Tattoos on black people often elicit prejudice, but they also possess beautiful aesthetics and stand out beautifully against dark skin. They draw attention and cause heads to turn to take a closer look at the person with the inked design. Tattooing darker skin can be tricky, but it is possible with the right artist and knowledge of their capabilities. Here are a few tips to keep your design looking fantastic long term.
1. Exfoliate Weekly
Exfoliating your skin is essential for removing dead cells that can diminish the look of your tattoo. A thorough exfoliation will lift away the skin’s top layer, known as the epidermis, kin and promote new cell growth. Your tattoo will appear more vibrant and fresh with this preventive measure.
If it’s dry or sensitive, physical exfoliants like a loofah or natural sponge work best, while oily skin may benefit from chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid.
Another effective exfoliation method is using a body scrub. These products often contain ingredients like sugar, Epsom salts, shea butter, and other nourishing substances that gently exfoliate dead skin from your body.
Black men’s tattoos require extra care and caution when exfoliating to keep them looking their best. The pigment in black tattoos is much more delicate than in other colors, so too much dead skin can fade the design over time.
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Furthermore, this may exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Keeping your tattoo out of the sun as much as possible while it heals is essential to prevent UV rays from fading the ink. If you must go outdoors, ensure to apply sunscreen directly onto the tattoo at all times.
After approximately two weeks, your tattoo may scab over and feel itchy and raw. Apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer several times daily to soothe the itching sensation. Remove the bandage and wash your tattoo area with mild soap and warm water if the scab doesn’t fall off within that timeframe.
A suitable moisturizer should contain natural ingredients with antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections and hasten healing.
3. Use a Body Balm
They express individuality and creativity, becoming a rite of passage for many. Unfortunately, like any tattoo, they may fade over time if not properly maintained.
Body balms are ideal for moisturizing your skin and keeping your tattoo looking vibrant and refreshed. They’re easy to use with various formulas such as oil, cream, or solid stick options.
They’re ideal for sensitive skin, as they contain no harsh chemicals. The best ones are fragrance-free, so your tattoo won’t get irritated.
Olive and Rose recommend applying a product containing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, or coconut oil to their tattoo. Products with high concentrations of these oils will help your ink stay moisturized and vibrant for years.
Shea butter is an intensive moisturizer that can keep your tattoo looking vibrant and refreshed by locking in moisture and maintaining the skin’s softness. Additionally, it prevents it from drying out or cracking.
Try a body balm containing squalane and sesame seed oil for further hydration.
Body balm may be heavier than your average lotion or cream but is much more absorbent. Apply it to dry spots like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet for extra hydration.
4. Keep Your Tattoo Clean
Taking good care of a new tattoo is essential to its healing process and can keep it looking vibrant and fresh for years.
After getting a tattoo, cleaning it regularly with an antibacterial soap or fragrance-free cleanser is essential. Doing this helps prevent infection and promote healthy skin. Avoid rubbing or using harsh abrasive products, as these can irritate the area and pull ink out of the skin.
After cleaning your tattoo, wait at least 24 hours before applying moisturizer. This will aid healing and prevent scabbing of the ink.
Hustle Butter Deluxe, a moisturizer formulated explicitly for tattoos, is one option. This moisturizer replenishes lost moisture and nutrients in your skin while being cruelty-free and petroleum-free.
Before you shower, remove the cling film covering your tattoo and apply a gentle soap or cleanser to the area. This will guarantee that your tattoo is clean and any fluid, plasma, or excess ink is gone.
Loose-fitting clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher will keep both areas safe from harmful UV rays.
It’s wise to apply sunscreen to your tattoo at this stage to prevent it from fading. Colored tattoos, in particular, tend to disappear rapidly when exposed to UV rays.
It is usual for your tattoo to shed skin cells during healing. Additionally, this serves as preparation for future tattoos.
