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How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

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Did you just get a new tattoo? You might be feeling ecstatic after getting a design on your skin that has been on your mind for some time. 

If you are a pro at this and have gotten other tattoos in the past, you may be well aware of how to do tattoo aftercare. However, if you have done this before but had a few hiccups down the road due to an inaccurate aftercare regime, you may want to consider doing things a little differently this time. 

Alternatively, if it is your first time, you must give utmost importance to how you look after the brand new design on your skin. This article offers a helpful guide on how to do tattoo aftercare so that your recovery and healing process is smooth and hassle-free. 

Tattoo aftercare-why is it important

Before we get started on the tips, you might wonder why proper aftercare is emphasized. 

Your new tattoo is more than a piece of art or your way of expressing yourself. If you ask any dermatologist, they would tell you that a tattoo is just like a wound which puts a strain on the immune system.

 Consider it an invasive ornamental procedure, as the artist inserts the ink into your skin through a needle. This process automatically drives your lymphatic and immune systems to work on healing the tattoo. Thus while you are focusing on external aftercare, you may also want to focus on internal preparation and steer away from partying or doing anything in excess when you get the tattoo done. 

At the same time, keeping the tattoo areas clean is important to avoid the risk of infection and let your skin heal properly. When you get a tattoo, your skin is vulnerable to infections or scarring. However, if you care for your tattoo, you can easily prevent these complications and allow your tattoo to heal properly.

Therefore, while it is important to go to a reputed and licensed tattoo artist, it is equally important to take care of it at home. Remember, you and your artist both have an important role to play in successfully translating your vision onto your skin that lasts for years.

Tips for tattoo aftercare

This section is all about how to care for your fresh tattoos. Here are a few dos for tattoo aftercare:

The bandage

When you get a tattoo, the artist covers it with a bandage. They will also tell you how long to keep the tattoo covered and the bandage on. The traditional bandage is usually kept on for two to three hours only. However, if the tattoo artist has applied a second skin bandage, it is better to keep it on for at least 24 hours. 

When you remove the bandage, you will see a little blood or plasma underneath. Do not be alarmed; it is normal. An important thing to remember is not to reapply the bandage to the tattoo area once you remove the initial bandage. It will only slow down and prolong your healing time as it inhibits your skin from breathing. If that happens, the trapped moisture between your skin and the bandage will invite harmful bacteria that can cause infection.

Washing the tattoo

Once you remove the bandage, it is time to clean the area. You can gently wash the tattoo skin area with antimicrobial soap and water. Do not use a washcloth or coarse material to scrub the tattoo. Using any such material may irritate your skin or leave fragments in the tattoo, thus increasing the risk of infection and delaying the healing process.

Use your hands and fingers, but wash them before you touch your tattoo. BodyMods offers the Blue Green Foam Soap that you can use to wash your tattoo. It will prevent your skin from any viruses or bacteria and eliminate the risk of infection. 

Drying the tattoo area

Once you have washed the tattoo with your hands, let it air dry, and do not use anything to speed up the drying process. Now apply an oil-based moisturizer to keep the skin moist and prevent scabbing. You can also find tattoo aftercare cream or foam at BodyMods. 

Another popular technique is to use CBD oil instead of cream or lotions. It has proven effectiveness in terms of reducing swelling, soreness, scabbing, or itching. It prevents the pores from clogging and keeps the skin moisturized. It also prevents bacteria due to its antiseptic nature and is suitable for all skin types. You can find CBD oil at BodyMods as well.

You may have to continue the tattoo aftercare routine for at least the initial two weeks to ensure your tattoo has healed completely.

Tattoo aftercare- What not to do

As you can see, the process does not end with getting a tattoo. Taking care after getting your tattoo is an equally important part of the process. Here are a few things you need to avoid until your tattoo is properly healed.

  • Avoid scratching your tattoo. If you pick on the tattoo or scratch it, the skin will be irritated, and the tattoo may even fade. If you feel like itching, use the palm of your hand to tap the area gently. Remember to do it with clean hands only since your skin is still vulnerable to infection.
  • Avoid getting your tattoo exposed to harsh chemicals like chlorine that can irritate your skin. This may require you to stay away from pools and even hot tubs. 
  • Do not go in the ocean, either. We never know what kinds of bacteria or diseases are lurking under the water. Until your skin heals, it is like an open wound, and you need to protect it from the bacteria and microorganisms that can infect the tattoo and make the healing process difficult.
  • Do not wear fitted clothes that can easily rub off against the tattooed skin; wear loose-fitted clothes instead. Fitted fabric may irritate the skin.
  • You may be tempted to soak your tattoo in water to soothe the skin. However, it is not a good idea. Doing so in the initial days may cause the tattoo ink to fade and increase scabbing on the skin. 
  • Prevent your tattoo from exposure to direct sunlight. It may cause a burning sensation to your sensitive skin and may also cause the tattoo colors to fade. Use good sunscreen if you need to go out in the sun. 
  • Considering the importance of staying away from the sun, you may also want to skip those tanning sessions for a while. The UV rays from the tanning beds or the tanning oils and lotions are harmful to your tattooed skin until it is healed. Wait for at least a month before heading for a tanning session.

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