When you get a new tattoo, how you care for it is crucial. This care can help reduce the risks of scarring and infection.
A new tattoo may look red, swollen, and irritated in the first few days. Don’t worry – these reactions are normal and should subside within a week.
Cleanse
Cleaning your tattoo after it’s done is extremely important. Avoid using cloth or loofah with soap that could exfoliate and irritate the wound, possibly causing more inflammation.
After cleansing, gently pat the area dry with paper towels. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer. This will help keep the skin moisturized and minimize itchiness.
Moisturize
Keeping your tattoo moisturized is an essential step in aftercare. It helps maintain the tattoo’s cleanliness and vibrancy and can aid in the healing process. This also helps prevent the tattoo from peeling and bleeding too often.
Apply Ointment
Applying ointment after your tattoo is done is crucial because your tattoo is essentially an open wound. An ointment will help keep the area germ-free and moisturize the skin and speed up healing.
After removing your bandage, apply ointments like Aquaphor or Bacitracin directly onto your tattoo to keep it clean and dry. These antibacterial treatments help maintain a healthy healing environment.
Apply a thin layer of ointment 1-3 times daily to keep the tattoo hydrated and support its natural healing process. It would help if you continued this throughout the initial healing days.
Don’t Pick at Scabs
Scabs may form on your skin after receiving a tattoo. The scabs protect the new skin underneath and help it recover. They also act as a barrier against infection and aid in skin repair.
Picking at these scabs can disrupt the healing process. It disturbs the new skin beneath and can slow down recovery.
Constant picking at scabs could indicate dermatillomania or skin-picking disorder. This is a condition where people repeatedly pick at their skin, often worsening existing blemishes or rough skin.
See Your Artist
Your tattoo artist is there to help with your new ink. Don’t hesitate to visit them for aftercare advice and to check the healing process.
tattoos typically heal within a few weeks, but this can vary based on factors like skin care practices, previous skin damage, age, and medical conditions.
Once you get a tattoo, following your artist’s aftercare instructions is crucial. They can guide you on how to keep your new ink clean and healthy.
