Tattoos are a great way of expressing yourself and can be a piece of art that will last a lifetime. Once you are done with the tattoo, be careful for about 3-4 weeks as you are still in the healing process. This is to ensure that the skin is not damaged and infected. Even from the initial healing period, you should take good care of your tattoo so that the color doesn't fade. Tattoos will always look beautiful as long as you always keep them clean and moisturized.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing and Moisturizing the New Tattoo
Step 1. Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo
To kill germs that stick to your hands, use antibacterial soap. Rub your hands thoroughly until between your fingers and under your nails are clean. Continue to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying your hands.
- If possible, dry your hands with a tissue, as cloth towels can become a breeding ground for bacteria over time.
- New tattoos are more susceptible to infection and bacteria because the skin is exposed.
- To make sure you're washing your hands for the right amount of time, sing "Happy Birthday" twice while rubbing the soap.
Step 2. Remove the bandage on the tattoo at least after an hour
Tattoos usually cover the new tattoo with a large bandage or plastic wrap before you leave to keep the skin moist. Wait for at least 1 hour after tattooing and until you have time to wash it off. When it's ready, gently open the tattoo cover and throw it away.
- It's normal to see ink droplets on the surface of the skin. This occurs because the skin is trying to expel blood, ink, and plasma to form a scab.
- If the bandage or plastic sticks to your skin, don't try to tear it. Wet the bandage in warm water until you can remove it.
- If the tattoo is wrapped in plastic wrap, remove the plastic immediately. Plastic can block airflow and prevent the tattoo from healing.
- The tattooist may give different instructions about the length of time you should remove the bandage. Follow the tattooist's instructions and contact him if you have any problems.
Step 3. Use lukewarm water to rinse off the tattoo
Pour warm water on the tattoo. Gently rub the water all over the tattoo to moisturize it. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the tattoo as this can make it sore and painful.
- You can also rinse the tattoo in the shower.
- Do not use hot water because it can cause skin blisters or irritation.
- Do not completely immerse the tattoo in the first 2 to 3 weeks after getting a tattoo, as stagnant water contains a lot of bacteria and can lead to infection. Avoid soaking in bathtubs, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
Step 4. Use your hands to clean the tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap
Choose a liquid hand soap that is not abrasive. Gently rub the soap lather on the tattoo in small circular motions. Make sure the tattoo is completely covered with soap before you rinse it off with warm water.
Do not use a washcloth or abrasive cloth to wash the tattoo. This material can scratch the skin and make the tattoo color fade
Step 5. Dry the tattoo by patting it with a clean towel
Do not rub the tattoo with a towel as this can irritate the skin and leave scar tissue. Instead, gently press the towel against your skin and lift it. Continue to pat the entire tattoo until it is completely dry.
You can use a towel or tissue
Step 6. Apply a thin layer of healing ointment to the tattoo
Use an unscented and dye-free healing ointment, as the additives can irritate the skin. Apply a small amount of the ointment thinly and evenly on the tattoo. Do this gently in circular motions until the skin looks shiny.
- Be careful not to apply the ointment to the skin in excess, as this can prevent air from entering the tattoo and slow healing.
- Do not use petroleum-based products as they are too thick and will not allow air to seep into the tattoo.
- Ask the tattooist for healing products. Maybe the tattooist has a product specifically designed for tattoos.
Method 2 of 3: Speed up Tattoo Healing
Step 1. Keep the tattoo open or cover it with loose, breathable clothing
Do not cover the tattoo with a new bandage, as this can block airflow and slow healing. Try to keep the tattoo open whenever possible. If you can't, try wearing light, breathable clothing, such as polyester, cotton, or linen. Do not wear heavy, tight clothing as this can irritate the skin and make the condition worse.
- Be careful not to sleep with the tattoo on top of your body as this can block airflow to the tattoo. If you are tattooing your back, sleep on your side or on your stomach.
- The tattoo may ooze fluid for the first 2-3 days, and stick to clothing. If this happens, do not immediately peel the cloth off the skin. Wet a cloth with warm water, then gently pull the garment that is attached to the tattoo.
- If the tattoo is on a leg, try to stay barefoot at all times and wear soft shoes or sandals with loose straps to allow the skin to breathe. Don't wear sandals for 3 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo to prevent the skin from rubbing against each other.
Step 2. Avoid scratching or scraping the tattoo
In the first week, it is very normal for the skin pigment in the tattoo to peel and flake. As much as possible resist the urge to scratch the tattoo while it's healing as this can hurt the skin or fade the color. If the skin feels itchy, gently pat it with your fingers or apply a cold compress.
The tattoo will usually form a scab, but don't scratch it. Allow the scab to heal completely and fall off on its own
Step 3. Wash the tattoo using running water at least 2 times a day
Always wash your hands before you touch the tattoo to prevent exposure to bacteria. Use your fingers to wet the tattoo with warm water and the lather of liquid hand soap. Be careful not to peel or scrape the skin when you clean the tattoo. Rinse the tattoo with clean water before you dry it.
Do not do activities that make you dirty for the first 2 to 3 weeks after getting a tattoo because you are still susceptible to infection
Step 4. Apply healing ointment lotion 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days
Wash and dry the tattoo before you apply the ointment to keep the skin clean. Gently rub a fingertip-sized amount of ointment into the skin until it doesn't look shiny. Use healing ointment in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Apply the healing ointment again if the skin becomes dry throughout the day.
- It doesn't matter if the tattoo looks fuzzy and blurry, unlike the first time you got it. The tattoo will return sharp when it is fully healed.
Step 5. Switch to an unscented lotion whenever the tattoo feels dry
Do not use lotions that have added fragrance because they can irritate the skin. Apply a fingertip-sized amount of lotion whenever the skin feels dry (usually it should be applied about 3-4 times a day). Rub the lotion evenly over the tattoo to moisturize it.
If the tattoo has completely healed, you can use a lotion that contains fragrance. The tattoo healing process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks
Step 6. Keep the tattoo out of the sun for at least 4 weeks
When you go outside, wear loose, breathable clothing so that the tattoo is fully covered. If the position of the tattoo can not be hidden by clothing, try to avoid sunlight and stay in the shade.
Do not apply sunscreen to a tattoo that has not healed completely. These products contain chemicals that can exfoliate the skin or hinder healing
Method 3 of 3: Doing Long-Term Treatment
Step 1. Apply SPF 30 sunscreen on the tattoo when you go out
Strong sunlight can fade tattoo ink so you should protect your tattoo when you go out. Use a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF and rub it into the skin until clean. After about 2 hours have passed, reapply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Avoid applying sunscreen to the tattoo, unless it has completely healed.
- Do not use a tanning bed or a tanning lamp (both are tools for tanning the skin) because they can fade the tattoo.
Step 2. Keep the tattoo moist by applying lotion when the skin dries
Once the tattoo has healed, you can use whatever lotion you want. Rub the lotion on the skin thoroughly so that the skin is always hydrated and the tattoo looks bright. You can use the lotion 2-3 times a day, or whenever your skin looks dry or cracked.
Tattoos may look dull if you don't use lotion
Step 3. See a dermatologist (skin specialist) if you experience any irritation or rash
Watch for dark red patches, painful bumps, or open sores on the tattoo. These are signs of infection. Call a dermatologist and tell them all the symptoms you are experiencing. Visit a dermatologist as soon as possible so the skin can heal quickly.
- Other signs of infection include increased pain, chills, fever, and the appearance of pus at the tattoo area.
- Do not peel or scrape any rashes or scabs that form on the skin as this can result in permanent scarring.
Step 4. Visit a tattoo parlor to fix a faded tattoo
Go to the tattoo parlor within 2–3 months of getting tattooed for a checkup. If you think there are areas that need to be added ink or a bit of repair, let the tattooist know about it. Pay attention to your tattoo, if there is a change in color after a few months have passed. If the ink is getting lighter or faded, ask if he can fix it.
- Tattooers usually leave this first repair free.
- If your tattoo has been retouched several times, it may not be able to repair it again because your skin will become more sensitive and the tattoo will look messy.
Tips
Sufficient fluid needs throughout the day to keep the skin moist so that the tattoo looks brighter
Warning
- Do not peel or scratch the tattoo as this can cause infection or leave scar tissue.
- If redness, pus, rash, or open sores appear on the tattoo, see a doctor as you may have an infection or allergy.
