For a tattoo to heal properly and retain its vibrant colors, it's crucial to follow a specific care routine from the moment you leave the tattoo studio. Often, out of laziness or ignorance, we end up postponing these simple care steps, and before we realize it, we face the consequences.
But that won't happen again. Because in this article, you'll have access to the general recommendations that you absolutely must follow and the most effective method for doing so.
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Avoid using scented or abrasive products.
Moisturizing: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid excessive cream, as it can clog pores.
Protect your tattoo from direct sun exposure, as UV rays can fade the colors. Wear protective clothing or use sunscreen once the tattoo is fully healed.
No Scratching or Rubbing: During the healing process, it's normal to feel itching. However, avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo, as this can damage the skin and affect the design.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep the skin healthy and promotes healing.
Did you take good notes? Then, we can continue.
The tattoo healing process is generally divided into three stages:
Initial.
Intermediate.
End.
As you can imagine, each stage has its own requirements that we must take into account.
Initial stage of healing
The initial healing stage lasts about a week. During this period, it is common to experience:
Redness and Swelling: These symptoms are a natural response of the body to the trauma of the needle.
Scabs: Scabs begin to form over the tattoo, which is a sign that the skin is starting to heal.
It is essential to keep the tattoo clean and protected. Gently wash the area two or three times a day and apply an appropriate moisturizer.
The intermediate healing stage extends from the second to the fourth week. During this phase, you will notice that:
Scabs Fall Off: It’s normal for the scabs to start coming off on their own.
Itching: The skin may itch intensely. Do not scratch or rub the tattoo, as this can cause scarring and ink loss.
Peeling: The skin around the tattoo may peel and flake.
During this stage, continue cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo as needed. Patience is key, as the tattoo is still in the healing process and needs time to settle.
The final healing stage spans from the first month to three months after getting the tattoo. During this phase:
Itching Disappears: The itching significantly decreases.
The Tattoo Settles: The colors and details of the tattoo become clearer and more defined.
The Skin Normalizes: The skin regains its normal texture, and the tattoo begins to fully integrate.
Although the tattoo may appear healed after a month, the skin is still regenerating internally. Continue caring for your tattoo with moisturizing and sun protection.
Avoid Submerging in Water: During the first few weeks, avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean, as the water can contain bacteria that may cause infections.
Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can rub and irritate the tattoo. Opt for loose, breathable garments to avoid discomfort.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands before touching your tattoo to prevent infections.
Consult Your Tattoo Artist: If you have any questions about tattoo care, don’t hesitate to consult your tattoo artist for specific recommendations.
Follow Post-Tattoo Instructions: Each tattoo artist may have slightly different recommendations. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by your artist for the best results.
What should I do if my tattoo does not heal properly after several weeks?
If you notice that your tattoo is not healing properly after several weeks, it’s important to take immediate action to avoid complications. Signs that a tattoo is not healing well include:
Persistent Redness: If the redness does not subside or worsens.
Swelling and Pain: If swelling and pain increase instead of decreasing.
Pus or Discharge: The presence of pus or yellow or green discharge can be a sign of infection.
Foul Odor: A bad smell may indicate an infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms, follow these steps:
Consult a Professional: Visit your doctor or dermatologist to assess the situation. You may need medical treatment for an infection.
Follow Medical Recommendations: If you are prescribed antibiotics or other treatments, follow the instructions precisely.
Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not attempt to treat a possible infection with home remedies without consulting a healthcare professional.
Inform Your Tattoo Artist: Let your tattoo artist know about the issues you’re experiencing. They can offer additional advice and adjust their techniques in future sessions.
From there, the most important thing is to get your tattoo done at a studio where you receive all the possible instructions.
In most cases, a lack of care is due to not knowing how to act.
Therefore, the instructions we receive when we decide what we want to shine forever on our skin carry such clear and relevant weight.
Do you have any questions, or would you like to get in touch with us? Simply click on the WhatsApp button you’ll find a little further down, and we’ll respond immediately.
Post content
