Aftercare
Now that you've been inked, you can't wait to flaunt your new style. But, wait, your skin has encountered trauma and it's important you give it the proper tattoo care day by day to recover. Learning the Tattoo Aftercare rules and understanding the healing process depends on the size of your tattoo and the intricate details of the tattoo design. Also, there is variation in recovery due to skin type, diet, hydration (how much water you drink), and previous skin damage from the sun or skin damage. Every person is different, so your tattoo artist is the best person to consult with for your skin type. Generally speaking, a large tattoo will remain swollen and red for an extended period. Tattoo aftercare ointment should be applied to ensure that your skin has the nutrients it needs to recover faster. Follow the tattoo aftercare directions in this guide to avoid tattooed skin infection, you need to hydrate the tattooed area with high-quality tattoo aftercare products and follow professional guidelines. Learning how often to moisturise a tattoo is easy. The weather and temperature of where you're located can also affect your tattooed skin.
Avoid any direct sunlight on the tattoo for at least one week. It's important to note that direct sunlight is never advised. Tattoos age if it is direct sunlight for the entire life of the tattoo. The more sun, the more it fades and the pigment will spread or fade with age. The key to a crisp and bright tattoo is hydration and daily moisturizer. However, after 2-3 weeks your tattoo can be exposed to sunlight, but be sure to apply a good tattoo sunscreen to help minimise sun damage that leads to tattoo fading. Generally, there are five broad stages of a typical tattoo recovery process. If you follow your tattoo artist's daily guidelines and what we've listed below, the recovery process should be faster with minimal side effects.
DAY 1 AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
As soon as you get get home, after removing the cling film, you might see leaking liquids. Don't be scared or grossed out by this, as this is normal and expected. The liquid is a mixture of plasma, blood, and the extra ink that is inadvertently in our skin. It is recommended that you wash the area of the tattooed skin first with warm water. Always use a high-quality antibacterial soap, and afterwards be sure to gently pat dry with a paper towel. After all of the moisture is absorbed, keep the area dry for 10 to 15 minutes. As soon as your skin is dry from the wash, you should apply a very small amount of ointment but be sure to let the area have plenty of air and ventilation. Do not cover again!
DAY 2 AND DAY 3 AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
On your second day, you will see the color of your tattoo becoming dull. Don't worry about the gloss. This looks dull because your skin is gradually recovering. Once the skin is fully healed, you will see that the tattoo with its normal colour. In all its glory. However, you may also see scabs forming around the area of the tattooed skin. Washing your tattoo 3 times a day speeds up your recovery process. Remember to gently pat dry your skin thoroughly after washing, as this is essential. Apply aftercare ointment three to four times a day. Do not apply excessive cream as the scab will become thick, and you will suffocate the wound. This is why it's especially important to use a specific cream to help ensure you don't clog your pores and create an overly moist area primed for infection.
DAY 4 - DAY 6 AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
On your fourth day, you will see redness fade as the swollen area returns to normal. You may witness slight abrasions around your tattoo area, try your best not to pick your scab, which is very important! Picking a scab will also pull color out, expose the tattoo to infection and can result in permanent scars. Again, if there is any weird redness or swelling arising from the area, consult your tattoo artist. Gently apply the aftercare ointment once or twice a day to speed up the recovery process.
DAY 7 - DAY 14 AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
While the sixth day is over, scabs begin to peel off and the skin itches. Do not take the scab, as this can lead to exfoliation of the inked area and leave a permanent scar.
DAY 15 - DAY 30 AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
Now that you have reached the point where you see your tattooed area completely recovered from the outside, you should remember that the bottom layer of your skin still needs some recovery. Apply the aftercare cream further and clean it with antibacterial soap to ensure that your skin condition returns to normal.