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How to care for your tattoo? Tips and tricks for healthy skin
How to care for your tattoo?
Congratulations! You just got a new tattoo and now it’s time to make sure it stays looking good. It is important to use the correct care techniques to keep your tattoo looking beautiful and to prevent infections.
One of the most important things you need to do to care for your tattoo is to keep it clean and dry. Gently wash your tattoo with mild soap and water, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
Then apply a thin layer of ointment to hydrate and protect the skin. Remember to keep your tattoo clean during the day and not to scratch or pick at any scabs that may form.
With proper care, your tattoo will look beautiful for years to come. A tattoo is anything but cheap, so of course you want to make sure it looks great for as long as possible, right? Always pay close attention to the special care that your skin type needs!
Immediately after tattooing
If you have just had a new tattoo, it is important to take good care of it to prevent infections and promote healing. You will certainly receive good tips from your tattoo shop, but we would still like to list them.
Here are some important steps to take immediately after tattooing:
First wash
You should wash your new tattoo within a few hours of tattooing to remove any blood, ink, and excess ink. Use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water to gently wash the tattoo. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
Apply ointment
After washing your tattoo, you should apply a thin layer of ointment to moisturize and protect the skin. Make sure you use an ointment specifically designed for tattoos and follow the instructions on the package. Apply the ointment with clean hands and do not rub too hard. Dabbing is better than rubbing.
Avoid direct sunlight
You should protect your new tattoo from direct sunlight because the UV rays can slow healing and fade the colors. Cover the tattoo with clothing or a bandage when you go outside and avoid sunbathing and tanning beds until the tattoo has completely healed. Protecting your skin from the sun is always a good idea.
General care of your tattoo
If you have just had a new tattoo, it is important to take good care of it to prevent infections and poor healing. But, even after the healing process, you must continue to take good care of your tattoo. Here are some general tips for caring for your tattoo:
Clean regularly
You should clean your tattoo regularly to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the wound. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo and then use a mild soap to gently clean the tattoo.
Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid using cotton swabs or anything that leaves lint on the tattoo.
Continue to hydrate your skin well
After cleaning your tattoo, it is important to keep the skin well hydrated. Apply a thin layer of a special tattoo ointment or lotion to the tattoo and massage it gently. Repeat this process several times a day, especially if your skin feels dry. Avoid using products that contain alcohol, fragrance or dyes as these can irritate the skin.
Continue to hydrate your tattoo well after healing, your skin and your tattoo will be grateful for it.
Protect well against the sun
Your tattoo is sensitive to sunlight, especially in the first few weeks after getting the tattoo. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo and cover it with clothing if possible. If you do go outside, apply a sunscreen with a high SPF factor to protect your tattoo from sun damage.
By following these general tips, you can ensure that your new tattoo heals properly and continues to look beautiful. Remember that every tattoo is different and you should always follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for the best care.
Timely touch-ups
A tattoo can fade over time, especially if it is exposed to the sun or other elements. It is important to have regular touch-ups to keep the tattoo looking fresh and vibrant. If you notice your tattoo fading, contact your tattoo artist to schedule a touch-up.
Tired of tattoos?
But what if you eventually get tired of your tattoo? Removing your tattoo is of course always an option.
Problems and solutions
If you have a new tattoo, you may encounter some problems. Fortunately, there are usually simple solutions to these problems. Below are some common problems and how to solve them.
Prevent infection
An infection can occur if you do not take proper care of the tattoo. To avoid this, you should follow these steps:
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Use an antibacterial soap to wash the tattoo.
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo.
- Cover the tattoo with a sterile bandage.
If you notice signs of an infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, contact your doctor.
Help, I have an itch!
Itching is a common problem with a new tattoo. Here are some tips to reduce itching:
- Wash your tattoo with cold water and do not use hot water.
- Apply a moisturizing lotion to the tattoo to hydrate the skin.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo.
Treatment of scars
Scars are a natural part of the tattoo healing process. Here are some ways to treat scars:
- Apply a silicone gel to the scars to promote healing.
- Use a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the scars from the sun. Preferably an SPF 50.
- Consider seeing a dermatologist for further treatment if the scarring is severe.
It is important to be patient during the healing process of your tattoo and to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions. If you experience any problems, contact your doctor or tattoo artist for advice.
