Do And Don’ts During an Aftercare of a Fresh Tattoo
Tattoos can be amazing works of art. Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, from elaborate designs to the Ariana Grande-esque tats of today’s pop culture. But there’s a reason some people wait years to get inked: tattoos are permanent. In fact, most fade over time, becoming less noticeable or completely disappearing. Most people don’t know that tattoos, like skin, need moisturizing and proper care.
Figuring out how to care for your tattoo can be tricky, though. So, before you stock up on rubbing alcohol and aspirin, there are some dos and don’ts you should be aware of when caring for a fresh tattoo. Here is the list of dos and don’ts for you:
The Do’s
Listen to your tattoo artist’s personal instructions
When it comes to tattoos, we’re all about self-expression. And there’s no denying it. The tattoo itself is truly a work of art. However, aftercare is just as important as artistry. When it’s time to get a tattoo, it’s important that you listen to your personal artist’s instructions on aftercare. The less you worry about the tattoo, the better the healing process will be.
Treat your tattoos as fresh wounds
Do treat your fresh tattoos as fresh wounds. Even if you take extra steps to take care of a fresh tattoo, there are many things that can go wrong. For example, you could end up with a nasty infection, or your skin could discolor.
Use mild, fragrance-free soap or tattoo cleanser in cleaning fresh tattoos
Cleaning up after a tattoo can be a daunting task. The needles used for tattooing are sharp and can easily puncture your skin’s surface. Proper care of your fresh tattoo will help prevent infection and unwanted scarring. After your tattoo, it’s important to disinfect the area and remove all traces of ink. But what kind of soap or cleanser should you use? While there are plenty of products on the market that claim to clean tattoos, keep in mind that not all are safe to use.
Let your tattoo breathe to help with healing
When a tattoo is first inked, the area containing the ink is often inflamed and swollen. The ink in the tattoo must be allowed to heal and harden so the body knows not to react with an allergic reaction. This natural healing process, also called “remodeling” can take several weeks. Your tattoo will benefit from proper air circulation and blood flow during this time. Allowing your fresh tattoo some “breathing room” (and some common sense) will speed healing.
See a doctor if you find the pain or infection occurs
You know the pain isn’t entirely over once the ink settles in if you’ve ever gotten a tattoo. The pain and soreness can linger for days or even weeks, dependent on the color and location of the tattoo and the kind of needles that were used to get it done. But you’re lucky if you can even find a doctor near you who will treat tattoo pain—there are very few who specialize in treating tattoo pain since many don’t want to deal with any skin-related issues. Learn to treat tattoo pain before it gets worse, and talk to your doctor about the best treatment method for your tattoo.
The Don’ts
Don’t expose freshly-inked tattoos to direct sunlight
Getting a new tattoo is exciting. You’re committed to wearing the new ink and looking awesome for a long time. But Tattoos hold dangers, including bacteria that can cause infection. New tattoos should be cleaned with an antibacterial soap several times a day. Avoid getting tattoos when your skin is dry. UV rays from sunlight also damage the tattoo.
Don’t heavily exercise the first 48 hours after getting tattooed – at the very least
When it comes to tattoos, there’s such a thing as getting too excited. Tattoos look beautiful as they heal, and it’s tempting to want to show off your new ink as soon as possible, but there are a few rules to keep in mind. The first, and most important rule, is to wait at least 48 hours before you exercise. Your body is still processing the ink, and the ink is still healing, so heavy exertion could rip the ink right off your skin, which could cause the color to bleed. Instead, stick to light exercise, like walking.
Don’t soak or swim in a pool or bathtub until tattoos are completely healed
You will want to avoid swimming or soaking until your tattoo is healed completely so it doesn’t become infected.
Don’t use a loofah or washcloth to wash or clean your tattoo. Use bare hands.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about washing your tattoo. First, avoid using washcloths, sponges, or loofahs to wash your tattoo. These materials can scratch the fresh tattoo. Second, avoid using any soaps, oils, lotions, and creams on your tattoo. These oils can clog your pores, which could cause infections or other problems. Instead, use a moist, clean cloth to wipe clean your tattoo. Finally, avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your tattoo. These agents can cause dryness and infection and may also damage the tattoo.
Lotion and Moisturizers
When you start getting tattoos, you have to make sure that the area heals correctly to avoid infection. One of the best ways to prevent infection is to avoid dryness and keep the skin hydrated. Your new tattoo is going to need a lot of moisture to heal properly, so start moisturizing it as soon as the first scabs appear. You can use any moisturizing lotion or cream, but you will want to use one that is formulated specifically for tattoos.
Each tattoo artist is likely to have a different recommendation for what moisturizer someone should use. Some of the popular recommendations are moisturizers that are made with coconut oil, pure cocoa butter, Shea butter, and other ingredients that give you that moisturizing effect. You can also purchase alcohol-free healing ointments as well as creams that are made for us who best care for our tattoo.
It is also important to do away with scented lotions or creams. Harsh chemicals and ingredients can irritate your wound and even damage your tattooed skin. Avoid using sunscreen with SPF 50 or more on a tattoo, as it can break down the ink. Use a good sunblock with SPF 30 or less that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Other Important Things to Consider…
Take the time to care for a tattoo properly! Once you’ve gotten a tattoo, you’ll want to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best. How often? This can vary depending on factors like your skin type, for example, if you have oily skin. Depending on what your tattoo artist tells you, they might recommend cleaning your tattoo with water only or antibacterial soap. In general, it’s a good idea to clean a tattoo less than 24 hours after getting inked. Body Mods knows all things tattoo related and can help answer any questions you may have in taking care of your.
