Getting new ink can make any day exciting, but the process doesn’t end when you leave the tattoo studio. Turns out that taking a needle to your skin is going to require some healing. A few tattoo buffs shared some recommendations for aftercare. Keep reading to find out how you can accelerate your healing process.
Remember It is an Open Wound
Taking care of a new tattoo is extremely important to the healing process and to maintain the integrity of your new artwork. A new tattoo should be treated with care, and it is important to remember, but often forgotten, that you are caring for an open wound on your skin. Here are some important dos and don'ts:
DO:
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● Clean your tattoo. Cleaning should be done multiple times throughout the first few days.
● Use a fragrance free antibacterial soap to clean your tattoo.
● Use a clean paper towel to dry your tattoo after washing. Gently pat or blot dry.
● Use a fragrance free ointment such as Aquaphore for the first few days of healing. Apply a thin layer over the tattoo. Make sure that your skin is still breathable.
● Switch to a gentle, basic lotion after your first few days of healing without any scent or aloe.
DON'T:
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● Use bar soap, especially if you live in a household with other members. Using a bar can cause bacterial infections and contaminate the soap bar.
● Swim or sunbathe. No swimming for at least two weeks. If you are planning a vacation right after a tattoo appointment, it may be best to postpone.
● Allow your pets, children or friends to touch your tattoo. This can lead to infection.
● Have direct contact with public surfaces such as gym floors or mats, work desks, handrails, public transportation seats, or anything that could have bacteria. This could also lead to serious infection.
● Use lotions or soaps containing dyes or fragrance. Your tattoo is an open wound and fragrance can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
● Scratch or pick. Healing tattoos can be very itchy. Never scratch or pick at your tattoo as this could lead to healing issues.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
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1. Topical Vitamin E. Applying a thin layer of vitamin E oil or cream can help soothe and nourish the skin, aiding in the healing process.
2. Keep it Elevated. If your tattoo is in an area prone to swelling, like your feet or ankles, keeping it slightly elevated can minimize fluid buildup.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Foods. Including foods like berries, leafy greens, and turmeric in your diet can help reduce inflammation and support healing.
4. Avoid Heavy Fragrances. Avoid heavily scented lotions, soaps, and detergents, as they might irritate the tattooed skin.
5. Silk Clothing. Wearing soft, breathable silk clothing over your tattoo can prevent friction and irritation during the healing process
Don’t Exercise the First Week
Proper aftercare helps accelerate the process of healing. It is more important to try not to exercise in the first week nor soak it (swimming and long baths have to wait till week three). We always give our clients the option of using mainstream aftercare cream or try coconut oil. Organic coconut oil has proven to be as effective, if not more, than any other cream on the market.
Dr. MJ Rowland-Warmann
Use a Medical Bandage
A lot of people believe that letting your fresh tattoo breathe in the air will help it heal quickly, but that isn’t the case. In fact, covering your new tattoo properly can help it heal much quicker. I recommend using a medical bandage for the first few days in order to let it heal properly. Then, once you feel it is time to get rid of the bandage, I would still cover it with clean, soft clothing. This will keep your new tattoo clean, but not smother it, which can quicken the healing process.
The goal is to leave it alone and not let anything get at it. Don’t touch it, don’t let others touch it, and make sure the things that do touch it (like your clothing) don’t aggravate it or harm it.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors' statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
