How to Take Care of an Old Tattoo to Keep It Fresh and Bright

After you get a tattoo, you need to take time to allow it to heal. Once that period is over, you still need to think about aftercare. If you don’t want your older tattoos to fade after a few years, there are some secrets to keeping them looking fresh. Whether you have just visited one of the local Philadelphia tattoo shops or need some help with older ink, here are a few tips that you will want to know.

Top Tips for Tattoo Care

Caring for tattoos is more than washing and drying your skin. When thinking about long-term care for your tattoos, there are a few things that you need to understand. Without the proper skincare routine, your tattoos can start to become faded and blurry. You will want to use a few of these tips for your ink to look its best.

Get Plenty of Water

Water is excellent for the body and your tattoo. When you drink plenty of water, it helps to hydrate your skin. As a result, your tattoo can remain well moisturized. If you don’t drink enough water, then the skin can look dull and dry. You might even have a few more wrinkles than normal. With a tattoo on the skin, these visual signs can become even more apparent. Always drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Your skin and tattoo will look healthier and younger.

Always Wear Sunscreen

If you want to keep your skin healthy, put on sunscreen. Keeping those harmful rays of the sun away from your tattoos can stop the fading process. For those with new tattoos, you should keep them covered for about the first three months. When the tattoo is exposed to the sun, the faster it will fade. Those lighter inks also fade quicker than darker ones. While your dark ink might not look faded, it is still being harmed by the sunshine.

You don’t have to worry about using special sunscreen for the job. A regular sun protection routine is all your need to keep your tattoos looking great. Make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc and a rating of 30 SPF or more. If you are going out in the sun, always be diligent about applying it to your skin. Any spot that is exposed will need to have a lather of sunscreen.

Wear the Right Clothes

If you are heading outside, you might want to think about sun-protective clothes to shield your tattoos. Any loosely knitted clothes can allow the sun to penetrate the threads and reach your tattoo. As a result, you might notice the signs of ink fading. You should look for sun-protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or more. With that, you can protect your tattoo and the rest of your skin from those damaging UV rays. Make sure to avoid scratchy fabrics that can cause damage to the design of the tattoo.

Moisturize Your Skin

The secret to keeping a great tattoo is to have a great skincare routine. As previously mentioned, dry skin can make your tattoo look faded or blurred. When you moisturize your skin and body, it can help to maintain a fresh appearance for your tattoo.

Some people choose to purchase lotions marketed for tattoos. However, you don’t need to spend the extra money on them. You can use regular moisturizing creams, but avoid those with fragrances and additives, which can actually dry out your skin. It is crucial to find a lotion that is right for your age and skin type. Whatever you choose, you want to find a product that you can apply every day. Make moisturizing a part of your daily skin routine.

Keep Your Weight in Check

If you have lost or gained weight, it can affect the appearance of your tattoo. Your tattoo’s appearance will change along with your weight. You might want to avoid any dramatic weight loss. A slow change is less likely to affect the appearance of your tattoo. However, a dramatic drop or gain can alter the look of your ink.

Covering Up Your Ink

When you get a tattoo, you will want to show the world. However, there are some situations where you need to cover them up. Job interviews, family gatherings, or a wedding are just some examples. Whatever your reason, there are a few more tips that you should know to keep them looking their best.

Some of that dark ink can be hard to cover. You may need more concealer or makeup for the job. If it is a big tattoo, it might take several layers to keep it out of view. You will want to start with a concealer to help neutralize those colors. Take some time to even out all of the colors, especially if you have dark ink. After that, you can apply camouflage or corrective makeup. This type of makeup is used to cover up scars and skin discolorations. They are more effective than those over-the-counter choices at the store. If you want a flawless look, apply as needed and blend into your skin for an even tone. A setting powder is a perfect way to give your skin that finishing touch.

Make a Visit To a Dermatologist

If you are concerned about the health of your skin, you can always book an appointment with a dermatologist. These professionals can give you advice on keeping your tattoos and the rest of your skin healthy.

Many people think that caring for a tattoo only happens during the first few weeks after getting inked. However, daily care should be done regularly to keep up the appearance of your tattoo. With that, you can have something beautiful that will be appreciated for years to come.

Let Oracle Tattoo Gallery Help You

Looking for local tattoo shops near me? Reach out to Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Our experienced artists are ready to help create a beautiful piece of art on your skin. You can schedule a consultation by calling our office at 215-638-1601.