An Aftercare Guide for Every Stage of Tattoo Healing
Appropriate tattoo aftercare is important to ensure the vibrancy and longevity of the tattoo. For this, you need to understand that your tattoo undergoes a number of healing stages. The initial phase is inflammatory, and the final stage is the peeling and fading stage. But each step requires specific care in order to achieve the best results. Also, everyone's tattoo heals differently. Here is some essential tattoo aftercare advice, which includes step-by-step instructions for each stage of tattoo healing.
Day 1: Immediate Care
On the first day of getting inked, you need to leave the bandage on for at least 2-4 hours to protect it from bacteria. After removing it, clean the area with lukewarm water and a mild tattoo soap. Avoid harsh scrubbing. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Day 2: Moisturization
At this stage, start applying your tattoo care cream. Apply a thin layer to keep it moisturised. Pick areas that contain gentle and natural ingredients, and avoid anything that is too harsh, as it may irritate your healing skin. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, like hot tubs or swimming.
Day 3-7: Maintenance and Observation
Continue applying the tattoo cream 2-3 times a day, but make sure you don't over-moisturize a tattoo. The best way is to use small amounts of moisturiser and spread a thin layer over the skin. Moisturization is really important as your tattoo heals.
So, make sure you keep it adequately moisturised to reduce excessive scabbing and promote a smoother healing process. Also, watch for signs of infection like swelling, excessive redness, or unusual discharge. Avoid sun exposure since UV rays can hinder the healing process and cause fading.
Day 8-14: Nurture the Healing Tattoo
As the tattoo heals, you can resume normal activities by reintroducing regular activities while remaining cautious of any irritation or signs of infection. Though keeping it out of the sun is the best way to prevent your tattoo from getting sunlight, you can use high-SPF sunscreen. Remember that the sun is one of the major contributors of tattoo fading.
Make sure you wear breathable fabrics, preferably cotton, in order to prevent irritation and also allow the tattoo to breathe. You need to resist the urge to scratch as the tattoo peels. Moisturise instead and let the dead skin slough off naturally.
Weeks 2-4: Continued Care
At this stage, you need to hydrate and nourish the tattoo with continued moisturising of the tattooed area. But make sure you avoid harsh products like those that contain alcohol or strong chemicals, as they can irritate the healing skin.
Months 1-3: Permanence
Consult with your tattoo artist if your tattoo requires any tough-ups. Maintain a moisturising routine to keep the skin supple and the tattoo vibrant.
Key Learnings
Consistent moisturization is a key component in both short—and long-term care of your tattoo. The tattoo care cream you choose and your aftercare routine will impact the clarity and vibrancy of the tattoo over time, so make sure you use only high-quality tattoo cream to keep your tattoo well-preserved.
Featured Image Source: https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1325303171/photo/young-woman-applying-soft-natural-cream.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=Y7_Reb3znnQtmPBst5mOpYX7KpXAgBwrIViyChtOjjs=