Bryan Low
Your tattoo journey doesn’t end after you get inked and you go out the door of the studio. If you don’t have a tattoo yet but interested in getting one, then you should know that tattoo aftercare is the most vital part of your tat journey.
After getting inked, your skin is crucially one open wound that practically attracts all kinds of vicious germs and bacterias. It is essential then that you follow a proper post tattoo care routine that will ensure your wound area stays infection free and guarantees that the healing process is prompt and effective.
That being said, we have listed below 5 important pointers you should know after getting your tattoo:
Resist Plucking Scabs or Skin
Expect that after several days, your skin will begin its scabbing phase. While most of it will be light, there might be thick scabs that can appear in some certain areas. Remember to not pluck or pull on these scabs.
If it’s not ready to fall, the skin is still connected to a deeper layer where the ink is still probably setting. Pulling on the scab might cause you to pull ink out of the skin along with the scab. Similarly, after the scabbing phase, your skin will start to peel and flake.
Again, do not pluck or pull on the tender skin. If it’s not yet ready, pulling it will also remove portions of ink too. Religiously follow your aftercare regimen and wash your tattoo with warm water. Afterward, you can apply the best tattoo aftercare products.
Avoid Scratching Your Tattoo
Above all else, it is crucial that you avoid scratching your new tattoo. Like with the scabs, when you scratch your skin you can potentially pull massive amounts of ink. When this happens, you can be sure to need a touchup in the ruined area in the near future.
Besides that, you are increasing the chances that you might be scratching your new tattoo with filthy fingernails. In doing this, you open your wound to the risk of infections. Always make sure to wash your hands before handling your new tat, if your skin feels itchy you can apply some high-quality tattoo aftercare products.
Refrain from Using Fragrance/Alcohol-Based Products
As mentioned earlier, after getting inked, your skin becomes one huge open wound. As a result, using any kind of fragrance or alcohol-based products will obviously irritate your extremely sensitive skin.
Effects such as rash, tremendous itching, tendering of the skin, drying, and flaking of the skin are just a few adverse reactions frequently reported. It is said that, it is always best to use natural tattoo aftercare products.
Ward off Sun Exposure
While Vitamin D is commonly good for our skin, you must know that sun is a tattoo killer. If you are planning to go out during the day, make sure to completely cover your skin.
If you are sporting a new tattoo, your skin is most especially raw and swollen. Exposing it to the sun will undoubtedly swell, blister, fade the ink, and lengthen the healing process.
Stay Away from Bodies of Water
With your skin raw, it is vital that you avoid bodies of waters such as baths, lakes, ponds, and puddles. Soaking your tattoo in these waters opens your wound to a variety of germs and bacterias.
It is recommended to keep away from these areas for at least a month. If by any chance you come in contact with these waters, clean your tattoo with a fragrance and alcohol-free antibacterial soap.
