The Basics of Tattoo Aftercare: The Do’s and Don’ts

You’ve done it! You bit the bullet and got yourself that tattoo you’ve always wanted. Now it’s time for some aftercare. Remember that more than just a piece of art, a tattoo is also an open wound. 

No matter what size your tattoo is, you’ve just spent some time having ink poked into your skin by a needle. Trust us. You’re going to need to pay some special attention to your tattoo to ensure that the art and your skin heals well.

For the next two or three weeks, you’re going to have to stay extra careful and follow a certain routine. Tattoo aftercare is a lot like your skincare routine. There’s no one-size-fits-all best practice. 

If it’s your first tattoo, the chances are high that researching the best aftercare routine will only confuse you. The thing is, everyone is different. Your skin will react differently compared to others. On top of that, every artist has their own opinion on the best way to care for your tattoo. 

Here are the basic things you need to know about tattoo aftercare:

Cover it Up

Do’s 

Avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun. Sun damage is not only painful, but it can also wreck your tattoo before it’s fully healed. Make sure to wear sun-protective clothing if you’re going to be out for a long time. 

Don’ts 

Do not apply sunblock directly on your tattoo. In fact, don’t apply anything to your tattoo unless your artist recommends it during the healing process. It’s an open wound, and you don’t want to risk irritating it, as the skin will be sensitive at first. 

Wash Your Tattoo

Do’s

Wash your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap. It’s probably going to be raw and sore for a good while. While you should wash it, don’t scrub it. Gently rub soap into the area and rinse it off with some warm water. 

Don’ts

Now, washing your tattoo is okay, but going for a soak in a bathtub, jacuzzi, pool, or any other body of water is a big no. Swimming and soaking are pretty much off the table for the time being, at least until it’s completely healed. 

It’s not just a matter of preserving the art. It’s also for your health and safety. It’s not recommended to stay for long periods in water when you have an open wound. 

Wait for it to Heal

Do’s

Once the soreness of the tattoo goes away, the itch settles in—this is normal. Any redness, itching, or minor pain is to be expected, wait for the tattoo to heal, and it should be gone by then. Remember to observe your skin, particularly during the first few days after the session. Look for any signs of irritation or infection, and contact your artist right away if you notice any problems.

Don’ts

Under no circumstances should you give in to the urge to pick, scratch, or generally repeatedly touch your tattoo. The skin will be sensitive for a while, and depending on how long your body takes to heal, you might want to buy a few fidget toys to avoid any unnecessary irritation of your tattoo. 

Summary

The best tattoo aftercare—from products, routine, and more—will vary from person to person. However, if you are unsure how to take care of your tattoo, you can follow a few best practices as a guideline. Make sure to talk to your artist and share any skin sensitivities you might have. They can recommend a routine that will work best for your skin. Remember to avoid doing anything to irritate your tattoo, especially in the first two weeks. 

If you are looking for the best tattoo shop in Denver, you’re in the right place. Here at Certified Tattoos, anyone with skin is welcome. We offer free consultations with anyone getting a tattoo in Denver so that you can learn everything you need to know about getting your first tattoo. Our team of highly talented artists is ready to help you with your dream tattoo or piercing! Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our locations.