Tattoo aftercare depends on many factors- from the artist who created your ink to the location of the tattoo. Even if you know how to take care of your entire body, many pitfalls can alter its appearance after it has been tattooed.
Tattoo post-care prevents cross-contamination. You want to avoid introducing harmful microbes or foreign objects into an open wound; failure to take precautions can result in infection. In addition, you will want to prevent scabbing or flaking of the skin around the tattooed area. Mantle Tattoo artists provide some insight into how you should care for your new tattoo. Take a look.
Keep Tattoo Clean
When you get a new tattoo, you’ll want to ensure that it’s kept clean and free from infection, which can happen if you don’t practice good hygiene. A single touch could transfer bacteria from another part of your body or someone else. This bacteria can lead to infections like staph and hepatitis C, which are severe and can cause long-term damage.
Wash your hands before touching the tattoo, and then wash the area gently with soap and water using warm water (not hot). Don’t use rubbing alcohol on your new tattoo—it can irritate the skin around the tattooed area and cause scarring.
After washing, dry gently with a soft cloth or paper towel until all moisture gets absorbed by the towel.
Apply Ointment
Apply a thin layer of ointment every few hours to keep scabs from forming and to lock in moisture. Ointments are especially good for itchy skin and for keeping tattoos moisturized after showering and before going to bed at night. You can apply these products every few hours or whenever you want throughout the day, but you should avoid getting them too wet if possible (i.e., don’t wash your tattoo with water).
Do not use alcohol-based products on fresh tattoos; instead, use aloe vera gel or creams explicitly made for tattoos approved by dermatologists. Alcohol wipes dry out the skin too much, increasing your risk of infection, and may cause ink bleed-through over time if used incorrectly!
Don’t Scratch Itches
Resist the urge to scratch your new tattoo. If you do, you could cause damage that will result in scarring, which may be difficult for a tattoo artist to cover up later. You should also refrain from picking at scabs or peeling them off prematurely, this can lead to infection. If you’re experiencing itching, apply moisturizer until the itchiness disappears.
Protect Your Tattoo from Sunlight
Sunlight can fade the color of your tattoo, so avoid direct sunlight (including tanning beds) for at least a few weeks after getting inked. Your skin may also burn or peel in response to sun exposure during this period.
If you want the tattoo to stay nice and fresh-looking, follow these tips: Cover up when going outside; wear sunscreen; use an umbrella on sunny days; use a hat if there’s no shade around.
Wear Loose-fitting Clothing
Wearing loose-fitting clothing keeps the skin around your new ink from getting irritated by friction against tight clothing.
Don’t Soak
Avoid soaking it in water. Water can cause your skin to swell and become irritated, leading to scabs forming around the tattoo. It makes it hard for the ink to settle into your skin and heal properly. Try not to let the water directly hit it for too long.
When you shower:
- Use mild unscented soap and lukewarm water
- Pat gently with a soft cloth or paper towel (no rubbing)
- Air dry completely before getting dressed again
Don’t Workout
It’s tempting to head straight to the gym or participate in an athletic activity after getting your new tattoo. But any heavy physical activity will put too much pressure on your fresh ink. Leave it at least a few days before you hit the weights again.
You should treat your tattoo like a wound for the first week after getting it. Working out soon after getting a new tattoo can cause it to bleed, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Instead of exercising, use ice packs and take ibuprofen to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Getting a new tattoo is a huge deal for many people, and following through with proper care is essential after the tattoo artist has finished their work. While getting a new tattoo is exciting, it’s also quite a commitment—you must plan to avoid infection and prevent your tattoo from losing its original appearance.
