You’ve finally gotten that amazing tattoo. You’re excited and can’t wait to show it off. But before that can happen, you need to take good care of your skin so that it heals well. Here’s what you need to do.
After leaving the tattoo studio, leave your bandage on for not more than five hours. Wash the tattooed area with warm water and a mild, unscented cleanser. Gently pat the skin with a paper towel, then let it air dry for one hour.
Follow through with a thin layer of tattoo aftercare product. If using a lotion, it should be fragrance- free. Fragrances tend to irritate broken skin. Avoid products with petrolatum- this sits on the skin surface, clogs pores and prevents it from breathing. Instead, go for products such as coconut oil, raw shea butter, raw cocoa butter, healing ointments such as Curel, or tatt- specific creams such as Tattoo Goo.
During the first few weeks, how you wash the tatted area matters. Do so with clean fingers only and not a cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.
Your skin will peel and scab as it heals. This is a natural part of the skin healing process. Resist the temptation to pick at the scars. This could leave the skin vulnerable to infections or leave blank areas on the tattoo. During this time, avoid exposing the artwork to direct sun and too much water. Take short showers and ditch the swimming pool for a while.
After the skin has healed, use sunscreen religiously to protect yourself from harsh sun. Moisturize the area to keep the artwork looking bright and clear. Wash the tatted area after after engaging in sweat- inducing activities. Drink lots of water to help your skin stay supple from the inside.
