Taking care of a tattoo is crucial not only for maintaining the desired aesthetic appearance but also for preventing infections and complications. A tattoo is essentially an open wound that requires proper attention and care to heal correctly. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to best care for your tattoo, highlighting recommended practices, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of timing in tattoo aftercare.
Tattoo Care: 3 Tips After the Session
1. Keep the Tattoo Protected from the Start
After application: The tattoo artist should cover the new tattoo with a sterile bandage. This bandage should remain in place for the first 2-24 hours, depending on your tattoo artist’s instructions. The goal is to protect the open wound from bacteria and infection.
2. Clean the Tattoo
Once the bandage is removed, it’s essential to gently but thoroughly clean the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap, avoiding harsh or scented products. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean and promote healing.
3. Moisturize with a Good Lotion
Apply a thin layer of healing lotion or tattoo-specific moisturizer, following your tattoo artist’s recommendations. Moisturizing helps prevent excessive scabbing and keeps the skin elastic.
5 Things Not to Do After Getting a Tattoo
- Don’t Touch the Tattoo with Dirty Hands. Avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands.
Dirty hands can transfer bacteria and increase the risk of infection. - Avoid Sun Exposure. UV rays can fade the tattoo colors and damage the skin during the healing process. When exposed to the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen specifically designed for tattoos.
- Avoid Prolonged Baths, Pools, Saunas, and Steam Rooms in the First Few Weeks. Immersion can increase the risk of infection and affect the healing of the tattoo.
- Wear Loose and Breathable Clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the tattooed skin and interfere with healing. Opt for loose and breathable clothes that don’t rub against the tattoo.
- Don’t Pick the Scabs. It’s normal for scabs to form during the healing process. Avoid scratching or removing them manually, as this can cause scarring and remove ink from the tattoo.
Tattoo Healing Times: All the Stages
Generally, a tattoo takes about 2-4 weeks to heal superficially, but full healing can take up to six months.
Tattoo healing times can vary slightly depending on location, size, and post-tattoo care, but they can generally be divided into these stages:
First Stage: 3 to 7 Days
- Inflammation and redness: Right after the tattoo, the skin will be red, swollen, and may show slight bleeding or oozing. This phase usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
- Scabbing: As the skin begins to heal, scabs will form. It’s crucial not to remove them.
Second Stage: 7 to 14 Days
- Exfoliation and itching: After about a week, the skin will start to exfoliate, and itching may occur. It’s important not to scratch the tattoo.
- Fading of scabs: The scabs will gradually begin to fall off on their own.
Third Stage: 2 to 4 Weeks
- Shiny and dry skin: The new skin under the scabs will be shiny and may appear dry. This is a sign that the skin is healing.
- Return to normal: After about a month, the skin should return to normal, although the tattoo may still look slightly faded or uneven as the skin continues to regenerate.
Tattoos: Better to Get Them in Winter or Summer?
The season you choose to get a tattoo can influence the healing process. During summer, it’s harder to avoid sun exposure, which can compromise the quality of the tattoo if not properly managed. In winter, the skin is less exposed to UV rays, reducing the risk of ink fading and skin damage during healing.
However, regardless of the season, it’s crucial to carefully follow the post-tattoo care instructions provided by your tattoo artist to ensure optimal healing and keep your tattoo vivid and beautiful for years to come.
Always consult your tattoo artist for specific advice related to your tattoo and skin, ensuring the best possible care.