01/05/2023
Not sure how to take care of your new tattoo? Read our DO’s and DON’T’s here: ✨✨
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A NEW TATTOO:
Getting a tattoo isn’t simply getting your skin painted on. Technically, a tattoo is a wound that needs caring for while the body tries to heal it. Treat your tattoo well, and you’ll reap the benefits of a great-looking artwork on your skin to last a lifetime!
Here are our best tips for tattoo after-care:
DO:
1. WASH YOUR TATTOO ONCE A DAY (or twice if you've been in dirty areas or been sweating a lot). You may safely take a shower 5 hours after getting your tattoo.
2. USE A MILD, UNSCENTED SOAP to wash your tattoo. Our recommendations: Cetaphil, Dove, Ivory
3. APPLY A LIGHT, UNSCENTED MOISTURIZER 1-2 TIMES A DAY. We say start using a moisturizer at least 24 hours after getting your tattoo. You may experience drying and itching of skin within 2-3 days, which is when the moisturizer really comes in handy. Our recommendations: After-care tattoo cream, Cetaphil, Physiogel, Aveeno, cocoa butter, shea butter
4. ALLOW YOUR TATTOO TO AIRDRY as much as possible to avoid bacteria and infection from too much moisture/wetness. You may simply help the process by keeping the area clean and moisturized once or twice a day. If at times your tattoo feels extra dry & itchy, then go ahead and apply a small amount of moisturizer.
5. COVER YOUR TATTOO with a cloth if you know it might be exposed to direct sunlight. While giving your tattooed skin air to breathe is important, avoiding the sun’s harsh rays is also a must.
DON’T:
1. USE PRODUCTS WITH FRAGRANCE! Scented soaps and lotions contain harsh chemicals that can cause scarring and premature fading of a new tattoo.
2. KEEP YOUR TATTOO SUBMERGED IN WATER OR SOAKED FOR PROLONGED PERIODS! Sorry, but that also means no swimming for at least 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast your tattoo is healing.
3. OVERDO IT ON THE MOISTURIZER! Keeping your tattoo from getting too dry, flaky, and itchy is the only aim here.
4. SCRATCH YOUR SKIN OR REMOVE THE SCABS! Let scabs fall off on their own. Healthy tissue is forming underneath the wounded skin, so respect your body's healing process.
5. APPLY SUNSCREEN WHILE IN THE HEALING STAGE! Sunscreen can clog the pores and trap bacteria.
As long as you follow these basic after-care tips, your tattoo should be well on its way to healing nicely. Yes, we know it sounds like a lot of effort and patience. But just remember, NOTHING EASY IS WORTH IT, AND NOTHING WORTH IT IS EASY. And in the end, what you’ll have is a piece of art that’s definitely worth flexing!
See you in the next blog!
-jmo
Art by Elyk
