I don't know about you, but as soon as the tattoo shops got the green light to reopen after months of closing the pandemic, I immediately contacted my favorite artist to start working. To blame for months that I was locked up, or more than 25 tattoos later, I'm fully involved (um, addicted?) To expanding my collection of body inks but I knew I needed something new, stat.
As exciting as a new tattoo may be, there are many ways you can improve it after you've gone under the needle. As you may know, they are very permanent , which means that they absolutely need to be well cared for throughout the healing process and for many years to come. Otherwise, the line drawing may be blurred or exploded. Infection or have to pay later for a touch-up appointment or laser removal.
With that in mind, we reached out to six tattoo artists and experts for advice on best aftercare practices, sharing their tips on how to care for new ink and how to care for older tattoos. That way, you can be sure that in a few years your design will be as fresh as it was when you left the store. Your ultimate guide to tattoo care awaits you below.
LESS IS MORE
When it comes to caring for a new tattoo, there is a general consensus among artists that it is best to take a simple approach: "less is more". "I think the only thing people do is go overboard," says famous tattoo artist Dr. Woo from Los Angeles. "People think they should actively try to heal their tattoos with antibacterial creams or products that are high in ingredients. Let nature do its job and let it heal itself. Give your tattoo enough oxygen and leave it alone. The less you do it, the better it will heal.
With simplicity in mind, you still need to keep the area clean and hydrated, but that is all it takes. All you need for cleaning is hot water and odorless soap. What you use to hydrate it depends on where you are in the healing process, as explained in more detail below.
THE FIRST DAY VS. THE FIRST WEEKS
You might want to show the world your new smooth ink right away, but don't be too quick to unwrap it and mail it to the gram. "Leave it covered with the bandage that the tattoo artist puts on for three to four hours," recommends New York tattoo artist Minka Sicklinger . Next, he recommends removing the bandage and gently washing the area. While she's a fan of Dr. Bronner's Castilian soap is, any simple, unscented soap is sufficient. New York based tattoo artist Mira " @GirlKnewYork " Mariah, who has tattooed artists like Ariana Grande , recommends looking for something that produces lather . "Personally, I find that cleaning with some type of foam soap, especially a simple antibacterial soap like Dial, works much better because it's so much softer, gentler, and the foam really works for you.
When you've cleaned the area, blot it dry with a clean, dry paper towel. While your first instinct is to apply a healing ointment right away, Sicklinger recommends letting the tattoo air dry overnight.
After showering or cleaning of the tattoo on the second day the tattoo should be air-dried before a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor or a natural alternative as Hustle butter or Tattoo Goo is applied . You should follow this diet at least twice a day until a scab forms. The time it takes for the tattoo to bite off depends on the size, details, and location, but is usually around three days.
Once a scab has formed, move on to the next level of healing! Follow-up care doesn't have to be complicated. So stick to your daily cleansing and hydration. However, you can now replace your heavier healing ointment with lotion. According to New York-based tattoo artist Cake Robles , you shouldn't use regular body cream during the healing process. Instead, he recommends opting for a simple, fragrance-free lotion for the first few weeks as the scab will peel off and eventually fall off, indicating that the tattoo has completely healed.
The location of your tattoo also determines how and how often you should care for it. "Areas that move more than normal, like the inside of the elbow or the back of the knee and fingers, need extra hydration as the healing process takes place," says Sicklinger. In addition, any area that is normally covered by tight clothing, such as B. a bra strap, after the appointment a little more room to breathe. "I always recommend avoiding restraint for at least the first few days of the healing process to minimize the risk of additional irritation that can interfere with the healing process," he says.
According to the artists, the hands and fingers are the most delicate to heal and require the greatest care. "When it comes to hand and finger tattoos, the ink generally doesn't adhere well in these areas," says Bay Area tattoo artist Suranghee aka @suroshinn . "That's because we use our hands a lot, especially now that washing and using hand sanitizer has become second nature." Make sure you moisturize them much more often than other areas or you may not be very happy with the result. "If they're not constantly hydrated, the ink is prone to chipping," says Dr. Woo, which means they'll heal discolored and cloudy.
AVOID
Sunlight can fade and age fully healed tattoos. So it's a good idea to keep a cool tattoo away from direct sunlight, especially since you can't apply sunscreen just yet. Sun in the area without causing irritation. "I encourage people to keep their tattoos away from general sunlight, but definitely from direct sunlight while they are healing," says Mariah. "If your tattoo is on your arm and you plan to go out for the day, tie a scarf or wear a long-sleeved shirt."
You should also prevent the area from getting wet, especially for long periods of time, except when washing. "When a tattoo is healing it is very important not to submerge it in water," says Dr. Woo. "So no bathing or swimming, and take it easy when it comes to exercise: sweat presses bacteria onto the skin and causes infections." With that said, be sure to book your late summer date or your next beach vacation.
If this isn't your first rodeo then you know that when a tattoo starts to crust, it stings like crazy. "Don't scratch or scratch the tattoo!" Suranghee urges. "If it is unbearable, it is best to support it well." If you're someone who can't resist scratching a scab or thinks you'll end up scratching it in your sleep (like me!), Mariah recommends applying a second skin-like antibacterial clinging film between the two of you. Cleansing and moisturizing cream to protect against itching or leaking.
RECEIVE NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Whether you're shopping for Aquaphor and a basic moisturizer at a nearby drugstore, or looking for more natural, tattoo-specific products, it's important to refer to the ingredient lists of any skin care product you use. . It doesn't mean you need anything special, but there are ingredients that you should look for and avoid.
"Getting immediate follow-up care for a tattoo is the toughest step because the tattoo is an open wound at this point," says Jeremie Lahmi, founder of the people of Substance skin care brand . . "So you have to be very careful what you apply to it. For example, you should stay away from petroleum-based products as they can clog the pores of your skin and trap bacteria. You'll also want to avoid products that contain chemicals like vitamin E, perfumes, and alcohol for a while, as these can cause allergic reactions. ""
That said, you don't want to use a product like petroleum jelly in this case, and while you don't need a natural product, it's much healthier for your tattoo and skin in general. Lahmi formulated his first product for People of Substance, the upcoming Art Preservation Stick with soothing, skin-loving oils like apricot, hemp and argan, while Sicklinger prefers the application. of course antibacterial coconut oil on your tattoos to finish off. a couple of days of the healing process.
Good hygiene and health is key
You will most likely hear the phrase "wash your hands" while sleeping at this point, but we cannot overlook the importance of maintaining tattoos with clean hands. "I like to remind people to always wash their hands before washing their tattoo," says Mariah. "It seems really obvious and we have a lot of hand washing conversations and we all do a very good job. However, always wash your hands before washing your tattoo, just like you would on your face. "Touching your tattoo with dirty hands can lead to infection, especially in the first few days of the healing process.
Good health is just as important as good hygiene for good healing. "We don't talk enough about the fact that overall health is very important with tattoos," says Sicklinger. "Your skin is your largest organ. When your health is compromised, it appears on your skin, both in its texture and in its healing process. Instead of just thinking current and "deep", what you eat and your lifestyle are as important to the healing process as any skin care product you use.
After your tattoo is healed
Caring for your tattoos shouldn't stop once they're healed. To ensure that your tattoos stay as vibrant and clear as possible over time, you should make an effort to keep your skin as healthy as possible. "Tattoo and skin care are the same," says Robles. "Moisturizing your skin and protecting it with sunscreen is best for your tattoo and your skin in general."
Remember, however, that the sun and your tattoos are no friends, and overexposure with no sun protection factor can lead to discoloration, discoloration and blurring. "The sun ages your tattoos just like your skin," says Robles. However, the sun protection factor, which is needed to protect your ink when you can't avoid being in the sun, is up for debate. She recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher while Dr. Says a minimum of SPF 30 is just as effective, Woo explains that "something really high doesn't really change how well it protects your ink".
In any case, you should wear a daily sun protection factor on any exposed skin, whether tattooed or not. Do this necessary step to maintain the overall health of your skin.
Exfoliating is good for overall skin health, and according to Mariah, it should be part of your weekly skin regimen if you have a larger collection of body art. "For those more covered in tattoos, a weekly or bi-weekly body scrub before a really good moisturizer is a great way to keep aged, healed tattoos alive," she says.
No matter how you take care of your skin, each with tattoos should remember that it is inevitable that they make a difference over time, no matter how much you care for them. "At the end of the day, we all get old, just like your tattoos," says Sicklinger. "There will always be some discoloration over time, but that's part of the process. The skin is constantly alive and changing, so everything about it, like a tattoo, can change over time. ""
Before that is said, before you take the plunge and get a tattoo, make sure you are going to love it, even if it's a little faded, fuzzy, or boring. You are forever after all.
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