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You are excited about getting your new tattoo. You also know that you must prepare yourself for the procedure, and you can by eating healthily and getting enough sleep. In addition to that, you know that you must care for your skin by moisturizing it before you get your tattoo. Applying the numbing cream at the right time before the procedure begins is also essential.
You know what to expect after you have your tattoo as far as the recovery timeline goes. However, do you know how to take care of the tattoo while you are healing? That is something to delve into right now. How do you care for your tattoo? And why does it matter to care for it?
Why The Aftercare Of The Tattoo Is Essential
Keep in mind that the tattoo procedure involves opening wounds, just like surgery. And after surgery, you must care for the damage to help it heal and prevent infections from happening. The same thing applies after you have your tattoo. Needles that inject the ink into your skin puncture the skin, and that creates open wounds. Therefore, that makes you vulnerable to infections and scarring.
If you take care of your tattoo properly during the recovery phase, the odds of you ending up with infections and scarring become lower. However, even the most reputable tattoo artist won’t necessarily provide you with the instructions you need for the aftercare. That is not a requirement. That is why you must do your homework to find out how you can help promote your wound’s recovery. Let’s now talk about the items you need before providing the aftercare instructions.
What Items Do You Need For The Tattoo Aftercare?
You need to have plenty of bandages, petroleum jelly, moisturizer, and fragrance-free mild soap specifically formulated to clean the skin with the tattoo. You will need to make sure that the petroleum jelly and the moisturizer are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, so they do not clog your pores. Hypoallergenic products are what you want.
If you have any moisturizing products in mind, you need to speak to your doctor or dermatologist before using them. There is a chance that they are not appropriate to help you heal. Now let’s take a look at how to care for your tattoo during the first week of recovery.
How To Care For Your Tattoo The First Week Of The Procedure
The first week of your recovery begins when your tattoo artist completes their work on you until day six. The artist will apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the tattoo in addition to covering it with a bandage. They may use saran wrap to cover the wound to create a barrier so that bacteria and microbes do not enter your skin. In addition to that, the saran wrap will keep the ink from getting on your clothing. Allow the covering to remain on you for several hours so that it retains the fluid and ink.
However, after several hours, you can wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water so you can remove the dressing. And clean the tattoo with hypoallergenic and mild soap. Dry your tattoo well by patting it with a dry cloth, and don’t put a bandage back on right away so the skin can breathe. You will see oozing from the area: the blood and plasma and some ink, so do not worry. It will also be red and irritating.
Over the next two days, you will notice that the skin has a dull appearance, which results from your skin healing. Make it a habit to wash your tattoo twice a day and use a hypoallergenic moisturizer free of alcohol. You will notice the irritation begins fading from days four to six, but there will be a little bit of scabbing. Keep applying the moisturizer and keep washing it, and refrain yourself from picking the scabs as it will cause scarring if you do. Drink at least six to ten glasses of water and keep eating healthily to help promote healing.
The Aftercare Of Your Tattoo During The Second Week
From the seventh day of your recovery until the 14th day, you will notice the scabs’ hardening, and your skin begins flaking. That results from dead skin falling away after the procedure. Allow it to fall off naturally instead of yanking it out. You will feel very itchy at this point, and just apply moisturizer to the area several times a day for relief. If your tattoo is swollen and red like it was during the first week, you have an infection, and you will need to see your doctor.
The Final Phase Of Recovery
The final tattoo recovery phase is from days 15 to 30, which involves you just keep moisturizing your skin, so you keep your skin hydrated. The tattoo area may appear dull due to the dead skin still flaking away. However, by the third week, you will notice your outer skin layer’s healing, which means that your tattoo appears brighter at this point. After the third month of recovery, all of your skin layers would have healed by that point. Your tattoo will look perfect and the way the artist intended it to look.
What Should You Do To Protect Your Tattoo During The First Month Of Recovery?
There are some rules to go by to help make your tattoo recovery smooth. You will want to wear breathable and loose clothing that protects your skin from the sun as well. Keep sunscreen away from the tattoo until its recovered. You can also take showers, but avoid going swimming until the completion of your healing. Keep moisturizing your tattoo if you have the urge to pick at it, and call your doctor if you see any infection signs immediately.
Conclusion
You know what to do to prepare yourself for getting a tattoo‘ to make it a smooth experience. However, you also need to know how to treat your tattoo during the aftercare phase. You must sanitize it with hypoallergenic soap and moisturize it, and keep an eye on signs of infection. Do not pick at scabs, as that can increase the chances of you ending up with scars. Don’t pull away flaking skin as that can also cause scars. Allow it to fall out. The recovery phase during the first week will be the hardest. However, if you care for it properly, you will help your tattoo heal quicker.