What Is Proper Tattoo After-care?

Once you have finished your tattoo session, you must take care of the new ink. People don’t realize that proper tattoo aftercare is crucial if you want the best results. Whether it is your first tattoo or the 20th, here are some tips for proper tattoo aftercare.

Why Is Tattoo Aftercare Important?

Tattooing can put a strain on your immune system. For that reason, you should prepare your external and internal parts of the body. A tattoo is an invasive procedure, and your body will work hard to heal. You may be tempted to party, but taking some downtime can help you recover from the inside and out.

Short-Term Aftercare Tips For Your New Ink

When you leave one of the Philadelphia tattoo shops, you should have a set of aftercare instructions. Most artists will tell you only to touch the inked area with clean hands. Don’t just run your hands under the water. You must take the time to use soap and rub your palms for at least 20 seconds. Take a look at these other crucial aftercare tips.

Keep The Area Clean

Your artist will let you know when to remove the bandage. Once the bandage is removed, you don’t want to reapply it. Keep in mind that the plasma may leak from the area. When that happens, cleanse the skin with antibacterial soap, pat dry with a clean towel, and allow it to breathe. You should let the skin sit for about 10 minutes before applying any ointment.

Apply Ointment

Most tattoo artists will provide you with ointment recommendations. Every artist will have their own aftercare procedures, such as using a specific lotion or cream. Whatever you use, never over-apply the solution to your skin. Along with clogging the pores, too much lotion or cream can delay healing. If your artist did not make a recommendation, consider Aquaphor. This product will give your skin the right amount of moisture without suffocating it or causing flaking.

Allow The Tattoo To Breathe

During the first couple of days, you will have to wash your tattoo several times a day. After that, it is crucial to apply a light layer of ointment. If you fail to do these steps, the ink could become damaged. Air helps with the healing process. While the tattoo is often wrapped in plastic for the first night, ensure the tattoo gets plenty of ventilation after that time. Along with that, never wear tight-fitting clothes. These pieces can rub up on the inked skin, causing irritation. You can always opt for those loose cotton fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.

Long-Term Aftercare Tips For The Best Results

Now that you know what to do in the short term, it is essential to follow those long-term tips to keep the skin and tattoo healthy.

Never Pick The Skin

In most cases, the skin will fully heal in about six weeks. However, those individuals with certain immune disorders may take longer to heal. The ink can play a role in the healing time. Tattoos with colored ink will take longer to heal than those with non-colored ones. If there are several scabs on the skin, that can also delay the healing process. The skin will feel itchy during the healing stage, and scabs may develop. You might be tempted to scratch or pick at them, but it is important to leave the skin alone. Those actions could delay the healing and even cause damage to the skin. Instead, focus on your moisturizing routine. You will want to use unscented lotions and soap to clean the area.

Avoid Sun Exposure

It is natural for the tattoo to undergo a few changes, even fading. Take a few steps to prevent significant damage to your new tattoo. You must keep the epidermis safe from sun exposure. By wearing sunscreen and covering your skin, you can avoid prolonged sun exposure from damaging the new ink. In addition to that, stay away from tanning. While a golden brown tan may look nice, it can harm your skin, including any tattoos.

Talk To Your Doctor

If you notice anything wrong with your tattoo, reach out to your tattoo artist. These professionals will be happy to check out the skin to see if there are any complications. For those who experience excessive scabbing or oozing, it may be time to talk to your doctor. While tattoo infections are rare, they can happen from time to time. You may have to use medication to treat the infection in those cases.

The Final Word

All tattoos need a little aftercare. Once they are healed, you will still need to focus on those long-term tips. You can put your skin on a healthy healing path with the proper aftercare. As a result, your tattoo will heal correctly and look good for many years. Remember, if you ever have questions, you can always reach out to the artist for advice. At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we want to deliver exceptional results for your next tattoo. Our artists offer a variety of styles to get that right look for your next tattoo. When it comes to aftercare tips, our highly trained and experienced artists will make sure to provide you with all the necessary care to heal your skin. We want you to be completely satisfied with our gallery. Do you need to find local tattoo shops near me? Reach out to us. Schedule an appointment by calling 215-638-1601.