How to look after your new tattoo?
Do you have a new tattoo and not sure how to look after it? What cream to use if any? How often and when? How long to skip exercise and why? When can you swim again?
Read this quick guide to get an answer to these questions and several others about healing your tattoo.
The skin is your body's first line of defence against harmful microbes (like viruses and bacteria). When you get a tattoo, your skin gets damaged and this defence goes down temporarily. You must make sure you pay attention in this time to avoid infections and ensure a good healing.
The level of trauma to the skin depending on the size, the placement and the style of tattooing as well as the skill and approach of the tattooer. Always listen to your artist’s advice because they know best how their work heals. If you had multiple tattoos already, probably you know what works for you.
There are several ways to look after a tattoo. I recommend the following steps for a fast and easy healing:
Do:
Wash your hands and clean the tattoo with warm soapy water.
Dry the area with clean paper towel.
Cover it with fresh cling film before bed, only for the first night or two. Repeat step 1 and 2 before you cover it for sleep and after you woke up in the morning.
24 hours after the tattoo is completed, you can start to apply a thin layer of cocoa butter twice a day. Always repeat step 1 and 2 before you do this.
Keep doing this routine for 2 weeks. (Step 1, 2 and 4).
Avoid:
Swimming pools, bath, and sauna for at least 2 weeks.
Solarium and fake tan for at least 4-5 weeks.
Heavy excercise for 1 week (can be more due to the placement or size of the tattoo).
Sun exposure completely (after healing always use suncream).
Over creaming your tattoo.
Tattoo healing tips from old chaps in the pub with terrible tattoos.
Do you want to know more about the reasons behind these recommendations? Keep reading.
What soap to use?
You can use a simple bar of soap, something mild and preferably unscented. Avoid shower gels because they are full of perfume and chemicals that might irritate your skin.
Wash your tattoo more often in the first 2-3 days.
Why paper towel?
It is good hygiene to use fresh disposable paper towel each time you clean your tattoo. Gently pat your tattoo dry with it. Don’t scrub or wipe with it. Avoid using toilet paper because of the excess fibre.
Why the cling film?
Use cling film for the first and second night to avoid anything (like cat or dog hair, fluff, dust etc) irritating or getting into the open skin. Especially if you are sleeping directly on it. In the morning, take it off and wash it the way it’s described in step 1 and 2. Let the air get to it.
Your artist may apply “second skin” on your tattoo after the session. This is generally a safe option, but be aware that some people are allergic to the adhesive and sometimes it lets in a little bit of water during the shower, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you work in a physically demanding or dirty environment, try to take 2-3 days off to heal after the session, or consider reaching out to your artist about second skin before the appointment to have it ready straight away.
Why should you not use cream for 24 hours?
Your tattoo is essentially an open wound so it is crucial to keep it clean and avoid cream or lotion on it for the first 24-36 hours to prevent complications and infection. This promotes your body’s natural wound healing.
After this period, it’s recommended to use cocoa butter twice a day.
Listen to your body: only use it when the tattoo feels tight and you think it would be soothing to apply it. If you have an oily skin, you may need to use it only once a day. If you have a naturally dry skin, you may need to use it 3-4 times a day.
Use a thin layer, do not over cream it.
Why should you not excercise for 1 week?
Stretching the area and excessive sweating can prolong healing and lead to complications like fading or scarring. Same issues can occur when clothing, tools or gym equipment rubbing against the healing tattoo.
Exercise can also reduce your body’s focus on healing due to energy needed for muscle repair.
Listen to your body: if the tattoo feels irritated or sensitive during exercise, take a break and let it heal properly so you can be back in no time!
Why should you avoid swimming pool, bath and sauna?
Immersing your new tattoo in water or exposing it to the heat and humidity of a sauna can introduce bacteria and infection. It is an open wound therefore it needs to heal in a clean, dry environment. These conditions can also affect the ink and may result in a faded, blurry appearance.
Do not have long, hot showers and be gentle with the area as it maybe sensitive.
Depending on the size and placement of the tattoo keep this up for 2-4 weeks.
Why should you avoid fake tan, solarium and sun exposure?
Fake tan is full of chemicals that can irritate your fresh tattoo and cause fading and infection. Wait until it’s fully healed, at least 2-3 weeks, but preferably 4-8 weeks before applying fake tan.
Solarium and exposure to the sun is a painful experience with a fresh tattoo, and it will irritate and scar a healing one. You can damage the ink, causing blurring and loss of vibrancy.
Healed tattoos should be always protected by high factor sunscreen if exposed to sunlight to avoid loss of vibrancy.
What about healing advice from friends or random tattooed guys in the pub?
Tattoos are very popular so now everyone has one or knows someone with one. People will tell you what to do with it and they might be correct, but I advise you to stick with the recommendation of your artist for the best results.
Bonus tips!
Eat something nutritious after a tattoo to replenish your body.
Stay hydrated to promote healing.
Use freshly changed, clean bedsheets and clean clothes for sleeping during the healing process.
Have enough sleep to speed up the recovery.
Tattoos are healing under the skin long after it seems healed to the eye. Usually up to 2 months. Please keep this in mind.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this and found the information useful!
Thank you for your attention,
Have a great day!
For appointments or further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tibor Labancz - Tattoo artist, Nottingham
