The essential thing you can do to protect your new tattoo from infection and ensure it heals looking as it should is to follow the instructions for tattoo aftercare.
The procedure is straightforward; here’s everything you’ll need to know about caring for your new tattoo, from leaving the shop to flaunting it!
The Tattoo Aftercare Products We Recommend
- Lubriderm during the first several weeks – as a moisturizer A+D
- Ointment during the first few days – as a disinfectant
- For the first several weeks, use Aquaphor as a moisturizer.
The First Hours After Your Tattoo
The first few hours after getting a tattoo are critical for healing. You’ll be tempted to remove your bandages early and flaunt your new tattoo in front of your friends and family–DON’T!
You should leave your bandages on for at least 2-4 hours. Keep in mind that you want to start the healing process as soon as possible, and your tattoo will require oxygen to do so.
It’s time to cleanse your new tattoo as soon as the bandage is removed. The cleaning procedure is straightforward:
- Cleaning your hands
- Check to see whether the water is lukewarm – The pores will open up due to the hot water and steam, causing the color to seep out or become uneven.
- After that, wash your tattoo with an antimicrobial soap that isn’t perfumed.
- Rub lightly with your hands alone – no washcloths!
- If you’re washing it in the shower, make sure the water doesn’t hit the tattoo directly. Instead, direct the water so that it softly runs down the tattoo and only do so for a few seconds!
- Rinse the tattoo with cold water after it’s clean to shut any pores that may have opened during the cleaning procedure.
- You must now dry your new tattoo once it has been cleansed. To do so, use a paper towel or a soft, clean towel to gently wipe away any excess water.
- Rub A+D Ointment on the tattoo 3-5 times a day — you want the tattoo to be as thin as possible (No globs). After 1-2 days of applying A+D Ointment, transition to a non-scented/non-medicated tattoo lotion like Lubriderm or Aquaphor.
- Do not rebandage– now is the moment to show off your new work of art, and it need oxygen to start the healing process.
How to Take Care of a Tattoo For the First Two Weeks?
The first few days are even more important for the healing process–in case you haven’t noticed, everything is important throughout the healing process!
It will take up t the ink, but within the first two weeks, it will within the first two weeks look to be entirely healed on the surface. These are some things to keep in mind throughout the first couple of weeks:
- Before touching or putting lotion to your new tattoo, wash your hands.
- Apply a non-scented/non-medicated moisturizer like Lubriderm or Aquaphor 3-5 times day or as required, especially if the tattoo is starting to dry out. Do this for at least two weeks.
- Your skin may peel or mildly scab after the first few days–this is normal–do not pick them. Allow them to fall off naturally instead. If the scabbing is severe, you should seek medical advice.
- Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing — You want to stay away from anything that will rub against your tattoo.
- For the first several weeks, stay out of the sun. The sun can cause the skin to fade or heal unevenly. After the first few weeks, apply tattoo sunscreen on your tattoos if you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period.
- Until your tattoo has completely healed, avoid swimming or bathing in the tub.
- Workouts and saunas are two things to avoid if you want to avoid excessive perspiration.
- Keep a watch out for infection — redness surrounding the tattoo, excessive scabbing, swelling, seeping pus, or indentations in your skin where the tattoo is are all signs of infection.
- Consult your doctor, not the tattoo artist, if you suffer any of these symptoms.
It is not difficult to take care of your tattoo, but it is definitely worth the extra effort. After all, the difference between an incredible artwork and a tattoo you’re embarrassed to show your friends is appropriate tattoo care during the healing period!
