Why Tattoo Aftercare Is So Important

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Throughout the history of tattooing, the healing process hasn't always been considered an important part of the process, but as time has gone on, we've been able to learn just how fundamental this section of the journey is.

Caring for a new tattoo is your responsibility from the very moment you get out of the tattooist's chair, right through until the moment you die (sorry for getting dark).

It is vital that you treat your new tattoo care routine with the respect it requires in order for your ink to look as crisp, sharp and colorful as it possibly can for as long as you’re alive.

When you initially finish getting your sparkling new tattoo at a studio, your skin will essentially be a big raw wound, open to all sorts of nasty germs and bacteria.

Correct aftercare procedures ensure that the tattooed area of skin remains infection free in an environment that is perfectly set up to ensure that healing proceeds to happen as quickly and efficiently as possible.

It’s not only the initial healing process where proper aftercare is important though. As you age, so does your tattoo. There are many environmental factors that will dictate how good(or how badly) your tattoo will look as it ages with you.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will walk you through all of these factors, as well as accompanying instructions on how to protect your tattoo through all stages of its life.

     

 

Suggested Aftercare For Tattoos

• Wash your tattoo. Wash tattoo with a mild soap (nothing heavily scented) and warm water.

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• Pat your tattoo dry after cleaning it. Use a clean paper towel to dry your tattoo by gently PATTING the area. DON'T RUB.
   

• Apply a small amount of cream. After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is COMPLETELY dry before applying a very thin layer of cream to help moisturize and nourish the area. IMPORTANT - wipe off excess cream.
   

• Wash your tattoo regularly. Continue to use a fragrance-free soap and warm water to clean your tattoo.

 

• Apply a small amount of cream. After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is COMPLETELY dry before applying a very thin layer of cream to help moisturize and nourish the area. IMPORTANT - wipe off excess cream.
   

• Repeat the cleaning process until the tattoo is fully healed. Remember that your tattoo isn't completely safe from germs and bacteria until it has COMPLETELY finished scabbing and peeling. Continue to wash the tattoo until this point (usually 2-4 weeks).

 

Rules to Follow

• Don't pick and pull at the flaking/scabbing skin. Picking away at your healing tattoo can delay healing, cause fading, and increase the chances of infection.

 

• Only apply small amounts of cream. Too much cream can damage the tattoo.
   

• Stay away from the sun. Don't expose your new tattoo to intense sunlight and don't apply any sun lotion to the area until it has fully healed.
   

• Stay away from water. All bodies of water can contain nasty bacteria that can ruin a new tattoo if you're not careful. Stick to short showers until your skin has fully healed, and don't go swimming.
   

• Continue to look after your tattoo once healed. Once healed, keep your tattoo well protected from the sun and ensure you continue to moisturize the area regularly. Healthy skin means a healthy looking tattoo.

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