Tattoo Aftercare - Proper Care of a New Tattoo

So your impulsive behavior got the better of you and you finally got that cool tattoo done on yourself this New Year. Well, I know you can’t really blame yourself, that design was awesome and it would really look ultra fabulous with the sequined halter you purchased. But, sporting a new tattoo may not always be an easy affair. Once you have a new tattoo embedded into your skin, you also need to ensure proper care of the new tattoo. Tattoo aftercare is often forgotten in the initial euphoria of getting a tattoo done. Proper care of a new tattoo begins the moment you have engraved it upon your skin. Agreed, this is a work of art and it needs to be showcased to your friends, but tattoo care can help you in the long run and visibility of the permanent tattoo.

Tips on Tattoo Aftercare:

• Always listen to what the tattoo artist has to say. Most tattoo artists have their own set of instructions about the dos and don’ts of tattoo aftercare. Ensure you follow this routine even if you find it difficult to maintain it everyday. Sometimes, you may need to have the area bandaged to prevent it from being infected. Always stick to the instructions suggested by the tattoo artist in this case.
• Ensure you keep the area bandaged for at least 2 hours once the tattoo is done. Every person has a different texture of the skin and sensitivity factors so make sure you consult with the tattoo artist about this point. Never reuse any bandage.
• Once the bandage is off, wash your new tattoo under running water and use a gentle soap. Use your fingers to gently wash off the surface of the skin.
• Pat the area dry with the help of a clean paper towel. Avoid cloth as it may harbor certain bacteria and cause some reaction with skin.
• Consult your tattoo artist to know which cream would work the best for you. This will help skin to heal faster. Apply a thin layer of the cream and use it at least for 2 days. This will keep the area moisturized and it will also act as an effective disinfectant.
• Keep a check for two days and by the third day, you can switch to a light lotion. Look in the market for specific tattoo aftercare lotions that would be mild and without all the perfumes and additives. This will help to keep the area moist.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun in the first week. After a few weeks, your tattoo will definitely need loads of light and air but overexposure to the sun may not really be good for the tattoo. The UV rays can cause the tattoo to fade at a faster rate. Later on, you can go in for a good quality sunblock.
• It is definitely fine to shower with a new tattoo. Tattoo aftercare in this case would be necessary when it comes to having a luxurious bath in the tub. This should be definitely avoided as soaking a tattoo for longer hours in the water does not exactly prove to be a good idea. You may even have to avoid a good swim for the initial weeks.
• The skin in that area may also peel off after a few weeks. This is normal and would happen because the skin has heeled. In such cases, do not touch that particular area of the skin. This is the time when your tattoo is healing, so simply avoid touching it fretting about it.
• Always try to wear loose fitting clothes. This would help prevent the constant rubbing of the cloth against the skin and also help the tattoo to heal faster.
• In case of specific allergic reactions, you may need to consult the doctor immediately. This can happen because of the inks used or the skin may have reacted in a different way to the cream that is being used. Sometimes, you may require a change in the cosmetics or creams. In such cases, the doctor would be able to guide you which step you need to take with regards to tattoo aftercare.
• In case of swelling, use ice packs on the area. This will help to soothe the inflamed skin.

Follow these simple steps and sport your new tattoo without all the hassles. Tattoo aftercare is very important if you want your skin and the tattoo looking its best, in the long run.