It’s not just the tattoo artist who needs to be careful about tattoo aftercare. Tattoos are permanent, and if you don’t take care of them properly they can become infected or your skin could start to break down around the ink. The good news is that taking care of tattoos isn’t hard, you just need to follow a few simple rules:
Avoid Using Soaps for Washing Tattoos
It is best to avoid using soaps on a new tattoo as they will contain chemicals that might result in faster drying and fading of colors fast. Washing a tattoo with soaps can lead to opening of pores and the friction that is created can also damage the skin. Soap can actually give rise to infection if left over time since it contains harsh chemicals which strip off protective oils from skin naturally. You can use alcohol dipped in cotton to get rid of microorganisms.
Apply Ointment after Washing
A thin layer of ointment or antibiotic cream should be applied to the area after washing to prevent infections, dryness, or itching. Ointments are more preferable because they do not have any chemicals that might result in fading away of colors if exposed to too much sunlight through windows or accidentally rubbed off with bed sheets etc.
Apply Tattoo Cream 2-3 times a Day for 1 Week
It is important to keep the tattoo moisturized and hydrated. For this purpose, use the best tattoo aftercare cream at least twice or thrice a day on the tattoo. It should be used especially in winters when the air is very dry and cold. This will reduce the chances of drying out of the area fast or having any flaking skin that might result from itching.
Shield the Tattoo from Sun’s Rays
Sunlight has ultraviolet radiations which can fade away colors and make tattoos look odd and this is why it should be avoided after getting a tattoo done. Protection of the area is crucial and one can use sunscreen lotions or sunblock creams for covering up tattoos while going out in sunlight. It is harmful to expose the area to too much sun as it will cause fading of colors too fast resulting in designs looking faded and old very soon leaving behind an unattractive view altogether.
Moisturize Tattoo for 3-4 Weeks
To keep the tattoo bright, moisturized and the skin soft, it is necessary to keep it well moisturized. Using unscented lotion for tattoos is ideal for this purpose. It will keep the tattoo soft and supple without giving an unpleasant scent.
Keep the Tattoo Covered
After applying ointment on new tattoos, one should keep it covered by using some fresh bandages (without sticking them too tightly) for at least 2-3 hours if not more. Also do not remove bandages overnight unless there is excessive blood oozing out of the area which might form a crust overnight making it difficult for ointment applied in the morning to go inside. The bandage has to be removed after 2-3 hours so that air can enter into the new tattoo and after taking it off one has to wash the area again with mild antiseptic solution before applying ointment on the highlight of time.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of tattoo aftercare, it’s time to put them into practice. Always follow the instructions provided by your artist, and if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Remember to keep your new tattoo clean and moisturized, and give it plenty of time to heal properly. Most importantly, enjoy your new ink!