Tattoos are a form of body art that are becoming increasingly popular, but the aftercare process is just as important as the tattooing process itself. Proper aftercare can help to ensure that your tattoo heals quickly and looks great for years to come. Here are some dos and don’ts of tattoo aftercare that you should keep in mind.
Dos:
- Keep the tattoo clean. It’s important to keep your tattoo clean to prevent infection and promote healing. Your tattoo artist will likely give you specific instructions on how to clean your tattoo, but in general, you should wash the tattoo with soap and water, then apply a thin layer of moisturizer.
- Keep the tattoo covered. Your tattoo artist will likely cover your tattoo with a bandage after the tattooing process. It’s important to keep the tattoo covered for the first few hours after getting it done, to prevent infection and to keep the tattoo from rubbing against your clothing.
- Keep the tattoo moisturized. Keeping your tattoo moisturized will help to prevent the tattoo from scabbing and cracking, which can lead to fading and scarring. A good rule of thumb is to apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo 3-4 times per day.
- Keep the tattoo out of the sun. Sun exposure can cause your tattoo to fade and can increase the risk of skin cancer. It’s important to keep your tattoo out of the sun for the first few weeks after getting it done, and to use sunscreen to protect it for the rest of your life.
- Keep the tattoo protected. If you’re going to be doing activities that could cause your tattoo to be rubbed or bumped, it’s important to protect the tattoo with a bandage or clothing.
Don’ts:
- Don’t pick at the tattoo. Picking at the tattoo can cause the tattoo to scab and can lead to scarring. It’s important to let the tattoo heal naturally, without picking at it.
- Don’t soak the tattoo in water. Soaking the tattoo in water can cause the tattoo to fade and can increase the risk of infection. It’s important to keep the tattoo dry for the first few days after getting it done.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or products on the tattoo. Harsh chemicals and products can cause the tattoo to fade and can increase the risk of infection. It’s important to use products that are specifically designed for use on tattoos.
- Don’t expose the tattoo to extreme temperatures. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the tattoo to fade and can increase the risk of infection. It’s important to keep the tattoo away from heat sources such as saunas and hot tubs, and to protect the tattoo from cold temperatures by covering it with clothing.
- Don’t ignore the signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge around the tattoo, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. These are signs of infection and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Tattoo aftercare is an important part of the tattooing process. Proper aftercare can help to ensure that your tattoo heals quickly and looks great for years to come. It’s important to keep the tattoo clean, covered, moisturized, out of the sun, and protected, and to avoid picking at the tattoo, soaking the tattoo in water, using harsh chemicals or products, exposing the tattoo to extreme temperatures and ignoring the signs of infection.
If you follow these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your tattoo looks great for years to come. Remember, aftercare starts right after getting your tattoo done, and it’s a process that lasts for weeks.
