Upon receiving your new tattoo from a licensed and reputable artist, it’s important to begin aftercare at home immediately. In the first few days, dressing the tattoo area and washing it daily are essential steps to prevent infection and reduce scarring. Moisturizing several times a day and avoiding sun exposure help to protect the look of your ink and ensure proper healing.
Despite the tricky nature of tattoo care, especially in states that do not require artists to provide detailed instructions, taking these measures can significantly lessen side effects like infections. Remember, the information your artist decides to share is often the minimal guidance needed; thus, educating yourself on the best practices is advantageous.
What to put on a fresh tattoo?
First 72 Hours: Protect and Relax
When you return home from the tattoo studio, your artist will have covered your new tattoo with a dressing to protect it. It’s crucial to follow their instructions on how long to wait before removing this dressing. Typically, plastic wrap or gauze secured with medical-grade adhesive—often referred to as second skin—is used, which is designed to be worn for several days. During the first few hours, you might notice some fluid oozing from the tattoo, which can include blood, plasma, and excess ink. This is normal, and while the area may feel slightly warm to the touch and appear red and sore, these are typical signs of the healing process.
Once it’s time to remove the wrap, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and gently peel back the wrap. Use warm water and fragrance-free soap to cleanse the area, then rinse well. Patting the skin dry with a clean towel is essential before you wait a few minutes to apply any recommended ointment or lotion. Applying these products as your artist recommends can greatly aid in the healing process.
Removing the bandage
When it’s time to remove the bandage from your fresh tattoo, I always recommend doing this with clean, dry hands in the shower where the hot water helps ease the process. Start by carefully peeling the bandage downward in the direction of hair growth, staying close to the skin to avoid the sensation similar to pulling off the tape on a sunburn. It’s helpful to take deep breaths or even sit on a bench in the shower area if you feel uneasy.
Once the bandage is removed, gently wash the tattooed skin with water that’s been diluted with unscented soap. Make sure to avoid direct water pressure; instead, splash the water gently to rinse all soap off completely.
After washing, pat the area dry with a paper towel. I like to have some pieces prepared and ready before I get in the shower. Finally, allow the tattoo to air dry for about 10 minutes before applying any ointment or lotion. This careful approach ensures your tattoo heals beautifully and remains vibrant.
After the First Three Days
After you’ve carefully removed the bandage from your fresh tattoo, it’s crucial to maintain a gentle and effective care routine. During the initial days, washing the tattoo two times a day with water that’s diluted with unscented soap ensures that it stays clean. Make sure to rinse all soap off thoroughly and pat the area dry with paper towels.
Allow it to air dry completely before applying a thin layer of your preferred lotion to keep the skin moisturized without over-moisturizing. This is crucial because too much moisture can prevent the scab from forming correctly, leading to a duller, less contrasty appearance once healed. Proper aftercare products are essential to prevent infections and scarring.
Nurturing Your Skin
When it comes to caring for a fresh tattoo, choosing the right lotion is crucial. I recommend using an unscented, white lotion like Lubriderm or Cerave, as these products are gentle on sensitive skin. In the initial days, applying a thin layer of shea or coconut butter—both of which are organic—can profoundly nourish and help heal your tattoo.
After the first few days, consider switching to a blend of essential oils, such as Everyday Oil, which can continue the healing process without the risk of over-moisturizing. This approach lets your skin recover naturally and ensures the vibrant longevity of your tattoo’s appearance.
Protection from External Factors
It’s essential to be particularly cautious to avoid prolonged sun exposure and stay away from the beach, as both can significantly affect the healing process. Also, refrain from wearing tight clothing over the tattooed area, and avoid activities that make you sweaty or situations where your tattoo might be submerged in water like a bath, pool, or ocean.
Following these steps for at least two weeks after receiving the tattoo helps ensure it heals beautifully and remains vibrant for years to come. Always keep a small bag with a bottle of soap and lotion, along with some clean towels at home or with you when needed to apply care products on the go.
What to Avoid Putting on a Fresh Tattoo
For those sporting a new tattoo, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain products during the initial healing stage to ensure your skin recovers properly. Avoid petroleum-based lotions like original Vaseline or Aquaphor, as these can create a thick, waterproof barrier that traps moisture and prevents essential airflow to the wound.
This lack of breathability might cause the ink to fade and clog pores, thereby increasing the risk of infection and slowing down the healing process. Instead, opt for products that allow your tattoo to heal topically and prevent bacteria without irritation. Remember, the right aftercare is about more than just keeping the area clean; it’s about ensuring that nothing hinders your skin’s natural ability to heal.
Keeping an Eye on Tattoo Healing
During the first days following your tattoo session, it’s typical for the skin to become red, itchy, and somewhat sore. Seeing some excess ink, blood, and fluid leaking is natural and expected. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, they might indicate a complication. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if the area feels unusually warm, becomes painful, or pus appears, as these are signs of possible infection.
Ensure the tattoo is cared for properly to avoid infection from contaminated equipment or bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Remember, allergic reactions to certain dyes, especially red, blue, and black, can occur, leading to photosensitivity or more severe skin reactions. Minimize damage and scarring by avoiding picking at the healing skin and always follow the care instructions to prevent permanent scars and ensure your tattoo heals correctly.
Long-term Care for a Fresh Tattoo
Taking care of a fresh tattoo is like taking care of your body—a precious vessel that deserves attention and care. Start by keeping the tattoo hydrated, ensuring your skin stays bright and youthful. It’s important to use sunscreen all year round to protect your ink from fading. Applying lotion when your body needs it helps maintain the tattoo’s vibrancy. Most importantly, love your tattoo and yourself, embracing this piece of art as part of your personal story.
FAQS…
What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?
For the first 5-7 days, apply Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day. Keep it light to help your tattoo heal. When it starts to flake and peel like a sunburn, switch to a regular, fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm or any other fragrance-free brand for an additional 2 weeks. This helps manage the peeling and ensures your tattoo stays hydrated.
What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching or picking at it. Instead, gently pat the area to soothe the itching. If the tattoo is covered, avoid wearing tight clothes that rub against the skin and cause irritation. This can affect the healing process. Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, and pools to prevent the tattoo from being immersed in water. While sunblock is important for aftercare, don’t use it until the tattoo is fully healed.
Can I put Vaseline on my tattoo?
When you get a new tattoo, it’s essential to avoid products like alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, and petroleum jelly since they can trap dirt and germs, causing infection. Instead, use a light layer of tattoo lotion that lets your skin breathe and heal. For the first 2 weeks, keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and stay away from activities like swimming, saunas, steam rooms, and soaking in a tub.
Should I wash my tattoo with soap or just water?
During the healing process, it’s crucial to avoid touching your tattoo without washing your hands with a mild, liquid, antibacterial soap. Initially, keep the bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing it in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and the same antibacterial soap. Be sure not to scrub the area to allow proper healing.
