How To Keep Your Tattoos Looking Fresh And Prevent Fading
When you got your tattoo, did you ever think it would fade or look aged somehow? It’s true! Your ink is going to inevitably fade with time, but there are things you can do to keep your body art looking as fresh and vibrant as it was when you first got it done. Caring for your ink goes a long way. Want to know how to keep your tattoos from fading? You have come to the right place.
What Causes Tattoos To Fade?
One of the questions the artists from Oracle Tattoo Gallery receive is, “How do I keep you tattoo looking fresh?” The answer isn’t always simple. There are many factors involved, and some tattoos seem to fade more quickly than others. Here are some of the things that contribute to a tattoo fading:
Not Following Aftercare Instructions
Taking care of your tattoo is pivotal to keeping it looking fresh. Follow the aftercare routine that your tattoo artist recommends. Wrap your tattoo when going to bed to prevent friction. Wash the new tattoo with antibacterial soap. Keep it moisturized. Don’t pick at the scabs, and don’t scratch the healing tattoo when it itches. As long as you follow the rules and use a gentle moisturizer, your tattoo will heal perfectly and stay vibrant for many years.
Sun Exposure
The sun is one of the worst things for a tattoo. UV rays will penetrate even the deepest layers of your skin, breaking down the pigments in the tattoo ink. Once the pigments are damaged, the color is less vibrant. Over time, your tattoos will look faded and dull.
Not Getting Your Tattoo Professionally Done
The trick to getting a long-lasting tattoo with vibrant colors is to go to a professional tattoo artist like those at Oracle Tattoo. The experience of the artist, matched with the quality of the ink, plays a huge role in the look of your tattoo several years down the road. A professional knows just how deep to put the ink so that it is permanent. An amateur, on the other hand, might not get the placement right, resulting in a semi-permanent tattoo that fades more rapidly.
Over-Exfoliating Your Skin
Don’t get it wrong—there is nothing wrong with using cleansing products and exfoliating your skin. It’s called self-care, after all. But you could also do it too much. Over-cleansing your skin strips away the protective layers, leaving you and your tattoo exposed to the elements. The irritation can damage your skin and the tattoo.
Why does this happen? Blame your immune system. Even over-exfoliating your skin can trigger your body to produce the same response it would if you fell off your bike and scraped your knee. Macrophages and fibroblasts are sent to the site of the wound to deal with debris and heal the scrape. This causes rapid cell renewal, which will eat away at the integrity of your tattoo.
Aging
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about aging, but it has to be mentioned. As your skin ages, the elastic properties break down. Your skin may seem thinner or wrinkle more easily. This can cause the tattoo to look less vibrant, because the layers of skin are becoming weaker.
Skin aging is often accelerated by your lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and not using sunscreen. Take care of yourself.
Friction And Placement
Sometimes, where your tattoo is placed and the kind of friction it is exposed to can alter its appearance. If you have hand tattoos, for example, excessive hand washing, abrasions, and rubbing can cause the tattoos to fade. It makes sense, since the layers of skin that hold the ink are being rubbed away.
How Long Does It Take For A Tattoo To Fade
Did you ever notice that a fresh tattoo is the most colorful it will ever be? Ever after a day or two, the colors dim. Over time, the tattoo gets even more faded, until the outline doesn’t look as solid or the details become less noticeable. It happens.
But if you follow the tips that are described below, a tattoo that you got in your 20s or 30s won’t fade for at least 20 years. While tattoos always fade with time, you can slow down the process significantly.
How To Keep Your Tattoos Looking Fresh
Here are some tips to help you keep your tattoos looking brand new:
Good Placement
Some places are safer for tattoos than others, including the back, rib cage, and thighs. Choose areas on the body that are less exposed to friction and sunlight. For example, a tattoo on your foot is going to be more exposed to friction from socks and shoes than a tattoo on your forearm would be.
Aftercare Is a Must
Yes, it’s worth mentioning a second time. Aftercare is all-important. Don’t skimp on the healing process. Take care of your tattoo while it heals, and you will have a fresh tattoo for years.
Moisture Regularly (But Not Too Much)
A hydrated tattoo is a happy tattoo. You will experience less dryness, cracking, and discomfort all while preserving the integrity of the tattoo design. Choose balms that are unscented and organic, as harsh chemicals may accelerate fading.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
At the very least, wear sunscreen. If possible, wear loose clothing in the summer that also protects your tattoos from the sun. There are plenty of tattoo-friendly, mineral-based sunscreens out there that will stop fading before it starts!
Bottom Line
Fading is inevitable, but you can keep your tattoo looking fresh with aftercare and maintenance. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun—those are two ways to prevent tattoo fading. Don’t forget to stay in touch with your professional tattoo artist, so they can do a touch up whenever needed! Looking for a tattoo shop in Philadelphia? Check out Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Our masterful artists will bring your vision of a perfect tattoo to life. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation or ask a question.
