Tattoo Aftercare
A Detailed Understanding of The Tattoo Recovery Process
Now that you've been inked, you can't wait to flaunt your new style. But, wait, your skin has encountered trauma and it's important you give it the proper tattoo care day by day to recover. Learning the Tattoo Aftercare rules and understanding the healing process depends on the size of your tattoo and the intricate details of the tattoo design. Also, there is variation in recovery due to skin type, diet, hydration (how much water you drink), and previous skin damage from the sun or skin damage. Generally speaking, a large tattoo will remain swollen and red for an extended period. Premium quality Tattoo aftercare ointment should be applied to ensure that your skin has the nutrients it needs to recover faster. Follow the tattoo aftercare directions in this guide to avoid tattooed skin infection, you need to hydrate the tattooed area with high-quality tattoo aftercare products and follow professional guidelines. Learning how often to moisturize a tattoo is easy. The weather and temperature of where you're located can also affect your tattooed skin.
Avoid any direct sunlight on the tattoo for at least one week. It's important to note that direct sunlight is never advised. Tattoos age if it is direct sunlight for the entire life of the tattoo. The more sun, the more it fades and the pigment will spread or fade with age. The key to a crisp and bright tattoo is hydration and daily moisturizer. However, after 2-3 weeks your tattoo can be exposed to sunlight, but be sure to apply a good tattoo sunscreen to help minimize sun damage that leads to tattoo fading. Generally, there are five broad stages of a typical tattoo recovery process. If you follow your tattoo artist's daily guidelines and what we've listed below, the recovery process should be faster with minimal side effects.
Following the aftercare given to you by your artist is an important factor in your healing process. Please feel free to contact us or stop in if you have any questions about healing your new tattoo.
Lotion Method
1. Remove your bandage after a few hours. Many artists will recommend leaving your bandage on overnight to prevent sticking to clothing and sheets. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Gently dry your tattoo. There is no need to rebandage.
2. Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free plain hand lotion like Lubriderm or Aquaphor 2-3 times a day. Lotions should be used very sparingly and should absorb within a few moments. If there is lotion sitting on your tattoo, you have applied too much and can gently blot to excess with a paper towel.
3. In 2-3 days, your tattoo will begin to flake or scab. Do not pick at your new tattoo. Do not submerge your tattoo in pools, baths, hot tubs, or other bodies of water.
4. Keep your new tattoo clean. Showering is okay and always wash your hands before touching.
5. Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning bed.
Overall, the healthier you are, the faster you will heal. Drink plenty of water!
Second Skin Method
Some of our artists will provide you with a Second Skin bandage. This method of healing is a little different, so it's important to follow these steps.
Second Skin is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Second Skin will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo.You can shower normally while healing, but please still abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in bodies of water.
1. Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Second Skin. He will provide you with a second bandage. Leave the original bandage on overnight.
2. Remove your bandage slowly and carefully the next morning. Discard this Tegaderm. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Gently dry your tattoo.
3. Re-cover your tattoo with the second Tegaderm bandage. Leave this one for 3-4 days.
4. When removing the second bandage, clean thoroughly again with a liquid hand soap and warm water. You can use a fragrance free lotion on your tattoo for the next few days.
