Tattoos are artistic, creative, and an expression of your unique self. But, what many people tend to forget is that a tattoo is also a wound. Tattooing is also an invasive procedure in which a machine inserts the ink into our skin using fast-moving needles.
A fresh tattoo is thus like an open wound that you’ll have to tend to. That is why there is so much emphasis on aftercare when you get a tattoo. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices to keep your tattoo clean, hygienic, and safe.
Why Does Tattoo Aftercare Matter?
An open wound is vulnerable to infections and scarring. And a tattoo is an open wound. If you do not treat your tattoo carefully, it can get infected, which may permanently damage the appearance of your tattoo or skin.
Taking good care of your tattoo will also ensure that it heals faster and without any fading. If you’re getting a tattoo for the first time, tattoo aftercare can feel overwhelming. People will bombard you with all kinds of tips, which will only leave you feeling more confused than before.
It’s always advisable to follow the instructions from a reputed tattoo studio or artist, ideally one you’re getting your tattoo from.
Effective Tips For Your Tattoo Aftercare
1. On The Day
Once the tattoo is done, make sure your tattoo artist applies a healing cream / lotion such as Bactine on your tattoo and wraps it entirely with cling film or repairing film.
Remove repairing film after 24 hours after getting the tattoo. Cling film won't last as long. As long as it's on long enough to get you back home where you can rinse it clean and care for it properly is fine. Wash the area with water only or a mild, fragrance-free soap and pat dry. Your tattoo artist will probably also inform you about the necessary precautions you should be following to keep your tattoo sanitary. Make sure you follow it all religiously.
2. Avoid Sunlight, Rigorous Exercises & Swimming
Your tattoo will be still in the healing process for the first 1-2 weeks. Try to take it easy during this period. Don't go swimming, just avoid it completly. Avoid going out too much, especially when the sun’s out.
You’ll unknowingly expose your tattoo to sun rays, dust, and bacteria that may cause sunburns or infections. It may even lead to inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can cause tanning around the tattoo.
Even if you work out indoors, you will be sweating, and that’s not ideal for a healing tattoo. For these reasons we always recommend getting your tattoo at the end of your holiday in Bali.
3. Stay Away From Exfoliators
While regular exfoliation is good for skin as it gets rid of dead skin cells, exfoliating while your tattoo is still healing is a bad idea. The skin on your tattoo is quite thin and any friction may cause it to tear and lead to infections.
You can go back to using your loofahs and exfoliators once the tattoo is completely healed.
4. No Touching
Don’t let anyone touch your tattoo, no matter how excited they are for you. Our hands carry thousands of bacteria from all the surfaces that they’ve touched. Touching tattoos with the same hands is a recipe for disaster.
You, too, need to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. Only touch the tattoo when required, like for cleaning or applying balm. Avoid casual touching.
5. Resist The Urge To Scratch
After a few days, the tattoo might develop some scabs on its surface. These scabs can be itchy but resist the urge to scratch, and allow the scabs to fall off naturally.
If you scratch or peel off the scabs prematurely, the wound may reopen, prolonging the healing time. It can also cause scarring and permanent damage to the tattoo.
Using fragrance-free moisturizer or Tattoo Aftercare cream will help ease the itching sensation.
6. Use SPF
We cannot stress this enough. Sunrays are harmful to your skin, more so to an area that’s still healing.
Avoid being in the sun as much as possible. And if you must go outside, apply a high SPF sunscreen and keep your tattoo covered with loose clothing.
7. Apply Balm
Always use an ointment that’s recommended by your tattoo artist. Tattoo care ointments will ease the itching, moisturize your skin, and offer healing properties.
We recommend using Tattoo Addict Aftercare cream. It’s 100% organic, cruelty-free, and is made with natural ingredients like shea butter, Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, vitamin E, and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) that promote healing. It’s formulated especially as a tattoo aftercare cream, unlike Bepanthen which is primarily used to treat baby bum rashes.
If your artist recommends any other ointment, you can check with them whether you can use the Tattoo Addict Aftercare.
Why Use ‘Tattoo Addict Aftercare’ Balm
Tattoo Addict Aftercare is specially formulated to help in the healing process of tattoos. It is formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E and has 100% natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and vegetable glycerin.
It is manufactured with no fragrances, colorants, or antiseptics to minimize irritation and make it suitable for even the most delicate skin. The best part about Tattoo Addict Aftercare cream is that it’s not tested on animals and is cruelty-free and vegan.
Benefits of Tattoo Addict Aftercare Cream
Coverage
Tattoo Addict Aftercare is a water-free balm, so a little goes a long way, with only a pea-sized amount needed to cover an average-sized tattoo. It also glides very smoothly on the skin, so you don’t need to rub it too much.
Skin Hydration
Your skin is made of cells and oils, keeping the level of oils at an optimal level is absolutely essential for skin health, appearance and wound recovery.
Itching
It soothes sensitive skin, reduces inflammation and moisturizes the skin around the tattoo preventing any kind of itching or discomfort.
Scabbing
The balm keeps the skin hydrated naturally, which ensures that the scab formation is minimal and the tattoo heals faster.
Colors
Tattoo Addict acts as a protective barrier and prevents the tattoo color from fading away. It can also be used on old tattoos to preserve their colors.
Faster Healing
All the ingredients in the cream work together to nourish the skin and speed up the healing process.
Sensitive Skin
The cream is particularly formulated to suit even the most sensitive skin.
Tattoo Addict Aftercare: Ingredient Highlights
Tattoo Addict Aftercare is formulated using handpicked ingredients that offer numerous benefits for your skin.
Here’s an in-depth look at the ingredients used in Tattoo Addict Aftercare and their benefits:
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is known to boost the skin’s moisture content and is commonly used in many moisturizers and body lotions. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in healing cuts and scrapes. Shea butter also softens the scar tissue and helps accelerate the healing.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants and forms a protective barrier on the skin that prevents the skin from drying out and locks in moisture. It can ease the itchiness that occurs on recently tattooed skin.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural source of lauric acid that has anti-microbial properties, thus helping prevent infections on your tattoo. It also calms temporary redness and soothes irritated skin. It eases inflammation and acts as a protective barrier locking in the skin’s natural moisture.
4. D-Panthenol / Provitamin B5
Pro-vitamin B5 is effective in treating sunburns and other minor burns or skin irritation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates the healing process. Pro-vitamin B5 is also useful in smoothening skin texture and helps retain the moisture in the skin.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a hydrating agent and an antioxidant. It moisturizes the skin and helps in the healing process. Vitamin E can help reduce redness and swelling of the skin.
7. Glycerin
Glycerin hydrates the outer layer of the skin, successfully reducing itchiness. It improves the skin barrier and protects the skin from any irritants. Glycerin works wonders on wounds and can help accelerate the healing process. It also gives relief from dry skin.
Other Uses of Tattoo Addict Aftercare
Though Tattoo Addict Aftercare is mainly used to treat new tattoos and help with healing, people have found numerous other ways to use this effective cream.
Some other uses of Tattoo Addict Aftercare are:
Lip balm
Minor cuts
Cracked heels
Healing piercings
Bruising
Dry skin
Sunburn
Bites and stings
Pimples
There are various other creams in the market that tattoo artists suggest using. But, most of them are mostly antiseptic creams or creams for rashes.
Bepanthen is one such cream that’s widely suggested, but Tattoo Addict Aftercare offers many more benefits and can be a much better alternative.
FAQs
Can I Shower With Fresh Tattoos?
Yes, you can shower with fresh tattoos. Wash your tattoo separately with water only or with mild and fragrance-free soap twice a day.
How Long Will It Take My Tattoo To Heal?
If you take proper care and follow all the instructions mentioned in this guide and by your tattoo artist, your tattoo will heal on the surface within two weeks. It will still be healing internally for up to two months.
Conclusion
We hope this guide addressed most of your doubts about tattoo aftercare. Tattoo Aftercare can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You simply need to follow the instructions given by your tattoo artist, avoid sunlight, touching, or scratching your tattoo.
Make sure you use gentle products like Tattoo Addict Aftercare to help your tattoo heal effectively, ensuring that your final tattoo will be in the best condition possible.
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