AFTERCARE FOR YOUR TATTOO
[IT'S IMPORTANT]
Your new tattoo is an investment, not just financially, but an investment to your body and the way it makes you feel about yourself. Skin care is a big factor in how your tattoo will hold up over time. If you want your artwork to stand the test of time it is important to take extra steps in your skin care routine to keep your tattoo as bold as possible.
AFTERCARE FOR YOUR HEALING TATTOO
How you take care of healing your fresh tattoo is just as important as how we applied it to your skin.
First thing that's important to know is that it's perfectly normal for your tattoo to seep ink, plasma, and a bit of blood for the first eight to twelve (8-12) hours and this is why your Tattoo Artist has applied a bandage and asked you to leave that bandage on overnight. This gets you through the seeping process, keeps your tattoo clean, and prevents the drying and scabbing of your new tattoo.
Once you take the bandage off in the morning, clean the tattoo with warm, running water, and an unscented liquid pump soap. We prefer GOLD DIAL antibacterial soap. Never use a bar of soap to reduce the chance of cross contamination. Avoid soaking or submerging your new tattoo in water for the first two (2) weeks of healing.
When drying your tattoo use a clean, disposable paper towel and then apply a thin layer of ointment to your tattoo to moisturize it. We prefer AQUAPHOR. It's important to only apply enough to moisturize the tattoo and only what the skin will absorb. If there is extra ointment or a shiny, tacky layer, take a clean disposable paper towel and gently dab the excess off.
Repeat the above steps three (3) times a day for the next four (4) days or until your tattoo starts flaking and peeling. Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling the dried skin.
During this stage you can shift to an unscented lotion such as AVEENO or LUBRIDERM if you wish. Everyone heals a little differently and each tattoo may heal differently based on the Tattoo Artist, their techniques, etc, however, typically your tattoo will be healed within two to four (2 - 4) weeks. If you have any questions at all, contact your artist directly.
*We recommend you shop for your tattoo aftercare soaps and lotions locally if possible, but we also know it's the great internet age so the links are for your convenience.
LONGEVITY OF YOUR TATTOO
Once your tattoo is healed it's important to remember that it actually lives under a new layer of skin growth. This is why your tattoo will never look as dark or colorful as when it was first created.
Since your tattoo is now a part of your skin, how you take care of your skin is how you take care of your tattoo. A few precautions will help your tattoo last.
1) If you will be in direct sunlight for long periods of time, wear a protective layer of at least 30 SPF sunscreen or cover your skin. Tanning beds are terrible for your tattoo (and your health). Though not the only factor, the high concentration of UV rays in tanning beds and direct sunlight contribute to the breaking down of the tattoo pigment causing the "fading" effect most people are worried about.
2) Moisturizing your skin daily is a great way to keep your skin healthy and your tattoos looking bright and bold.