IT’S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW TATTOO AFTERCARE ADVICE
Taking good care of your new tattoo is crucial for both newcomers and seasoned tattoo enthusiasts. It’s essential to understand the do’s and don’ts of tattoo aftercare, as proper tattoo aftercare plays a critical role in the healing process and ensures that your tattoo looks exactly as envisioned. Neglecting appropriate tattoo aftercare can result in infections or scarring, potentially damaging the appearance and health of your tattoo. In this post, we’ll dive into all you need to know about proper tattoo aftercare.
TATTOO AFTERCARE DO’S
- Listen to the tattoo aftercare advice of your artist.
- Use the “second skin” bandages provided to you by your artist and use them exactly as instructed and in the time frame discussed. You will have the bandages on for a total of five days. This is key tattoo aftercare.
- When cleaning your tattoo, and in between bandages, use warm water with fragrance-free soap, and then gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
- After you are no longer using the “second skin” bandages, and when the skin is dry, use whatever ointments or lotions your artist has recommended.
- Stay hydrated, it keeps your skin healthy and helps your skin retain elasticity.
- If you are going to be in the sun, and your tattoo has healed enough that you are no longer scabbed or the are is no longer ‘weeping’ fluids, use a non-nano particle zinc oxide sunblock (fragrance and petroleum free).
TATTOO AFTERCARE DON’TS
- Don’t use petroleum based lotions.
- Don’t use lotions or ointments with fragrance added.
- Don’t pick any scabs that may form, it will cause scarring and possible loss of ink pigments.
- Despite the probability of the tattooed area to get itchy, do not scratch it. Relieve can come from a gentle lotion, cool water, etc. Avoid scratching.
- Don’t wear clothing that’s going to be rubbing against your healing tattoo. You will cause irritation, which could lead to infection and increased scabbing.
- Don’t expose your tattoo to prolonged sunlight, particularly during the healing process.
- Don’t go swimming with a tattoo less than 2 weeks old.
- Don’t get any touch-ups on the freshly tattooed area until fully healed. Further irritating skin that is already irritated will likely cause complications.
- No strenuous activity. Sweating too much can cause problems, make you bleed longer and increase the healing time. Take it easy for a bit.
It’s key to listen to the advice of your artist for proper tattoo aftercare. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions from your artist. Knowledge is a good thing, and your artist is probably the best source to talk to regarding the aftercare of your tattoo, and they are happy to help you in that regard.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
Contact Lucky Bamboo, an award-winning tattoo shop in Layton Utah, for your next tattoo. Schedule an appointment today with some of Utah’s best tattoo artists.