Choosing a tattoo is often a decision that takes careful consideration and a lot of time and energy. It is, of course, something that will be permanently on your body. So, it is important that you know how best to take care of your new tattoo.
Here is a guide to tattoo aftercare and general practices to employ that will allow your tattoo to heal quickly. They will also protect your tattoo from fading and keep it looking vibrant.
Tattoo aftercare is vital
Keep the bandage on for at least a few hours before gently removing it. Then, clean your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Gently pat it dry with a clean and soft towel. If you leave the bandage on for longer than the artist advises, the tattoo will become infected and the ink may bleed.
Whenever you handle your tattoo in any way, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly to avoid infection. When washing your new tattoo, be sure to rub it gently with your fingers to remove any excess ink and blood. This will ensure that your tattoo doesn’t scab too soon. It’s also important not to hold your tattoo under the water in the shower as the pressure can be too hard and may damage the surface layer of skin.
Once you’re done washing it, let it air dry. When it is fully dry you can apply protective baby ointment over the area. Bepanthen is the best brand to use as it contains dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which helps sensitive skin maintain its natural protective barrier while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. The water-in-oil formula locks in the skin’s natural moisture by forming a transparent and breathable layer, which allows for gentle skin recovery without drying it out.
Until the scabs are gone, wash and moisturize your tattoo every day. You should wash it two to three times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, until your tattoo is completely healed. When reapplying the protective ointment, a thin layer is all that is required.
What not to do
Don’t scratch your tattoo or peel off scabs. Let them fall off when they’re ready. This will prevent damage to your skin and the newly laid ink. It is also vital that you don’t expose your tattoo to sunlight until it is fully healed. Even once it’s healthy, it is always important to thoroughly cover your tattoo in sunscreen to avoid it from fading.
You should also avoid swimming until the skin is fully healed as soaking your tattoo in water for long periods of time could invite bacteria and infection. Wear loose-fitting clothing while your skin heals and avoid strenuous workouts too.
These tips will allow you to take care of your new ink and ensure that it remains vibrant and eye-catching for longer. Tattoos are not only an artistic expression, but they are also a physical change to your body and skin. They need to be looked after with medical precision in order to fully heal and look as good as possible.
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