The world of tattoos is a complicated realm. What most people don’t realize is that tattooing is a mixture of art, health, body strength, technique, engraving, shading and beauty. But the most important thing is Care after tattoo Is. If you want your new tattoo to have the highest level of durability, you must take good care of it after the tattoo. Whether it’s your first time getting a tattoo or your 20th, we’ve rounded up the best short- and long-term tattoo care tips to help you keep your tattoo looking as good as day one for years to come.
Why is tattoo aftercare important?
Tattoos stress your immune system. For this reason, initial skin preparation is as important as post-tattoo care. Since tattooing is an invasive cosmetic procedure, your immune and lymphatic systems work hard to heal a new tattoo. Therefore, excessive activities are not recommended. In other words, try to relax after getting the tattoo done and do not do heavy activities.
Short-term care tips after tattooing
In the following, we will tell you everything you need for short-term care after tattooing.
Touch the tattoo only with clean hands
Most artists and tattoo artists have their own set of aftercare instructions. But one common advice they all have is to only touch your tattoo with clean hands. The most important step is to wash your hands well before touching the tattoo. Also keep in mind that hand washing should not be a quick three second wash. Rub your palms together with soap or washing liquid for at least 20 seconds and wash your fingertips well.
Remove the bandage and wash only with antibacterial soap
The main bandage that your tattoo artist uses to cover the tattoo can be removed and the area washed within two to three hours after the job is done. Do not re-bandage it. Plasma or dead blood may appear on the surface of the skin in the first few hours after tattooing. This process is normal and after removing the bandage and cleaning it with antibacterial soap, the skin is allowed to breathe and heal.
Another post-tattoo care tip is to use antibacterial soap or any fragrance-free antibacterial liquid to clean the tattoo. Avoid using any kind of cloth to clean the tattoo; Because cause Exfoliation of facial skin in this area and since the surface of the skin is still scarred, it will cause damage. Then gently wash the area with warm water and dry with a towel. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before proceeding with the aftercare process.
On the first night, there is a chance that your tattoo will bleed. Blood can dry overnight and stick to your clothes or bedding. If this happens, gently remove the cloth or bandage. Do not force it or be rough with it. If it still doesn’t come off, wet the area with lukewarm water and gently rub it.
New tattoos sometimes ooze fluid in the first few days. This means that plasma and ink create a thin, moist coating on the skin. This can be wiped off with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel on the skin and remove. Do not erase the tattoo or be rough with it. Don’t panic when you see tattoo ink on a tissue or on your hands while cleaning it. This is the extra ink that is secreted from the surface of the skin. To avoid stains, use darker colored towels and sheets and wear dark clothes.
Changing the bandage on time and washing the skin regularly helps to heal the tattoo wound quickly. It is usually recommended to remove the bandage a few hours after the tattoo and wash the area with antibacterial soap. There is no need to cover the tattoo with a bandage again, so that the wounds heal faster when exposed to the open air.
How to properly remove and replace the tattoo bandage
Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and use a fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Avoid using scented soaps, scented moisturizing products, or scrubs.
- Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently remove it.
- Lather your hands with warm water and soap. Do not use a cloth, bath towel or sponge on a fresh tattoo.
- Gently clean the tattoo in circular motions to remove all the ointment and plasma.
- Wash the tattoo gently to clean the skin.
- Dry the skin with a clean towel or paper towel, then allow it to air dry completely for at least 10 minutes. Never scrub.
- After the tattoo dries, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin. Gently apply the ointment to your tattoo. Wipe off any excess with a clean paper towel.
Excessive use of ointment can cause “suffocation” of the tattoo. Apply only a very thin layer to allow your tattoo to breathe.
Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days.
There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be aware that your tattoo is a wound and when it is not bandaged, it is susceptible to contamination and bacteria that may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface.
Apply special ointment after tattooing
Always use the ointment recommended by the tattoo artist. Every artist has their own aftercare cream, and these include shea butter, vitamin A cream, lotion, and more. Make sure you don’t overdo it by using too much ointment on the tattoo, as this can clog the pores and cause breakouts that will definitely hinder the healing process. Some tattoo experts even suggest that after the first cleanup or applying a very thin layer of ointment, you leave the area without ointment to allow it to heal on its own.
You can use Aquaphor ointment for the first two to three days of recovery. It provides the right amount of moisture without feeling heavy or suffocating, and also minimizes peeling and flaking. Of course, an important point about Aquaphor is that it contains petroleum. So if you are looking for plant-based alternatives, Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo is recommended. This cream is a great option for post-tattoo care and is made with shea butter, mango and aloe vera, with coconut oil and vitamin E. This cream is great for use before, during and after the tattoo healing process. Once your tattoo begins to heal, you can switch to unscented lotions, such as Eucerin, or apply shea butter to the skin to keep it moist and hydrated until your tattoo is fully healed.
Let your skin breathe
During the first three to four days after the tattoo, you will repeat the process of washing the skin about two to five times a day, then apply a layer of gentle ointment. Note that a good amount of airflow is great for the tattoo during the healing process. So it is very important to make sure the skin can breathe. On the first night, it’s okay to wrap the area in plastic so it doesn’t stick to your bed, but after that, make sure your tattoo gets enough air.
Long-term tips for tattoo aftercare
There are a series of post-tattoo cares that you should do in the long run. These include the following points:
Do not rub or scratch the area
How long it takes for your tattoo to fully heal depends on the size and how it was done, but on average it takes about 6 weeks. People with immune disorders may need to consult a doctor or dermatologist before getting a tattoo. Also note that colored ink tattoos take longer to heal than non-colored, dark tattoos, especially if they are large and involved.
On the third or fourth day after the tattoo, the skin will begin to peel, which may be uncomfortable or itchy. But you should avoid rubbing and scratching the tattoo. This area will still be very sensitive even after the exfoliation step, so it is recommended to continue with your moisturizing routine. Continue to use soaps and lotions without scents, dyes, or fragrances.
After getting a tattoo, try to avoid touching and scratching the tattooed areas. This causes the wounds to peel off and may even remain on the skin for a long time.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
Over time, it is normal for a tattoo to undergo changes, including fading. According to new research, tattoo ink remains suspended in the dermis layer of the skin and is maintained by a special type of white blood cells called macrophages. Fibroblasts are another type of cell that absorb ink particles, so the macrophage and fibroblast bind enough ink particles together to keep the tattoo image in place and appear on the skin. These cells hang around for years. They stay and finally when they die, the ink molecules are reabsorbed by a new macrophage.
Your tattoo becomes a part of your organism that sheds and changes, and just as it is important to protect the epidermis layer of your skin from harsh chemicals and sun exposure, you must also take care of your tattoo and always From The best sunscreen for the skin Use with SPF 35. Remember: prolonged exposure to sunlight will damage it. So try to resist tanning to keep your tattoo fresh and beautiful.
Care after eyebrow tattoo
In addition to tattoos and body tattoos, eyebrow tattoos are one of the most popular types of tattoos among people. Usually, the tattoo artist asks the person to use vitamin A ointment or eye ointment for the care after eyebrow tattoo, which can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies.
One of the most important points to note is that after eyebrow tattooing, the color of the ink may look a little darker than you wanted. This situation is temporary and after a few days when the thin layer of skin falls on the tattoo, a large amount of color is lost with it. At this stage, you may see the tattoo too bright. Again, this situation is temporary and finally, after two weeks, the original color of your eyebrow tattoo will be visible.
Care after lip tattoo
Lips are one of the most sensitive organs of the body and we must take care of them properly after lipstick tattooing in order to achieve the best results. It is usually recommended to avoid vigorous physical activities and excessive sweating after lip tattooing. Also, you should not use any cosmetics on the skin of tattooed areas. Another care after lip tattooing is to use ointment several times a day so that the skin of these areas does not become dry and dehydrated.
Care after eyelash tattoo
Eyelashes and eyeliner are also another type of tattoo permanent makeup They are considered faces that need a lot of maintenance and attention. Care after eyeliner tattoo includes no heavy sports activities and avoiding excessive sweating. Also, if you plan to spend a few hours outside the house, it is better to use sunglasses.
You should not use any cosmetics around the eyes for a few days. Care after eyeliner tattoo is very important and makes it last longer.
Important dos and don’ts of post tattoo care
In addition to the above, remember the following points:
- Clean towels, bedding, and clothing are highly recommended during the recovery process.
- Showering is good; However, please do not get your tattoo wet for at least 2 weeks. This means avoiding swimming, bathing, or submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time.
- Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks to allow your tattoo to fully heal. After that, we recommend applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 50 on your tattoo whenever you are in direct sunlight for the rest of your life. put. The sun will undoubtedly cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo.
- Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton) and avoid constricting accessories such as bra straps and tight belts over your new tattoo. Avoid wearing dirty, sweaty or woolen and itchy clothes because they can cause skin problems.
When should we see a doctor?
Tattoo infections are rare, but it is better to know what the symptoms are so that we can treat it quickly. If you feel feverish, experience oozing or scabbing at the tattoo site, or swelling that lasts more than a week, it’s time to see your doctor. Also, if you experience stiffness, swelling, or red lesions in the tattooed area, seek help from your doctor.
last word
If you do the post-tattoo care we mentioned above well, you will reduce the healing time of your skin. But after healing, there are just a few things to keep in mind: avoid prolonged sun exposure, itching, and rubbing of the skin surface. You will know that your tattoo is on the right track to healing when the scales are reduced and the skin over the tattoo is as even as the rest of your skin. Remember, if healing takes longer or you suspect a skin infection, see your doctor right away to make sure your new tattoo is healing properly.
Frequently asked questions about tattoo aftercare
In the following, we are going to answer the most common questions about post-tattoo care.
How many days after the tattoo should we go to the bathroom?
There is nothing wrong with showering after tattooing; But sleeping in the bathtub, going to the swimming pool and jacuzzi is not allowed until two weeks after the tattoo.
Before getting a tattoo, it is better to inform your tattoo artist of any disease. If you have a history of herpes, it is recommended to use the corresponding medicine to minimize the possibility of its occurrence. It is also recommended to use local anesthesia before tattooing.
For a few days after the tattoo, any slight swelling, inflammation and redness are normal and disappear by themselves. But if this swelling is very severe or accompanied by fever, you must see a doctor.
Usually, tattoo artists suggest using eye ointment after doing any kind of tattoo.
References
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