Did you know that there are really only 3 key factors you need to know about how to care for a new tattoo? Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, people still have many different opinions about how long it should stay covered, when it should be washed off, and what tattoo creams, if any, should be used. But by paying attention to the following simple (but CRITICAL) steps, you will avoid tattoo infection and have a design that not only looks great, but is healthy and vibrant for years to come.
After months of researching tattoo designs and ideas, I recently got my first tattoo at Kat Von D’s “LA Ink” studio (or High Voltage Tattoo, as it’s officially called). I didn’t like the experience, I actually enjoyed it!
However, I had heard conflicting ideas on how to better care for a new tattoo, especially when it comes to hydration … Some people disagree with applying tattoo creams like Tatt Wax, Aquaphor, Bepanthen, Tattoo Goo, etc. Many believe that the skin will not breathe and will not heal properly, as it may be overhydrated. However, most tattooists recommend moisturizers (petroleum-free, fragrance-free) to aid the healing process and prevent the tattoo from drying out, peeling, or peeling prematurely.
From all the tattoo aftercare information that I was bombarded with, there seem to be 3 consistent factors that tattoo professionals and tattoo fans agree on:
1) Most importantly: keep your new tattoo CLEAN
2) Keep it PROTECTED from the SUN and WATER
3) DO NOT PICK or RUB the tattoo while it heals
After getting my new Gemini lower back tattoo, I had no infections or problems, following the simple tattoo aftercare instructions and advice from the guys at LA Ink:
CLEANING: Initially, your tattoo artist will apply a gauze bandage or patch to protect newly damaged skin, remembering that a tattoo is really an open wound, even if it looks artistic! It should be left on for about 4 hours and then carefully removed, possibly even while showering, to avoid peeling off any areas of inked skin that may have stuck to the patch. A gentle wash with a mild soap and warm water will be fine, but don’t scrub too hard and pat yourself dry with a clean towel. To keep your tattoo infection free, make sure to avoid other people touching it and wash your hands thoroughly before YOU touch it. The tattoo does not need to stay covered and heals in about 2 weeks, but be careful to apply a patch temporarily if it will be exposed to dirt or bumps while working, playing sports, etc. It is a good idea to avoid excessive sweating if possible.
PROTECTION: While showering is fine for cleaning your tattoo, DO NOT IMMERSE it in water and avoid swimming or soaking in a bath or spa for at least 2-3 weeks. Overhydration of the skin can cause the ink to wash or discolor and there could be an increased risk of soft tissue infection. The sun is also a problem for tattoos, both new and old. Even short periods of exposure can cause the tattoo to become discolored and damaged (skin damage in general), so it is best to keep your new tattoo lightly covered or under loose clothing for at least 2-3 weeks. DO NOT use sunscreen / creams or sprays until after the skin has completely healed, to help prevent infection!
CICATRIZATION: Avoid rubbing or pinching the tattooed skin, even if it itches or scabs. If you pinch or scratch the healing layers of the skin, you can end up with a design that appears faded or slightly uneven, as the ink takes time to settle into the middle layers of the skin. I highly recommend using a good moisturizer like Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Lotion. By cleaning and then applying only a small amount of that cream 2-3 times a day, my tattoo did not scab over! They just cleaned small soft, tinted flakes of skin every time I showered or moisturized for the first week, with no nasty itchy scabs and my freshly tattooed skin felt smooth, without being greasy or overhydrated.
For anyone contemplating getting their first tattoo, or even adding to the collection of skin art you already have, you will find that paying attention to these 3 points is essential to maintaining the color and beauty of the stunning tattoo design. in which you have invested!
