If you are planning on getting a tattoo, you should know about how to care for it after the fact. Tattoos can be beautiful and meaningful pieces of art that last a lifetime, but they also need some tender loving care to stay looking their best. This blog post will provide eleven awesome tips on how to take care of a new tattoo. Let’s take a look at the best tattoo aftercare tips:
Tip #1: Protect It From The Sun!
Don’t go out in the sun or to a tanning salon for 24 hours after getting your new tattoo. This can lead to erythema (sunburn) and blistering. The sun will fade colors, cause fading of skin tones, and also cause discoloration from UV damage. It is best to cover it with clothing.
Tip #2: Wash Your New Tattoo With Soap and Water
Wash your new tattoo with a mild soap that is free of alcohol and fragrance. Rinse thoroughly to avoid infection or irritation, then pat dry gently with a clean towel. After washing, apply an antibiotic ointment twice daily for the first week after getting your new tattoo.
Tip #3: Keep The Area Clean and Dry.
Apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day. Petroleum jelly can be used to decrease itchiness caused by healing skin. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties as well as other benefits including nourishing damaged cells and tissues!
Tip #4: Tattoo Healing Powders
A tattoo healing powder is a finely ground mixture of herbs and other ingredients that can be applied to the skin over fresh tattoos. These powders are designed to minimize scabbing, itching, redness, or peeling caused by new tattoos.
Tip #5: Using Bandages and Tape
You should always cover your new tattoo with a bandage or tape. This will keep the area clean and avoid infection. You can use either medical tape or stickers to apply the dressing, but make sure whatever you are using is sterile first!
Tip #6: Take Cool Showers
Taking cool showers can help to reduce the redness and itching that sometimes occurs when a new tattoo is healing.
It also helps with blistering, peeling skin, and scabbing. The cool water will keep your pores open, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it will provide more relief than a hot shower.
Tip #7: Let it Breathe
A few days after getting your new tattoo, you should expose your new tattoo to fresh air. It should not be covered up in bandages the whole time, as this may actually cause infection. This means your tattoo will heal faster and prevent infection at the same time.
Since tattoos can be very sensitive during recovery, you may want to cover them with a light gauze wrap to be more protected.
Tip #8: No Alcohol or Drugs
Both alcohol and drugs can slow down the healing process. This means you should avoid them for at least two weeks after getting a new tattoo, as they will make your skin more sensitive to damages and irritations. You should also avoid alcohol and drugs before getting a tattoo since these substances thin your blood and cause more bleeding.
Tip #9: Stay Hydrated
You may need to drink even more water than usual while recovering from a new tattoo. Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated, but be sure not to drink too much. If your skin is hydrated, your new tattoo will look more vibrant.
Tip #10: Avoid Exercising and Sweating
It’s important to avoid sweating as much as possible. Remember, your new tattoo is still healing and you don’t want it to be damaged or irritated by sweat when it is not fully healed yet. For the first few days, avoid sweating to allow your tattoo to properly heal.
Tip 11: The Healing Process Takes Time!
The most important thing to remember is that every person heals differently and at a different pace. You may experience swelling, peeling skin, itching, or some other discomfort for the first few days following your tattoo application. That’s completely normal so don’t panic if you do feel something unusual. Some people even feel like they have a cold after getting a tattoo; this is your body’s immune system reacting to your new ink!
Tattoo Aftercare Takeaways
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts remember to:
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry.
- Do not expose tattoos to sunlight, UV lights, or tanning beds.
- Apply a thin layer of ointment every day to keep the skin moisturized as it heals.
As a tattoo artist, you need to make sure your shop is covered with tattoo insurance to protect you from any unforeseen circumstances. Contact Marine Agency today to get an insurance quote for your tattoo shop within 24 hours.
