How to Care for a New Tattoo

Posted on January 1st, 2009 by monsterguide

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Getting a tattoo is no small thing. Not only is the process of getting a tattoo painful for many, but tattoos usually symbolize something of deep importance to the person getting them. Caring for your tattoo properly and immediately after the tattooing process will ensure that your tattoo will stay longer. Proper care also means you will be less prone to infections and keep your tattoo from becoming smudged or disfigured. Here are the things you should do when caring for a new tattoo.

Getting a good and professional tattoo artist is key. You have to consider the artist’s efficiency and experience on top of the design that he or she offers. A good tattoo artist will tattoo you with the least amount of pain and trauma, helping you and your skin heal faster with minimum complications.
After getting a tattoo, a bandage will be put over it. Don’t remove the bandage for at least forty-five minutes to an hour after getting the tattoo. Remember that getting a tattoo is really getting a decorative open wound. Leaving the bandage on will reduce the risk of infection, allowing your skin to fully heal. Infection can cause patchiness on your tattoo, and you wouldn’t want that.
An exception to the second item is when your tattoo has been covered with a layer of saran wrap or any kind of plastic. This should be removed immediately.
Regardless of what bandage was used, removing said bandage must be done slowly and carefully, never just yanked off. For normal bandages, you must first soak the bandage with warm water before removal.
Using warm water and antimicrobial soap (such as Satin and Provon), lather some soap suds in your hand (never use washcloth or anything abrasive) and wash the tattoo. Rinse with more warm water. Do all your motions gently.
Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Never rub dry.
Use a thin layer of moisturizer or ointment made especially for tattoo healing and care. H2Ocean and Tattoo Goo are some examples of tattoo-specific lotions. Your tattoo artist may also recommend certain brands. Generally, though, any kind of lotion is acceptable except those with fragrances and dyes as these may cause irritation and interfere with the tattoo’s design and colors.
Continue applying your ointment twice to three times a day. After five days, you may then switch to a lotion that may be specific for tattoo care. However, unscented lotion will also do as well.
You can shower and take baths with your tattoo, but avoid taking soaks in the tub or swimming for at least three to four weeks after getting a tattoo. Soaking your tattoos may cause damage. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo while showering, rinse it off quickly with water.
Your tattoo may get scabs, peeling and itching for the first few days or weeks. No matter what happens, don’t touch your tattoo. Don’t scratch, slap or pick at your tattoo. It will eventually resolve itself. If you find any of these unbearable, you can use a cooling agent such as icepack or ask the tattoo artist on ointments or lotion he or she can recommend.
Protect your tattoo from the harmful rays of the sun by using sunscreen (test it on other parts of your skin to see if you are not allergic to it). Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher would be ideal. You’ll have to do protect your tattoo from the sun for the rest of your life as the sun can bleach your tattoo and make it look less vibrant over the years.
While healing, your tattoo may not look exactly as you had hoped it would be-it may look dull and disgusting. However, this will gradually improve until the tattoo is fully healed. If not, you can always go back to your tattoo artist for touch ups. Most reliable tattoo artists will include touch ups as part of their service.

Despite the emergence of laser surgery to remove tattoos, tattoos are still considered a permanent mark on your body. The healing process of your tattoo is crucial in keeping with your vision of a perfect tattoo. Follow these steps and you’re sure to have a smooth recovery in no time.