Tattoo Aftercare: 5 Things to Do after Getting Inked
Tattoo aftercare is essential for quick and painless recovery from new tattoos. Since tattoos are basically wounds, there are specific things to do to avoid infections and bad scarring. If you’re getting a tattoo for the first time, here are some things to do right after getting inked.
Take Note of Artist’s Instructions
It is important to trust your tattoo artist. Since they ink people for a living, they likely have ample knowledge and experience in handling freshly-done tattoos. Most tattoo artists are accommodating and provide instructions to help clients recover from their wounds.
Usually, they would advise the clients to air out the wound at least three to four hours after the session. It helps to remove the bandages or wraps as soon as you arrive home. However, if your artist used specialized tattoo film, it’s best to leave it on for the next 24 hours.
Treat Tattoos as Fresh Wounds
Tattoos are wounds that take time to heal. Just like typical wounds, they should not be exposed to microbes or any organism that might infect them. Once you’ve taken of the original wrapping applied by your artist, let it breathe to prevent moisture from building up. Moisture build-up in wounds is an environment for bacterial growth, which may lead to infection.
If possible, do not wear any type of clothing that obstructs, rubs, or scratches the tattoo. Wearing clothes over the tattoo area will make you sweat and can lead to more moisture build-up.
Keep the Area Sanitized
Hygiene and sanitation are important, especially during the first two weeks of healing. Before touching your tattoo, either for clean-up or sanitation, make sure your hands are clean and wash them for at least 20 seconds.
Using a professional tattoo cleanser or soap with lukewarm water may also be beneficial for quicker healing and added protection. You can ask your artist if they can recommend any products available in the market today. However, keep in mind to use fragrance-free, mild, or tattoo-specific products to clean fresh tattoos.
Avoid Exposure to Direct Sunlight
Most people think that it’s safe to expose new tattoos to sunlight. However, they shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight until they’re completely healed. If it is unavoidable, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. The skin under the tattoo is fresh and sensitive. In effect, it may easily burn, fade, and put you at risk of melanoma.
Avoid Picking, Rubbing, or Scratching the Tattoo
Since tattoos are wounds, they are prone to itching and flaking, especially after a few weeks. Although it’s tempting to scratch, it’s important to avoid doing it during the healing process. Contrary to popular belief, picking scabs does not speed up the healing process. Instead, it may lead to scarring. It can even ruin the ink. Scabs are normal, and they will fall off eventually on their own, even without you picking at them.
Conclusion
For most people, a tattoo is a way of commemorating an event, an achievement, or a significant change in their life. However, tattoos require attention and care until they heal. One wrong move, and your tattoos can be infected or worse. For your safety, follow your artist’s instructions and let the wound heal.
Certified Tattoo Studio welcomes anyone with skin. Through our more than 30 artists and multiple shop locations, we are Denver’s best tattoo parlor. We offer many tattoo styles, from colored to traditional, and we can accommodate every client’s request. Visit our website today to book your next tattoo appointment.