How to take care of freshly-inked tattoos
Don't let your excitement about getting a tattoo fade once it's done. Proper aftercare is required to keep it vibrant. Neglecting care could result in infection. An infected tattoo may appear red and feel painful. Typically, it takes about two to four weeks for a tattoo to heal completely. Here's how to ensure proper care for your tattoo.
Initial steps
Make sure the artist applies a bandage over your newly-inked skin. After 24 hours, take off the bandage. Before removing the bandage, wash your hands. Use a gentle soap and water wash to clean the tattoo. Dry off with a clean paper towel. Cover the area with a layer of moisturizing antibiotic/anti-baterial ointment. Clean, dry, and moisturize thrice a day for about five days.
Avoid scratching
It's natural for your tattoo to acquire hard layers or scab a little. However, avoid picking, scraping, or peeling your tattoo. If you do this, your tattoo might not heal properly and part of the pigment might fade. You can lose the color or acquire an infection. Instead, if you keep it moisturized, the scabs will fall out over time.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight
Once your tattoo is completely healed, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for at least two weeks. It is recommended to always apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to your tattoo whenever you are exposed to direct sunlight, especially during the summer season. Remember, over time, sunlight exposure can degrade your tattoo and shorten its lifespan.
What to keep in mind while showering
Shower in cold water. Not only will scalding hot water burn, but it can also cause the tattoo ink to fade. However, wait at least two weeks before soaking your tattoo. This means that you should avoid taking long showers, swimming, or soaking your tattoo in water. Keep your tattoo dry and away from sunlight whenever possible to ensure proper healing.
Keep the area clean
Throughout the healing process, it is very advised to wear clean clothes, bedding, and towels. When covering a new tattoo, wear baggy clothes (ideally cotton) and stay away from tight waistbands and bra straps. Wearing clothing that adheres to your tattoo might cause discomfort and slow down the healing process. Similarly, avoid wearing dirty, sweaty, or irritating garments to ensure healthy healing.
