Tattoo Aftercare
Take care of that tattoo the right way!
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions and Products
Because each tattoo is unique, it’s not possible to come up with foolproof rules for tattoo aftercare.
In the majority of cases, a tattoo that has been correctly applied will heal without problems. While some people may experience an allergic reaction or infection, this can usually be avoided by taking the correct precautions before getting a tattoo and following some simple procedures after.
Each tattoo artist may suggest a slightly different tattoo aftercare process, but in most cases the purpose of the process is to speed up healing and avoid infection.
When a tattoo is first completed, the tattoo artist should cover it with a bandage. This bandage can be removed after about an hour. As soon as the bandage is removed, the tattoo area should be washed gently with antibacterial soap and rinsed with warm water.
For the next few days, most tattoo artists recommend coating the tattoo area with a fragrance-free and colorless ointment like Aquaphor. Fragrance can irritate the tattoo area or even cause a rash, so it’s important to avoid ointments and lotions that have fragrance. All that’s needed is a thin layer of ointment – many people make the mistake of applying too much ointment.
Several ointments are available that have been designed by tattoo professionals specifically for tattoo aftercare. These include Tattoo Goo, Ink Fixx, Tat Wax and several others. Consult with the tattoo artist who applies your tattoo about the best tattoo aftercare ointment for your tattoo.
Ink Fixx : All Natural Tattoo Ointment
One of THE most popular tattoo skin care products!
As part of the normal healing process, a tattoo will start to peel after a few days. When this happens, a fragrance-free and colorless skin lotion should be applied instead of ointment. Lubriderm, Curel and Vasoline Intensive Care lotion can all be used for tattoo aftercare. During the peeling stage, the tattoo may appear to be blurry. This is caused by the formation of a new upper layer of skin. As healing continues, the tattoo will become more distinct and clear.
While the tattoo heals, it’s important to keep it clean. Avoid immersing it in water or scrubbing it. Instead, continue to wash it gently with mild soap.
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and bacteria. People who handle hazardous materials, such as animal waste or medical waste, should take extra precautions during tattoo aftercare to limit the risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
Next to keeping the tattoo clean, one of the most important rules of tattoo aftercare is avoiding sun exposure.
Getting too much sun during the healing process can permanently damage the tattoo. A new tattoo should be protected from direct sunlight. Most tattoo experts suggest avoiding overexposure to the sun even after a tattoo is healed, since the sun can ruin a tattoo’s look by damaging the skin and fading the tattoo’s pigment.
Indications of a bad reaction to a new tattoo include heavy scabbing, seeping, inflammation or the appearance of a rash.
It’s important to see a medical professional if any of these symptoms occur during tattoo aftercare. Individuals who have immune system problems, diabetes or other blood disorders or who are taking blood thinners may develop problems after receiving a tattoo and should consult with a doctor before undergoing the tattoo process.
Some people should take a few precautionary measures before they have a tattoo applied. Individuals who are allergic to latex should let the tattoo artist know so that a different type of gloves can be used. People who suspect they may be allergic to tattoo inks should have a small area of skin tested before undergoing the full tattoo procedure. This precaution will eliminate the chance of an allergic reaction during tattoo aftercare.
The most important precaution for tattoo aftercare is to make sure your tattoo is applied under sanitary and sterile conditions.
A clean environment will go a long way towards easy tattoo healing. Make sure the tattoo artist that you use follows sanitary procedures, and then do your part by keeping your tattoo clean while it’s healing. By following these simple rules of tattoo aftercare, you will soon have a beautiful finished piece of body art that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
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