Previously, we talked about why we love getting tattoos. It is important to also talk about tattoo aftercare.
What is Tattoo Aftercare?
Taking care of a newly inked tattoo is essential for achieving the best results. Tattoo aftercare is a set of steps that should be taken to ensure that the tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come. Aftercare involves cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting the tattoo from sun damage.
In this post, we cover the basics of taking care of a new tattoo. We'll talk about why it's so vital to look after your new ink and the measures you should take for it to stay looking great.
Why is Tattoo Aftercare So Important?
Tattoo aftercare is an essential part of the tattoo process. It's important to take care of your tattoo in order to ensure that it looks great for years to come. Proper aftercare can also help reduce the risk of infection and other complications associated with getting a tattoo. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy your beautiful new tattoo for many years to come!
What Should You Do During the Healing Process?
After getting a tattoo, it's important to follow the right steps during the healing process to ensure that your tattoo looks its best. Your tattoo artist may provide you with aftercare advice. Depending upon the tattoo studio, they may have a specialist in tattoo care and will be able to give you specialized aftercare instructions for your specific situation.
During this time, you'll need to take certain precautions such as avoiding direct sunlight and keeping your skin moisturized. You should also be aware of the different stages of healing that your tattoo will go through, so you can understand what to expect. Generally speaking a tattoo takes about two weeks to fully heal.
Steps for Properly Caring for Your New Tattoo at Home
If you’ve just gotten a new tattoo, congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a piece of art that will last for years to come. But it’s important to properly care for your new tattoo if you want it to stay looking its best. Here are some tips for properly caring for your new tattoo at home so that it can heal quickly and look great for years to come.
Commonly, the first aftercare step when you get home from receiving a new tattoo is wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap. The best way to clean a newly inked design is using a gentle cleanser such as witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. We personally use baby soap to clean our fresh ink. It's important not to scrub at your new ink because this could cause it to bleed and make it difficult for healing. Leave your new ink wet with water so that any dirt particles can be washed away.
After cleaning your tattoo, you should always apply a moisturizer to keep the ink vibrant and protect your skin. Moisturizers are available in a variety of forms, so make sure you choose one that's right for you! We personally like to use Aquaphor Healing Ointment for the first three days. After that, we apply an unscented lotion. Of late, we’ve been trying out some of the moisturizers and balms created by the girls at Momma Bears Creations.
You should clean and moisturize your tattoo at least two times a day. Some artists will recommend cleaning and moisturizing three times a day.
Caring For Your Tattoo After Healing
After getting a tattoo, good aftercare is important so that your tattoo looks its best for years to come. Proper aftercare is essential in order to prevent fading and other damage. This includes regularly applying sunscreen on tattoos (especially when exposed to direct sunlight), moisturizing the tattoo, and avoiding activities that may cause further damage. With proper care, your tattoo can look as vibrant and beautiful as the day you got it!