Make sure not to expose your new tattoo to water right away! Instead, cup the water and gently dampen your tattoo wound. This is less harsh on the skin and reduces the likelihood of jets stinging or forcefully taking out ink.
Keep it cool:
When showering after getting a tattoo, there are a few things to consider. Hot water can open pores and allow ink to seep out, which is not ideal for your new tattoo. Instead, wash it with lukewarm or cold water to help remove gunk and prevent ink loss. Make sure your shower head is set to a gentle stream, rather than a high-pressure spray. Furthermore, avoid using alcohol and artificial fragrances in your soap as these are harsh and could irritate newly healed ink. Afterward, apply a thin layer of unscented, non-greasy lotion over the area. Over-moisturizing can cause your skin to become swollen and blocked, making it harder for your tattoo to heal. To speed up recovery while minimizing irritation and swelling, lightly apply lotion after showering. After about one week, you can begin bathing with a sponge or taking short, quick showers in areas away from your tattoo. Exercise carefully when your tattoo is still healing, as sweating can clog its pores and hinder healing. Wait until your tattoo has completely healed before taking on an intense workout or working out too often afterward. If the tattoo feels itchy, rub in some tea tree oil for soothing relief. By following these tips, you can ensure your tattoo heals quickly and without any issues.
Wash it gently:
Your tattoo is an open wound that needs time to heal, and showering it too soon could leave the area more susceptible to infection. Keep your tattoo clean and protected by gently washing it with a mild soap that is free from alcohol and fragrances. The water temperature should be lukewarm, and be sure not to splash or scrub too hard. Avoid anything abrasive to the tattoo, such as loofahs, sponges, or washcloths which can harbor bacteria and increase your risk for infection. It’s best to use a new towel specifically for washing your tattoo. If your tattoo is too large for a sponge bath or shower, you can always use mild shower gel with a sponge to clean any areas not connected to it. Just remember to limit soaking time on each tattoo to no more than a few minutes at a time. To expedite healing, wear loose clothing that won’t rub or scratch the tattooed area while waiting. After taking a quick shower, gently pat the tattoo dry with a soft towel or paper towel. You may need to repeat this several times until your tattoo has completely healed. Doing this helps prevent drying out and flaking of your tattoo, making the healing process go more quickly. Once your tattoo has healed completely, you can switch from ointment to lotion for protection. But only use a thin layer as too much lotion will prevent oxygen penetration into the tattoo and cause scabs to form.
Don’t soak it:
Showering after a tattoo should be avoided to avoid direct contact with the ink. Doing so may trigger an allergic reaction and lead to an infection or premature scab falloff.Be careful not to press or rub the tattoo during washing or while rinsing off afterward. Doing so could irritate your skin and lead to a bacterial infection. Maintain the cleanliness and hydration of your tattoo with mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. For extra moisture, add some moisturizer to the soap for extra hydration. This will aid in healing your tattoo and keep it from drying out. They provide a gentle type of shower that won’t disrupt the ink and can be used up to two weeks after getting your tattoo. The Mayo Clinic suggests using mild soap and cool or lukewarm water for your first shower with a new tattoo, but avoid direct streams of water. Doing so can be painful for the ink and could even break down the ink, making healing harder. After taking your shower, use a clean towel or paper towel to wipe the tattoo area dry. You can use an unscented moisturizing lotion on newly tattooed skin, but only up to twice a day until the ink has healed. Make sure the moisturizer is light enough so that skin pores remain open and doesn’t clog them with too much product – otherwise, you could risk developing an infection. Keep it clean When showering after a tattoo, it’s essential to take the correct steps for keeping your skin safe. Although you may feel tempted to just hop in the shower and go, remember that your tattoo is an open wound and requires special care to heal properly. Before showering after getting a tattoo, consult with your artist to determine when it is safe to shower. Generally, they’ll suggest waiting 12-24 hours after the design has been covered in either plastic or bandages before taking a shower. This is wise since the ink still needs time to heal and can easily get damaged or irritated during this period. Too hot can saturate the skin and dilute ink, while too cold could cause it to wash out or fade too rapidly. Instead, opt for a sponge bath or simply take a short shower. Sponge showers are often recommended after someone has undergone a major surgical procedure as they help to gently cleanse the skin and pores. This will shield your tattoo from fading or becoming especially sensitive, while keeping the skin healthy and clear. Another way to shield your tattoo from water damage is by applying a thin coating of Vaseline on it. Finally, be sure to avoid submerging your tattoo in any type of tub or swimming pool. Doing so could damage the ink and even lead to a skin infection.
