Hello everyone. Here's what you need to know about tattoo aftercare.
Taking care of your tattoo properly is crucial, as it significantly affects the healing process.
Additionally, it is important to prioritize self-care after getting a tattoo. If you are sleep deprived or overly fatigued, it can hinder the healing of your tattoo.
Make an effort to take good care of yourself, especially on the day of your tattoo, to minimize the risk of inflammation.
Proper aftercare is simple. The key is to KEEP IT CLEAN and moderately moisturized.
In my opinion, it's better to lean towards slightly dry rather than overly moist.
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Remove the post-tattoo wrap after around '2-3 hours', and the tattoo healing films after 24 hours.
- After removing the wrap and healing film, wash your hands and gently cleanse the tattoo using mild soap and water.
It is recommended to use a gentle antibacterial soap or a vegetable-based glycerine soap. 'Dr. Bronners' is another suitable option.
Avoid rubbing too vigorously.
Afterwards, pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.
- You can then apply a thin and even layer of petrolatum or Bepanthen ointment (containing dexpanthenol) to the tattoo.
- If the wrap is kept on for too long, it may cause inflammation due to prolonged air blockage.
- If you have an extra tattoo-specific healing film, replace it with a fresh one after 24 hours when it's swollen with ink and debris, and remove it after 2-3 days.
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Scabbing and tattoo colouring
- Around five to seven days after getting your tattoo, the tattooed area may start to itch as a thin layer of scab and dead skin cells slough off, the ink residue will come off with it, and the colour of your work will blend in with your skin tone.
It's completely normal for the tattoo to feel itchy during this healing process. Don't worry!
❌ Do not scratch your tattoo under any circumstances! ❌ Never! ❌
If you experience itching, gently pat the area with your hand or lightly hold around it, without scratching, rubbing, or causing any irritation.
Scratching the tattoo can lead to a new infection and potentially cause the ink to come off along with the scab.
🚫 Avoid picking at the scab forcefully under any circumstances!!
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Keep the tattooed area from getting too dry
- During the first week or two after getting the tattoo, it's important to apply a thin layer of bepanthen, vaseline, or a tattoo-specific ointment to prevent excessive dryness.
👉 When applying bepanthen or petrolatum, ensure that you don't apply it too thickly, as it may hinder airflow and result in a heat blister.
On the other hand, if you skip the ointment entirely, you might end up with a thick scab, which can be itchy and inflamed.
If your tattoo becomes inflamed, it will heal at a slower pace, so exercise caution.
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Precautions for bathing and showering
- You can start showering on the day you get your tattoo. When washing your tattoo, use clean water and a mild soap, being careful not to rub it.
🚿 🚿 If scabs form, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly while showering to the tattooed area and avoid letting the scabs come into contact with water.
The petroleum jelly will act as a protective barrier, reducing irritation.
- When cleaning your tattoo, gently rinse it with cold or lukewarm water—no scrubbing or using shower balls—for 2-3 weeks!
In rare cases, some people use scrubs or shower balls directly on the tattooed area, but this should NEVER be done.
Right after getting a tattoo, your skin has open needle holes and pores, so excessive water exposure can cause ink to bleed and smudge.
Therefore, avoid baths, pools, and steam rooms for 2-3 weeks.🥸 🚫 As the tattoo heals, the scabs may loosen and fall off.
Avoid taking baths during this time.
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Alcohol, strenuous exercise, sweat, etc.
- It is crucial to avoid overheating your body after getting a tattoo.
👉 When your body generates heat, it can lead to heat blisters, blisters, and inflammation at the tattooed area. This can result in deformations of your tattoo work, with the colour bleeding and fading.
🍺 Alcohol, in particular, produces excessive heat when absorbed by the body. Be cautious when consuming fermented beverages like Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), beer, and wine, as they can easily trigger inflammation and have a more significant impact on the healing wound.
- Occasionally, if the vitamins in bepanthen are incompatible with your skin, it may result in a rash. Furthermore, individuals with a petrolatum allergy may experience skin swelling. If such reactions occur, discontinue the application of any products and allow the skin to settle.
- It's important to remember that a tattoo is essentially a wound. Wounds tend to heal more effectively when exposed to air, so it's advisable to avoid wearing tight or clingy clothing that may impede airflow. Additionally, be mindful that ink may leak and stain clothing for a period of 2-3 days following the tattoo.
- Intense UV light can cause the tattoo color to fade. Even newly done tattoos can be affected, so it's recommended to either cover them with clothing or shield them with sunscreen once they have fully healed.
Please ensure you follow the aforementioned guidelines to properly care for your tattoo, and kindly provide me with a photo of your fully healed tattoo.
🦄 If you experience any unusual skin reactions or have any concerns, it's advisable to consult the tattoo artist who worked on your tattoo. If you have any inquiries or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via message or email. When contacting me, kindly include a photo of the tattoo and your name, which will help expedite my response.