There is a lot to consider before getting a tattoo. As a permanent addition to your body, you want to ensure that it heals correctly and looks great for many years to come.

Your decision has been made and you will have a beautiful piece of art on your body for the rest of your life. Skincare tips after getting a tattoo are important to know. Any new wound must be properly cared for in order to heal properly and avoid infection.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, so it is the first line of defense against environmental influences and infections. In order to keep it healthy, it needs to be taken care of. The Heliotherapy Institute is an expert source of information about phototherapy and its beneficial effects on skin care.

Creating this article in partnership with them will teach you everything you need to know about skincare essentials and proper tattoo healing.

How should I take care of my skin after getting a tattoo?

Since a tattoo is a wound, it is important to take care of the skin afterward. There are three basic elements to it:

• Cleansing. Your tattooed skin should be cleaned often with mild, perfume-free soap and dried with a clean cotton or paper towel.
• Moisturizing. This is probably the most important step in tattoo care. As a result, the skin heals correctly and recovers without scarring.
• Protection. As the skin becomes sensitive after ink application, the sun's rays can damage it and fade the tattoo. In this case, it is necessary to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 20.

If you are having problems healing, you should contact your tattoo artist or physician.

Healing skin care essentials

It is essential to care for the skin after a tattoo is applied in order to ensure proper healing. Several factors contribute to the slow process:

• The area of skin;
• The size of the tattoo;
• The intensity of the ink;
• Features of the tattoo style;
• Individual skin features.

During tattoo healing, every day is crucial.

Day 1

It is crucial to take good care of your tattoo on your first day after getting it. As the skin begins to heal at this time. To protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria, your tattoo artist will apply an antibacterial ointment and wrap it in plastic or gauze. To maintain healthy skin, follow these steps:

• Remove the bandage. You will be advised by your tattoo artist how long you should keep the application on. According to the tattoo's size and features, it can take anywhere from a week to a month. In most cases, it takes between two and twenty-four hours.
• Pat it dry for 10 minutes after cleaning it with soap.
• The healing lotion or ointment should be applied. It is important to apply a thin layer because the wound needs to breathe.

A small amount of blood, plasma, and ink may appear periodically on the tattoo during the first day. It is also possible for tattooed skin to swell and become red. It's nothing to worry about. There is nothing wrong with it! If you need follow-up care, follow the instructions.

Days 2-7

As the tattoo oozes and seeps, it will continue to ooze and seep for the next two to seven days. Make sure it's clean!

• The tattooed area should be washed twice a day with mild soap and warm water. Clean a towel and pat it dry.
• Following each cleansing, rub a thin layer of healing lotion or ointment on the skin.

On day seven, you may notice that your tattoo is peeling and flaking off, similar to a sunburn. Within two weeks, the peeling should stop.

Days 8-14

During this time, you should moisturize the tattooed area as the peeling continues.

• Avoid picking at it, as this can cause infection or other complications.
• Maintain a clean, moist environment instead. Pat the area dry rather than rubbing it.
• Additionally, wear sunscreen or clothing that covers the tattooed area to protect it from the sun.

Day 15-30

Although the tattoo is almost healed, it is still important to keep it clean and moisturized.

• Put soap and water on your tattoo and gently wash it.
• To keep the area moist but not oily, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment.
• The tattoo should not be picked or scratched as it heals.
• The process should be repeated twice a day until the tattoo is completely healed.

Which tattoo aftercare products are best?

Tattoo aftercare products are widely available on the market. It is, however, crucial to choose the right product for your skin type and tattoo. The following tips may help:

• Choosing a hypoallergenic product free of fragrances, dyes, and other potential irritants is essential.
• Protect your tattoo from infection while it heals by using a product that helps prevent infection. An antibacterial ointment is a good choice.
• Keep your skin hydrated by switching to a lighter lotion or cream once your tattoo has healed. Make sure to avoid products that contain petroleum or other ingredients that can trap heat and moisture, causing tattoos to fade.
• A dermatologist or tattoo artist should be consulted before getting a tattoo if you are prone to keloids (raised scars). In order to prevent the formation of Keloid scars, they may recommend a product like silicone gel sheets.

Make sure you follow these tips, read the composition, and find the tattoo aftercare products that are most suitable for you.

Infection: what to do

When you take proper care of your tattoo, it usually heals without complications. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your tattoo may be infected. Without treatment, infections can cause serious health complications and even death. Infections can be detected by the following signs:

• An increase in redness or swelling;
• Pain or tenderness around the tattoo site;
• Fever or chills;
• Yellow or green pus from the tattoo site;
• Scabs that do not heal properly.

You should see a doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. It is always best to exercise caution when dealing with infections since they can quickly become life-threatening.

To prevent infection, you can do the following:

• Use sterile equipment when choosing a tattoo artist;
• Ensure that new needles are opened in your presence by the tattoo artist;
• Wash your hands before touching the tattoo;
• Aftercare instructions should be followed.

In the healing process, here are some dos and don'ts

Avoid these simple things if you want your tattoo to heal quickly and without complications:

• Don’t pick at your tattoo! Infection may result and damage will occur.
• Don’t expose your tattoo to sunlight. As a result, the colors will fade and infection may also occur.
• Don’t soak your tattoo in water. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, etc. As with soaking, soaking can cause fading and increase infection risks. Make sure you dry the area after showering if you must.
• Do not rub – pat gently with a towel.
• Don’t wear tight, constricting clothes. Tattooed skin can become itchy and damaged by them.

Conclusion

Your tattoo will heal quickly and beautifully if you take proper care of it. You have been told everything you need to know about taking care of your tattoo during the healing process. Maintain a clean, moist, and sun-protected area. For optimal results, follow these steps! Consult your artist or dermatologist if you have any additional questions.