Tattooing, the art of inking the skin to form a design, isn’t an 80s thing. It is also not a practice during the Elizabethan age nor a Medieval-era body artwork. It is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
The oldest known tattoos were found on the mummified remains of a man named Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 3,300 BCE.
So, if you find yourself lying in a tattoo shop today to get inked, you are imbibing a practice
that’s regarded as a legacy in human history. That said, it is important that you keep the ink always looking fresh, as it’s a product of artistic prowess and hard work. What are some tips to maintain your ink? Allow the AuthorityTattoo team to lead the discussion.
Tattoo Aftercare In A Nutshell
Simply put, tattoo aftercare involves the steps you must take to protect the appearance of your tattoo and avoid nasty side effects, such as infection.
Montana-based tattoo artist Anka Lavriv says that tattooing is an invasive cosmetic procedure. It’s not like laser skin resurfacing or microdermabrasion. So, whether you like it or not, your immune and lymphatic system will make the necessary adjustments so the body heals itself after getting inked.
This is why, according to dermatologist Dr. Robert Finney, it’s vital to know that tattoos create wounds in the skin, so the best approach is to be gentle on them.
Uninformed individuals might think that since tattoos are generally permanent, they would do nothing after getting inked and leaving the tattoo studio. This does not seem right.
8 Tattoo Aftercare Tips To Remember
Here are eight of the most crucial tattoo aftercare tips to remember.
1. It’s Tempting, But Avoid Removing The Bandage Real Soon
Nor reapplying it once it is off. If the dermatologist tells you not to wash your face for a certain number of hours after getting a facial treatment, obey them. The same goes for a tattoo artist telling you to leave the bandage on for two or four hours.
What happens if you remove the bandage too soon? Do you really want to know? Well, if you insist. Doing so increases the risk of infection, might cause the ink to fade, causes the tattoo to form scabs and scars, and delays the healing process. Don’t ever attempt to remove the bandage real soon.
2. Gently Wash The Area Where You Got Inked
Treat your tattoo similarly to how you’ll do with a healing wound. But new tattoos are considered healing wounds, right? So, let’s get straight to the step of washing it clean at least twice a day.
But be gentle. Scrubbing it is a no-no. Be sure to pat it dry. Use the right products to wash your tattoo. You’ll need to invest a little unless you want infections, irritations, allergic reactions, and inflammations, among other scenarios.
3. Don’t Scratch The Area
Your new tattoo is really like a healing wound wherein the area around it can be itchy. New tattoos will usually itch and peel as they heal. Never ever scratch it, or you’ll just ruin your new ink.
Instead, use an appropriate tattoo goo lotion, what’s recommended are those with panthenol, an ingredient that helps soothe the itch. This way, you will avoid the harmful scratching.
4. Avoid Water (Don’t Swim)
It’s not a good idea to hit the beach after getting inked. Swimming, and even plunging in a Jacuzzi or hot tub, isn’t recommended for about the first two weeks after you get tattooed.
You can guess. Yes, doing so causes the ink to fade, as well as irritation, infection, scarring, and prolonged healing.
5. But That Doesn’t Mean Not Taking A Bath (Though You Must Take Cold Showers)
We said to avoid exposure to water, but that doesn’t mean you’ll forego bathing. When you need to, ditch the hot shower for now and get used to cold showers in the meantime unless you want the ink to fade away.
6. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturization is vital for healthier healing and a more vibrant ink. Before you even grab a petroleum jelly or oil-based formula, we’re telling you right now that you shouldn’t. A tattoo goo lotion is also a perfect moisturizer.
7. Forego Tight Clothes For Now
Fashionistas who just got inked, yes, there’s a dress code. Wearing tight clothing is a big no-no during the first two weeks after getting tattooed. This should be a no-brainer, and the effects if you are stubborn are pretty much the same: irritation, ink loss, infection, prolonged healing time, and scabbing.
8. Going Outdoors? Wear A Sunscreen
It’s that time when you become that overly skin-conscious person. If you’re going out to work or meet business clients after getting inked, wear sunscreen with SPFs ranging from 30 to 70.
Connect With Your Tattoo Artist And Dermatologist Often
Did you get your tattoo artist’s contact information? Be sure you did. If you have doubts or are unsure about what to do after you get inked, they’re a chat away from you to ask for clarification on their reminders. Furthermore, if something feels and looks weird, your best bet is to contact your doctor or dermatologist immediately.
Conclusion
Proper tattoo aftercare is important to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting vibrancy. It’s a two-way road. It also involves doing your part.
Let’s recap. Remember to keep the tattoo clean with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Resist the urge to plunge into the swimming pool and wear tight clothing as these may irritate the fresh ink.
A gentle, unscented lotion is best for moisturization. To be sure, wear sunscreen to protect the tattoo from sun exposure.
Do not scratch or pick at scabs to avoid ink loss and caring. Following what the tattoo artist and dermatologist told you is also essential.
By following this guide, you can maintain your ink and keep it looking fresh in the years to come. Want more tattoo aftercare tips? Visit the AuthorityTattoo website.
