How to Take Proper Care of a New Tattoo

So, your impulsive behavior got the better of you and you finally got inked? Well, I know you cannot really blame yourself, that design was awesome and it would look fabulous with the sequined halter you purchased. But, sporting a new tattoo may not always be an easy affair. Once you have ink embedded into your skin, you also need to take proper care of it.

Taking care is often forgotten in the initial euphoria of getting a tattoo, but it should begin at the moment you get inked. Agreed that this is a work of art and needs to be showcased to your friends, but proper care can help you in the long run to maintain visibility of your piece of art.

• Always listen to what the tattoo artist has to say. Most artists have their own set of instructions about the DOs and DON'Ts about caring for the tattoo. Ensure that you follow this routine even if you find it difficult to maintain it everyday.

Sometimes, you may need to have the area bandaged to prevent it from being infected. Always stick to the instructions suggested by your artist in this case.

• Ensure that you keep the area bandaged for at least 2 hours after getting inked. Every person has a different skin texture and sensitivity, so make sure that you consult with the tattoo artist about this point. Never reuse any bandage to avoid infections.

• Once the bandage is off, wash your new body art under running water and use a gentle soap. Use your fingers to gently wash off the surface of the skin.
• Pat the area dry with the help of a clean paper towel. Avoid cloth, as it may harbor certain bacteria and cause some reaction with skin.

• Consult your tattoo artist to know which cream would work the best for you. This will help your skin to heal faster. Apply a thin layer of the cream and use it at least for 2 days. This will keep the area moisturized and will also act as an effective disinfectant.

• By the third day, you can switch to a light lotion. Look in the market for specific tattoo aftercare lotions that are mild and without any perfumes and additives. This will help keep the area moist.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun in the first week. After a few weeks, your tattoo will definitely need loads of light and air, but overexposure may not really be good for it, and the UV rays may cause the tattoo to fade at a faster rate. Later on, you can go in for a good quality sunblock.

• It is definitely fine to shower with a new tattoo, but a luxurious bath in the tub should be avoided. Soaking a tattoo for long periods of time in the water does not exactly prove to be a good idea. You may even have to avoid a good swim for the initial weeks.

• The skin in that area may also peel off after a few weeks. This is normal and would happen because the skin has heeled. In such cases, do not touch that particular area of the skin. This is the time when your tattoo is healing, so simply avoid touching it or fretting about it.

• Always try to wear loose fitting clothes. This would help prevent the constant rubbing of the cloth against your skin and also help the tattoo to heal faster.

• In case of specific allergic reactions, you may need to consult your healthcare provider immediately. This can happen because of the inks used, or the skin may have reacted in a different way to the cream that is being used.

Sometimes, you may require a change in the cosmetics or creams. In such cases, the doctor would be able to guide you with step you need to take with regards to aftercare.

• In case of swelling, use ice packs on the area. This will help soothe the inflamed skin.

Now that you know how to take proper care of a new tattoo, follow these simple steps and sport your new body art without all the hassles. Aftercare is very important if you want your skin and the tattoo looking its best in the long run.