid.
What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?
Avoid scratching or picking your tattoo as this can cause scarring or ink loss. If you feel like you absolutely must scratch it, just give it a couple of gentle pats. Additionally, avoid staying immersed in water for too long, like baths or hot tubs, until your tattoo is fully healed.
