How to Take Care of a Healing Tattoo

The most important part of getting a tattoo is the healing process. Scabbing, infections and bleeding of the ink can be caused by improper tattoo care. Every Tattoo Artist has a different method for taking care of fresh tattoos. However, we have all seen those bad, muddy, scarred tattoos...and those artists probably thought they knew what they were talking about.Follow these steps to help your tattoo heal beautifully.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• UNSCENTED Mild Soap such as Clinique, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Eucerin, Ambi, etc.
• UNSCENTED Lotion
• Soft Towel

1. Wait two hours after getting tattooed to remove the bandages that the artist put over your tattoo.

2. Wash the tattoo with a mild UNSCENTED soap. DO NOT use soaps with extras in them such as moisturizers, shea butter, or oils. These extra ingredients could clog your pores and even make your tattoo's colors bleed out causing your tattoo to look dull.

3. After washing your tattoo, pat it dry with a soft towel until it is dry. Don't wipe! It will hurt and could damage your tattoo.

4. 
    
   H2Ocean is available at Tattoo Parlours and is a popular after care product.

   Apply a thin layer of the UNSCENTED lotion of your choice. I personally prefer Aveeno because it is very pure and contains Dimethicone which helps seal in moisture but still allows skin to breathe which is an integral part to the healing process.

5. 
    
   Tattoo Goo is a popular tattoo after care product

   Other tattoo products such as Tattoo Goo or H2Ocean are available and might be available in your local tattoo parlour. Talk to your tattoo artist about whether or not you should use these products.

6. BEWARE!
   Creams, lotions, waxes, salves, etc that contail petrolatum or petrolium jelly should not be used on your tattoo. Petrolatum is used in lip balms and does not allow oxygen to permeate skin's surface. Also, the oils in Petrolatum/Petrolium Jelly could draw out ink from a fresh tattoo. Read your ingredients.

7. Never pick at your tattoo. A soft scab will appear and it is totally normal. After a few days the scab will begin to peel much like your skin does from a sunburn. This is again, totally normal. DO NOT PEEL, PICK AT, or bother your tattoo when it is going through this stage in the healing process, it will leave a scar and damage the color of your tattoo.

8. Last but not least always protect your tattoo with sunBLOCK. Not sunscreen. SUNBLOCK. Whether your tattoo is black and shades of grey or colored...it will ensure that your tattoo keeps looking great for years to come.

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER PICK AT YOUR TATTOO! To do so will leave scars.
• Swelling and bruising from tattooing is common. However, if swelling does not go down or gets worse after 24 hours see your health care provider.
• DO NOT COVER YOUR TATTOO AFTER THE INITIAL BANDAGE IS REMOVED! Your skin needs to breathe to heal properly so bandaging or using saran-wrap over your tattoo could hinder healing, and it will provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which is definately not a good thing.

[Surfingkitty]

on 8/29/2009 In the article I advise that people use unscented lotion or cream. I only acknowledge that there are other products specifically for after-tattoo care.

[daveflores]

on 2/10/2009 I think the advice is sound except i don't think you need some fancy tattoo cream. People have been getting tattooed for a long time without the stuff. Personally i use a little soap and water and maybe a little Aquaphor for the first few days. Keeping it clean, dry and out of the sun is way more important than using cream. But like he said everyone has there own method and this is what works for me.