Skin care for new tattoos is a point of contention between artists everywhere. My tattoo did not lose any pigment during the healing process, so I will share what I did to care for my new tattoo after leaving the tatttoo shop.
- The First 24 Hours
- Immeadiately after my artist was finished with my tattoo, he smeared a thin layer of AandD ointment (pictured) and covered my tattoo with a sterile piece of seran wrap. That night, I slept with the makeshift covering on, but I removed it the next morning. Some artists say that you should let a tattoo air dry. However, ink is still seeping from the tattoo and will stain bedsheets and whatever else it touches. I recommend using the seran wrap for the first night.
- The Next Day
- Because a tattoo is essentially an open wound, washing it is key to killing bacteria and preventing infection. Use an unscented, mild antibacterial soap to gently wash the tattoo. It will probably sting badly for the first few seconds, but when the sting fades you can wash away remaining ink and old ointment. Let the skin dry for at least 10 minutes and apply a VERY thin layer of AandD ointment. Wear loose clothing to avoid irritating the skin and wiping away the ointment.
- The Following Week
- Rinse and Repeat! It is suggested that you wash your tattoo 4 times a day, reapplying the AandD ointment each time. While you air dry the skin after washing it, it's okay to pat off excess water with toilet paper. However, do not wipe, rub or use any extra force that could rip out tiny ink pigments from the tattoo. Avoid towels, which are generally rougher on the skin. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep the skin elastic and promote faster healing.
- Lube The Derm
- After the initial healing is done, it is time to keep the skin moisturized. Tattoos are similar to a bad sunburn, and you should expect some peeling. However, too much peeling leads to ink loss, so keeping the tattoo hydrated is key. A fragrance-free, colorless lotion applied 4-7 times daily is a good investment in the life span of your tattoo. Do not itch your tattoo as the skin begins to peel, instead slap it lightly to make the feeling pass. Finally, do not pick at the peeling skin. Letting the skin fall off naturally insures that the ink stays in place. It's also worth mentioning that you should not soak in water for an extended period of time for now. Tattoos can become water-logged, so avoid smudging the ink and keep it dry. After a month, you should be able to soak for longer.
- The Long Term
- Caring for your new tattoo doesn't stop once it's healed. If your tattoo is exposed to the sunlight, make sure to apply a high SPF sunscreen daily, which will combat fading from UV rays.