How to Care for a Tattoo?

Health authorities consider newly made tattoos as open wounds due to the damage caused to the skin by the moving needle that allows the ink to reach under the skin during tattooing. This can be considered as a clear indication of how important post-tattoo care is. Whether the tattoo is small or large, there are many things that can be done to protect skin health, accelerate healing, and preserve the appearance of the new tattoo for a long time. You can find detailed information about post-tattoo skin care in this article written by Evla experts.

Tattoo Care Step by Step

When it comes to care, especially after the first tattoo, many people ask the same question: "How should I take care of my tattoo?" Whether the tattoo is small or large enough to cover the entire back, it should be ensured that it is completely healed. With proper care in the first few weeks after a tattoo, possible infections can be prevented and the tattoo can be kept looking good. Here are step by step care instructions after getting a tattoo:

Bandage

Tattoo care begins in the studio where the tattoo is made. After completing the procedure, the tattoo artist applies a thin layer of tattoo gel or moisturizer to the tattooed area. He then covers the area completely with plastic wrap or a tattoo bandage.

Although it may be tempting to remove the protective covering to see your tattoo immediately, this bandage or plastic wrap should remain on for at least a few hours after the procedure. This time varies depending on the size and location of the tattoo. The bandage protects exposed skin from bacteria, sunlight and friction from clothing.

First Wash After Tattoo

It is usually safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo after at least 5 hours. You can gently wash the tattooed area using hypoallergenic soap and warm water, after thoroughly disinfecting your hands with antibacterial soap. Meanwhile, the moisturizer on the skin comes off and the tattoo; It may look like ink or a thick, sticky substance. This reaction is usually not alarming because it is excess fluid and ink left over from the tattooing process.

After washing, gently dry the area with a clean paper towel and let it air out for about an hour. You can then apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered so the skin can breathe.

First Week After Tattoo

Some tattoo artists recommend waiting 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, while others recommend using it immediately after the first wash. A person with a new tattoo should follow their tattoo artist's instructions on when to start using moisturizer.

During the first few days, tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and may appear red. Colors may appear too bright compared to the rest of the skin. As the healing process continues, the tattoo becomes less shiny.

Other than washing the tattoo, dipping or wetting the tattoo should be avoided for the first 3-6 weeks. A person can continue to use the above washing technique for the first week if necessary. How often washing will be necessary varies depending on a person's activity levels and environment. Someone who works in an air-conditioned office may wash their tattoo only once a day, while someone who works in a hot or dirty environment and sweats may have to wash their tattoo every few hours.

It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers and avoid using a washcloth or towel, which can irritate the skin and prematurely remove any crusts that may form.

Within the first few days, crusts usually form and ink may come to the surface of the skin. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin.

In general, crusting is not a sign of improper wound care. Scabs always form when the skin is injured and can be a sign of healthy tissue forming beneath the wound. Applying any tattoo care cream or moisturizer (unless there is a known allergy) to the wound can help the wound heal better, and the sooner this is done, the better the healing and less likely scarring will occur. Existing complaints such as redness or slight swelling usually disappear by the end of the first week.

Second Week After Tattoo

At the beginning of the second week, the crusts begin to fall off. It's important to be especially gentle with washing and moisturizing during this week, as it's easy to pick off scabs and damage the tattoo during this period.

Even though the skin feels very itchy this week, the relevant area should not be itched. Moisturizer can help relieve itching. Using a moisturizer kept in the refrigerator can also soothe itchy or irritated skin.

Third Week After Tattoo and Beyond

The final stage of recovery can be slow and requires patience. By this period most of the larger shells will have fallen off. However, small crusts and pieces of dead skin may appear on the skin. Scabs and flaking skin can leave the area looking dry and dull. Applying moisturizer and protecting the tattoo from the sun can help deal with these problems.

The outer layer of skin usually heals completely by the end of the third week. The inner layers of the skin may take longer to heal, but this area requires much less care. Once the outer layers of skin have healed, the risk of infection decreases because there is no open wound for bacteria to infect. It is important to moisturize the area regularly in the following months to keep the tattoo looking bright and clear. It is very important to protect yourself from the sun with clothing while the tattoo is healing and to apply sunscreen after healing, especially in the first few months.

Rejection or Allergy to Ink After Tattoo

While tattoo artists generally use anti-allergen and vegan inks, the body may react to some colors. If such colors are to be used, some tattoo artists perform an allergy test on the color responsible and apply a small amount to the skin. Ink allergies can be caused by the fact that tattoo ink colors contain many different substances. For example, black ink contains carbon, while red ink may contain mercury sulfide. Anyone experiencing a rash on or around a tattoo should see a doctor and have the rash diagnosed and treated. One can also consult a tattoo artist.

Anyone experiencing a rash on or around a tattoo should see a doctor and have the rash diagnosed and treated. One can also consult a tattoo artist.

Recommended Creams for Tattoo Care

Each tattoo artist may have a different recommendation on what moisturizer to use. Common recommendations include:

• Healing ointments that do not contain alcohol
• coconut oil
• Special types of creams for tattoos,
• Pure cocoa butter or shea butter

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage tattooed skin. Using sunscreen should also be avoided until the tattoo is completely healed. Because this can clog pores and trap bacteria.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care

It is recommended that your tattoo continues to be cared for after it has healed. While you won't have to worry about issues like infection after the first 3-4 months, there are some tips you can do to prevent the ink from spoiling.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of water supports your general health and increases skin elasticity. Healthy and moist skin helps your tattoo stay vibrant for longer.
• Prevent Sun Damage: Sun exposure can cause your tattoo to fade. Wear sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen to preserve the brightness of the ink. It is important to protect your tattoo from direct sunlight, especially in the summer months.
• Avoid Rapid Weight Changes: Rapid weight changes can cause your tattoo to stretch or become deformed. You can maintain the shape of your tattoo by trying to maintain a balanced weight.